The U.S. military has barred Iraqi interpreters working with American troops in Baghdad from wearing ski masks to disguise themselves, prompting some to resign and others to bare their faces even though they fear it could get them killed.
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“We are a professional Army and professional units don’t conceal their identity by wearing masks,” Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman for the U.S. military, wrote in an e-mail. He expressed appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the interpreters but said those dissatisfied with the new policy “can seek alternative employment.”

“It pains me to have to re-emphasize this rule so many times,” the email continued. “The lack of professionalism among the applicants for our specialized divisions is appalling—just last week I had what I can only describe as a ‘colorful’ group of recruits who claimed to have special skills that could ‘save the world,’ as they put it.  I don’t care if you can swing from tall buildings, I told them, you’ll have to take off those masks. 

“And that wasn’t the only problem.  Now, I know the military has a policy on this, but come on: when guys are wearing their underwear outside of tights, you don’t have to ask to be able to tell.”

Tags: iraq, military, heroes, masked men, army intelligence, interpreters