Former Afghan interpreter graduates as serving US Marine
A former translator and Afghan national who worked closely with the United States Marine Corps and other NATO allies in his home country, has become a US Marine.
Private First Class Aimal Taraki graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego on 7 April, 2023.
Private Taraki said: "Growing up I was always interested in America and the Western world."
But it was working with the US military to combat insurgent forces such as the Taliban that inspired him to pursue his goal of one day becoming a US Marine.
"I applied for a translator job working with the troops because they were hiring local Afghan people.
"I worked with Marines and other NATO forces, which is what gave me the idea to move from Afghanistan."
Private Taraki was born in Mazar-i-Sharif in 1994 during the height of the Afghan civil war.
His family fled to Pakistan, seeking safety, and this is where he learnt English.
After six years away, Private Taraki was able to move to Kabul, but still continued to experience the effects of a country embroiled in conflict.
In 2018, after working with Nato forces for two years, he managed to obtain a visa and join the rest of his family who are now living in America.
When he arrived in Sacramento, California, he thought about doing many things, but decided on finding a way to show his appreciation to the US for allowing him to pursue a better life.
"I decided that I can do any job and have any career, but first I want to be a Marine.
"This way I can say thank you to the United States and the Marine Corps for helping me."
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