Rob (US Army MAJ Ret.(MI/PAO)) Evans
Founder of Turnbull Services | VP of Deasura Inc. | Psychedelic Assisted Therapy Advocate | Business Development Executive | Military Intelligence Officer | Romania is the key logistics hub for the rebuilding of Ukraine
Welcome to Edition 13 of the Turnbull Times!
1. Introduction
- Overview of Turnbull Services’ advocacy for Romania’s strategic role
- Expansion into the linguist business as a natural extension of this mission
2. Romania’s Strategic Importance and Turnbull’s Positioning
- Romania’s Schengen integration and unrestricted EU movement
- Turnbull’s offices in Constanța and Bucharest as logistical hubs
- U.S. military installations in Romania and rising demand for linguist support
3. Why Linguists Matter
- The critical role of linguists in military and diplomatic missions
- Their contributions to intelligence, conflict resolution, and mission success
- The need for better recognition, protection, and professional support
4. Introduction to The Defense Language Interpretation and Translation Enterprise (DLITE)
- The history and significance of DoD’s reliance on linguist contracts
- Billions allocated and thousands of linguists employed
5. Background on Government Linguist Contracts
- The structure and importance of DLITE II
- Overview of prime contractors and subcontractors
6. My Experience: Advocating for Linguist Safety
- November 2016: Identifying contract violations and security risks
- Bureaucratic resistance and efforts to relocate linguists
- The April 2017 Camp Shaheen massacre and the June 2017 green-on-blue attack
- Lessons learned about protecting personnel in high-risk environments
7. Key Players in DLITE II and Beyond
- Prime Contractors: ABM Government Services, CALNET, CWU, GLS, Mission Essential, SOSi, Valbin, Valiant Integrated Services, WorldWide Language Resources, SSI, Global Dimensions
- Additional Awardees: Arrow Security and Training, Bluehawk, CLGT Solutions, Clovehitch
8. Emerging and Specialized Players
- Atlas Advisors, LLC: Growth, contributions, and contract awards in DoD and DoS contracts
- Clovehitch: Reputation in NEA SCA LSS and critical IDIQ contract work
9. Turnbull Services’ Position and Contributions
- Open to Strategic partnerships with prime contractors under DLITE III and EUCOM RTOP
- Turnbull’s expertise in managing linguist operations
- Leveraging SDVOSB status for government contract opportunities
10. Conclusion
- The need for collaboration between prime contractors, subcontractors, and new entrants
- Turnbull Services’ commitment to linguist safety and mission success
11. Bibliography
- Cited sources including government reports, contract awards, and news articles
Overview of Turnbull Services’ advocacy for Romania’s strategic role
For over a year, Turnbull Services has championed Romania’s role as a key strategic hub for U.S. and NATO operations. Through business development efforts, intelligence networking, and advocacy for Romania’s importance in defense logistics and resupply, Turnbull has been at the forefront of positioning Romania as a vital asset to Western security interests. As a natural extension of this mission, Turnbull Services is now entering the linguist business, bringing its deep regional expertise, U.S. military experience, decades of hands-on experience in the linguist industry, and on-the-ground presence to support critical DoD and Department of State language service contracts.
2. Romania’s Strategic Importance
With Romania’s recent full integration into the Schengen Zone, the country now provides unrestricted movement across the European Union, allowing for seamless deployment of linguists, intelligence personnel, and logistics specialists throughout EUCOM’s area of responsibility. This mobility advantage makes Romania an ideal staging ground for supporting NATO, U.S. military operations, and European defense initiatives.
Furthermore, Turnbull Services has a well-established presence in Romania, with offices in Constanța, near the Black Sea port, and Bucharest, the country’s capital and diplomatic center. These locations serve as key logistical hubs, providing immediate access to NATO partners, U.S. military installations, and key transport routes for rapid deployment of linguist support teams.
With Romania hosting major U.S. military installations, including Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MKAB), Deveselu Naval Support Facility, and other EUCOM operational hubs, the demand for high-quality, security-vetted linguists is rapidly increasing. Turnbull Services is uniquely positioned to fill this gap, leveraging its local presence and extensive knowledge of Romania’s security landscape to provide mission-critical translation, interpretation, and cultural advisory services.
While Turnbull Services technically has the capability to bid as a prime contractor, our primary focus is on partnering with established IDIQ holders as a subcontractor or teaming partner. By aligning with prime contractors competing for EUCOM RTOPs under DLITE III and related contract vehicles, Turnbull provides on-the-ground expertise, regional presence, and rapid deployment capabilities that enhance any winning bid.
This expansion into the linguist sector is not just business, it’s a continuation of Turnbull’s commitment to Romania’s strategic importance. By embedding linguist operations into its broader defense and intelligence support efforts, Turnbull ensures that U.S. military and diplomatic personnel operating in Romania and beyond have the linguistic resources necessary to enhance mission success, reduce risk, and maintain operational superiority.
3. Why Linguists Matter
Linguists are not just interpreters, they are cultural navigators, intelligence assets, and frontline facilitators in global military and diplomatic missions. Without them, troops would lack vital communication channels, intelligence collection would suffer, and mission success would be jeopardized. In conflict zones, linguists have bridged the gap between U.S. forces and local populations, de-escalating tensions, uncovering threats, and even saving lives. Yet, despite their contributions, they have often been overlooked, underappreciated, and placed in unnecessary danger due to poor oversight and cost-cutting decisions. This is why Turnbull Services, with its extensive experience and commitment to personnel safety, is entering the linguist business, not just to provide a service, but to ensure that linguists receive the respect, protection, and professional support they deserve.
4. Introduction to The Defense Language Interpretation and Translation Enterprise
For over 20 years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has relied on linguist support services as a cornerstone of its operations in complex, multilingual environments. These contracts, spanning billions of dollars and employing thousands of linguists, underscore the importance of clear communication in safeguarding lives and achieving mission success. This article delves into the history and impact of these contracts, highlights major players, and demonstrates my personal dedication and Turnbull Services LLC’s readiness to contribute to future contracts.
5. Background on Government Linguist Contracts
The DoD has allocated substantial resources to linguist support services, engaging numerous contractors and subcontractors to fulfill its language requirements. The Defense Language Interpretation and Translation Enterprise II (DLITE II) contract, valued at $9.86 billion, exemplifies this collaboration, with numerous companies participating as prime contractors and subcontractors.
6. Advocating for Linguist Safety
I have many stories to tell after being in this business for so long, here is one from my time in Afghanistan:
In November 2016, I encountered a situation that tested my commitment to the safety and well-being of my employees. This is the story of how I intervened to safeguard the lives of U.S. linguists in Afghanistan, despite facing tons of bureaucratic resistance.
During a visit to Mazar-i-Sharif (MEZ) in Balk province, I met a linguist who expressed concerns about the safety of their colleagues at Camp Shaheen. Troubled by their report, I visited the base and discovered there was no U.S. military or Department of the Army (DA) civilian presence on this base, a clear violation of the linguists’ contracts, which stipulated that they were to support DoD or Department of the Army (DA) personnel. Instead, they were working for another contractor, a situation that violated U.S. government regulations prohibiting contractors from subcontracting linguist services to other contractors.
The base itself was secured by the ANA and a small contingent of Czech “Guardian Angels,” tasked with protecting coalition personnel from insider threats. However, the Guardian Angels mission did not extend to providing comprehensive security for the base or the linguists. This lack of oversight left the linguists vulnerable in an environment with no direct U.S. Military support.
I immediately sought to have the linguists removed from Camp Shaheen or have a U.S. Military presence on the base. However, I faced significant resistance from the management team in Bagram, the HQ in the US, and the U.S. military unit in MEZ supporting the ANA training at Camp Shaheen, who wouldn’t provide any military personnel to stay at the base. Despite the clear violations and security risks, I had to advocate to prioritize the safety of my team. Ultimately, I succeeded in relocating the linguists in December 2016, just before I left theater.
Tragically, in April 2017, the Camp Shaheen massacre unfolded, claiming the lives of over 140 Afghan soldiers at the hands of Taliban fighters disguised as Afghan troops. Had the U.S. linguists still been stationed there, they too would have been in grave danger. In response to the attack, the U.S. military briefly deployed troops to Camp Shaheen, but just two months later, in June 2017, a green-on-blue incident, an insider attack, by Afghan forces, forced the U.S. to evacuate its personnel from the base entirely.
This experience reinforced the critical importance of leadership and vigilance in protecting personnel, even when faced with bureaucratic resistance (lots of it). Too often, lives are weighed against financial considerations, and in this industry, linguists, both U.S. and local nationals, have frequently been treated as expendable. From Iraq to Afghanistan, financial interests often took priority over human lives, a reality that should never have been accepted. Many people who had (and have) positions like mine choose to remain in Air Conditioned offices never or rarely leaving their base or HQ. My company will never do this, nor hire or work with anyone who does.
There are still countless untold stories of what U.S. and local linguists endured in these war zones, and even today, I continue to hear troubling accounts from linguists working worldwide. Their safety, well-being, and sacrifices deserve more attention. Perhaps some linguists reading this will share their own stories. If you have one to tell, please do.
7. Key Players in DLITE II and Beyond…
Prime Contractors:
- ABM Government Services: Known for facilities management, ABM has expanded into language services under DLITE II.
- CALNET: Specializes in IT and intelligence services, supporting military operations with language solutions.
- CWU: A staffing solutions provider offering language services to the DoD.
- Global Linguist Solutions (GLS): A joint venture between DynCorp International and AECOM, providing significant support during the Iraq War.
- Mission Essential: Founded in 2004, a key player in Afghanistan and Iraq, delivering extensive language services.
- SOS International (SOSi): Provides broad language services and holds a prominent position in DLITE II.
- Valbin Corporation: Offers linguistic and cultural services tailored to military needs.
- Valiant Integrated Services: A major provider under DLITE II, with significant task orders including a $748 million award for language services in CENTCOM and EUCOM areas of responsibility.
- WorldWide Language Resources: Delivers comprehensive language support to military activities worldwide.
- Mid Atlantic Professionals Inc., doing business as SSI
- Global Dimensions: A Virginia-based firm and prime contractor under DLITE II, known for its comprehensive language and cultural support capabilities.
Additional Awardees Under DLITE II:
- Arrow Security and Training: Specialized training and language services.
- Bluehawk: Intelligence and language services provider based in Florida.
- CLGT Solutions: Ohio-based, focusing on language and cultural training services.
- Clovehitch: Provides linguist support services, including under the NEA SCA LSS program for the Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) and South-Central Asia (SCA) LSS IDIQ.
8. Emerging and Specialized Players
Atlas Advisors, LLC: Atlas Advisors, LLC has demonstrated remarkable growth and adaptability since its inception in 2011, emerging as a trusted provider of professional foreign language services. Known for its cultural advisory and translation capabilities, as well as impressive recruiting capabilities, Atlas has built a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions in collaboration with major industry players, including Mission Essential and Valiant Integrated Services.
Their growth trajectory reflects their ability to meet complex and evolving demands. In April 2019, the U.S. Department of State awarded Atlas an Indefinite Delivery Contract (IDC) under contract number 19AQMM19D0098. By 2023, Atlas Advisors had received a Task Order (19AQMM23F1234) under this IDC to provide linguist services in Doha, Qatar, and Tirana, Albania. This Task Order highlights Atlas’s ability to mobilize and manage linguists to support critical Department of State missions.
Atlas’s dedication to operational excellence, its ability to scale services in challenging environments, and superior recruting abilities have made it an integral player in the language services sector. Their continuous innovation and strong partnerships position them as a key contributor to both current and future government operations.
Clovehitch: Founded in 2010, Clovehitch has built a reputation for addressing complex linguistic and cultural challenges. They are particularly notable for their involvement in the NEA SCA LSS program, providing linguist support (LSS) services to the Department of State, Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA), and South-Central Asia (SCA). Their expertise in managing critical IDIQ contracts makes them a valuable contributor to government operations.
9. Turnbull Services’ Position and Contributions
Turnbull Services LLC, a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), stands ready to partner with these industry leaders. With nearly two decades of experience in managing linguist operations, Turnbull is uniquely positioned to add value to upcoming contracts, including DLITE III and EUCOM RTOP opportunities. Our European headquarters in Romania, combined with an expanding operational presence in Europe, makes us an ideal partner for U.S. government and private entities.
Our expertise includes:
- Navigating the complexities of CARE CAS T/L programs for the Department of State.
- Managing large-scale linguist operations under challenging environments.
- Building strategic partnerships with industry leaders and subcontractors.
- Leveraging our SDVOSB status to fulfill small business participation requirements.
10. Conclusion
The DoD and DoS’ reliance on comprehensive language services underscores the importance of collaboration between prime contractors, subcontractors, and emerging players. Turnbull Services is committed to contributing its expertise and dedication to this mission, ensuring the success of future operations and contracts as well as enforcing linguist safety and well-being.
We look forward to entering enduring partnerships with industry leaders, leveraging our regional expertise, operational experience, and deep commitment to personnel welfare. By aligning with trusted primes and government agencies, we aim to enhance mission effectiveness, improve linguist working conditions, and support the evolving needs of defense and diplomatic operations worldwide.
As we expand into the linguist sector, our mission remains clear, to provide high-quality, security-vetted linguist support while advocating for the recognition and protection of those who serve alongside U.S. forces. Through strategic alliances and operational excellence, Turnbull Services is poised to play a vital role in the next generation of government language programs
11. Bibliography
- “INSCOM Recognizes 39 Employees for Supporting $9.86 Billion DLITE II Contract,” Army.mil. Retrieved from https://www.army.mil.
- “US Army Awards USD 10 Billion Language Services Contract,” Slator. Retrieved from https://slator.com.
- “Atlas Advisors, LLC,” Atlas Advisors Website. Retrieved from https://atlasadvisors.us.
- “SOSi Wins Department of State Contract to Support Afghan Relocation Efforts in Doha,” SOSi Website. Retrieved from https://www.sosi.com.
- “SSI Wins DoS Contract for Linguist Support Services in Near East Asia (NEA) and South Central Asia (SCA),” SSI Group. Retrieved from https://www.groupssi.com.
- “Clovehitch Company Information,” Clovehitch Website. Retrieved from https://www.clovehitch.us.
- “Valiant Awarded $748 Million DLITE II CENTCOM Task Order,” Valiant Website. Retrieved from https://www.onevaliant.com.
- “Global Dimensions,” Slator. Retrieved from https://slator.com.
- “Atlas Advisors Recruiting Linguists,” Atlas Advisors Recruiting. Retrieved from https://atlasadvisors.zohorecruit.com.
- “Camp Shaheen Attack,” Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Camp_Shaheen_attack.
- “Czech Guardian Angels,” CZ Defence. Retrieved from https://www.czdefence.com/article/our-unit-guardian-angels-comes-back-from-afghanistan.
- “Taliban Kill More Than 140 Soldiers at Afghan Base,” Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/article/us-afghanistan-attack-militants-idUSKBN17O0CS.
- Drone Training on Camp Shaheen: https://www.stripes.com/history/archive_photo_of_the_day/2023-06-30/drone-program-afghanistan-2016-10568100.htmlSource – Stars and Stripes
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Turnbull Services: Your Strategic Partner in Romania
In today’s Romania, where history meets modern business opportunities, Turnbull Services stands ready to assist businesses looking to invest in this dynamic and evolving market. With a strategic presence in Constanța and additional offices in Albania and Kosovo, and soon Bucharest and Kyiv, Turnbull Services offers unmatched expertise in navigating Romania’s regulatory landscape and business environment.
Whether you are involved in government and military projects, construction, or base support, Turnbull Services provides comprehensive consulting and logistical support tailored to your unique needs.
Why Partner with Turnbull Services?
Local Expertise: Our deep understanding of the Romanian market ensures a seamless entry for businesses looking to establish themselves in the region.
Comprehensive Solutions: From strategic consulting to on-the-ground logistical support, Turnbull Services offers end-to-end solutions for businesses across industries.
Prime Location: Situated near key infrastructure projects, such as the Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base and the Port of Constanța, Turnbull Services is ideally positioned to facilitate efficient business operations.
A Strategic Advantage for Your Business
“There is no country more strategically located than Romania to be the resupply and logistic hub for the rebuilding of Ukraine and Turnbull Services is committed to leveraging its position to promote meaningful partnerships to drive economic growth in Romania and beyond.” Rob Evans, Founder of Turnbull Service.
With Romania’s rich history, cultural significance, and growing economy, the country presents unique opportunities for investment and development. Turnbull Services is committed to being your trusted partner, ensuring that you navigate the complexities of the Romanian market with confidence and success.
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