Read The Disclaimer
PockeTerp©
Distribution of PockeTerp© is in accordance with the Copyright
The PockeTerp© "software" is a method of using HTML to create webpage-based phrase translation. To use it, a soldier loads the webpages provided herein on an electronic device that has a web browser, perferably a "PocketPC" that runs Microsoft's Windows Mobile operating system. Other systems can run it as well, such as a smartphone or laptop.
Since this seems to cause confusion, let us be clear: You do NOT need a connection to the internet to use this. The webpages are stored on the device that you carry.
This solution was developed in response to a shortage of interpreters in both Afghanistan and Iraq. By loading pre-recorded phrases in a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), one can tap the required phrase and the complex instruction will be given in the local language. This solution has been used with good success in both the Iraq and Afghanistan AOs. We have found that the interface is intuitive and needs minimal instruction: not all soldiers are proficient at operating complex software, but ALL soldiers know how to surf the web, making the PockeTerp© approach very user friendly.
In addition, since it's web-based, other information is easy to add, and the current full version includes extras such as landmine images and identifiers, then entire Army Survival Field Manual, and numerous verbal language lessons provided by the Defense Language Institute.
Lastly, you can utilize your PockeTerp© for other translation tasks, such as:
Try It
The full, global version of PockeTerp© can be demo'd by clicking one of the links below. Please note that for this online demo, it performs differently than it would on a PDA. When you click on a translation file on the PDA, it plays the sound in the background. On your computer, it plays the sound but it does so in a new page, and you must hit the back arrow to return to the prior page. Also, unless you have a really, really fast internet connection the audio may be very choppy for this demonstration. Select the Iraq or Afghanistan AO homepage to try it:12/22/2004 Note: This trial is a work in progress, and not all the links work yet. We're doing this for free, so keep your pants on, OK?
PockeTerp©: Iraq AOPockeTerp©: Afganistan AO
Tools
| Tool |
| Computer |
| Internet Connection |
| Memory Card Reader |
Supplies
| Part | Source | Part Number | Cost |
| PocketPC with LOUD Speaker | Search Web For Lowest Price | ASUS 620/715, Other? | ASUS 620 ~$270 |
| Memory Card (SD or CF) | Search Web For Lowest Price | Minimum 512 MB | 512MB < $40, 1GB < $75 |
| Rugged Case (Optional) | Depends upon Device | ||
| Car Charger (Optional) | Depends upon Device | Under $30 | |
| 5590 Cigarette Adapter (Optional) | Ace Electronics or Make Your Own | 500102 | ~$70 |
| Vehicle Mounted Loudspeakers (Optional) | ~$550 | ||
| Download Software (Optional, Highly Recommended) | ReGet | ReGet Pro | $9.95 |
Directions
1. Buy Supplies
The important thing when buying the PDA is to get one with a loud speaker. The old iPaq 3900 series had great speakers, but they don't make them anymore. The best, inexpensive ones we've found with a decent speaker are from ASUS, such as the ASUS 620. Go to a store and check the volume first before buying!
2. Download PockeTerp©
The PockeTerp© 'software' can be downloaded in compressed .zip files by using the links below. Note the large download sizes. Getting the above-mentioned download manager, ReGet Pro, will allow you to reduce your download times, AND safeguard your download. If your connection is broken during the download, it will pick up where it left off when your connection is up again. Key for in-theater downloads! Trust me!
| PockeTerp© Version | Components | Download Size |
| PockeTerp© Global | PockeTerp© Iraq
PockeTerp© Afghanistan
|
375 MB |
| PockeTerp© Iraq Lite | PockeTerp© Iraq Lite
|
5.7 MB |
| PockeTerp© Afghanistan Lite | PockeTerp© Afghanistan Lite
|
15.4 MB |
3. Set Up
Unzip the folders, they should unzip as several sets of nested folders all inside one main folder. If you need a free unzip utility, try using Software 995's Zip 995.
Directions on how to install PockeTerp from there are in a MS Word file inside the topmost folder. Read that and follow the directions.
4. Optional Uses
One can also utilize the PockeTerp for force protection measures, as is described here:
Crowd Control Using PockeTerp© (Iraq AO)
By using the loudspeakers noted as optional in the Supplies list and the 5590 to Cig Socket adapter to power them, the PockeTerp can be used effectively for crowd control.
Simply mount the loudspeakers on the roof of your vehicle, power them from an x90 battery (e.g. BB-390, BA-5590), and plug the audio jack into the headphone port on your PDA. You are now able to both send loud, clear messages in Arabic to crowd of people and alert vehicles on the road regarding your convoy movement. Stryker Brigade has employed this technique on some of their Stryker Vehicles.
TCP Control Using PockeTerp©
While one can certainly use the TCP phrases to direct vehicle occupants while standing next to them, Force Protection measures may dictate that stand-off from suspicious vehicles be employed.By utilizing a loudpseaker system, preferably located next to the location where the vehicle stops, while the user stays far back and has a long audio cable extension cord, most of the dangerous TCP tasks can be performed before approaching the vehicle. We have been able to successfully have occupants stop, turn off their vehicle, get out, open all the doors/hood/trunk, remove contents, and move away from the vehilce and place their hands on their head BEFORE any soldier has to approach the occupants or the vehicle.
We have a more exacting set of TTPs and guidelines, as well as a system that utilizes both a PockeTerp© and a remote camera system for better situational control. This information cannot be presented on the internet; please contact ken@warfightersolutions.com for more information.