New research details experiences and challenges of Afghan-Canadian language and cultural advisors who accompanied the Canadian Armed Forces to Afghanistan

Fardous Hosseiny, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Atlas Institute said that upon their return to Canada, despite the grave dangers they faced as they advised and accompanied soldiers, the LCAs found a significant gap between what support was available and what they felt was needed. Hosseiny added that the research is an important step in building knowledge and improving understanding of their experiences but more is still needed to develop tailored services and supports for this particular group. “We heard from our community that this was an important issue to them specifically because of the loyalty they felt to those who had supported them while deployed, assuming many of the same risks of the soldiers, and so we wanted to explore the overall experience.”

Hosseiny said common themes that emerged in the stories the LCAs shared included the reasons for which they had become LCAs, their experiences returning to post-service life, and the sense of deserving better. “These findings provide valuable insights into the unique experiences and support needs of former Afghan-Canadian LCAs, shedding lighting on their entire journey before during and after their service. The results also highlight the importance of support not only for LCAs but for all contractors deployed in conflict zones.”

Brian McKenna, National Strategic Advisor for Veterans at the Atlas Institute, who himself had two tours in Afghanistan and personally experienced the need for this kind of support said this is an important issue for him and for many others of his peers who feel their safety was maintained by the risks that the LCAs and interpreters assumed. “It isn’t about the small number who took on this role, but the number of us who feel we are alive today because of them.”

For more information, please contact:

Lori-Anne Thibault
lori-anne.thibault@theroyal.ca
613-585-9531

Quick facts:

• In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) deployed approximately 40,000 members to Afghanistan over a period of more than 12 years. While Canada’s combat role ended in 2011, CAF personnel continued training Afghan forces until March 2014, relying on Afghan-Canadian contract interpreters (LCAs) who faced potentially traumatic experiences and lacked equivalent support upon their return compared to deployed soldiers.
• This study, led by the Atlas Institute conducted six in-depth interviews with former LCAs who immigrated to Canada before 2002, highlighting their journey from pre-service motivations to post-service challenges. The results of these interviews are summarized below:
  • Motivations for becoming LCAs: Participants were driven by dual loyalties to Canada and Afghanistan, viewing their role as an opportunity to contribute positively to both nations. Factors such as cultural and linguistic expertise, financial motivations and a desire to give back to Canada were pivotal in their decisions to become LCAs.
  • Challenges faced in the field: LCAs encountered significant challenges, including inadequate preparation for the realities of their roles, exposure to combat situations in conflict-zones and navigating their identities as civilian contractors in a military environment. Despite these challenges, many felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their contributions.
  • Post-service transition and challenges: Upon returning to Canada, participants felt abandoned and neglected by the lack of support and resources available to them compared to their military counterparts. They experienced significant psychological and social repercussions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, strained relationships and difficulty reintegrating into their communities. The findings underscore the significant impacts of deployment on Afghan-Canadian LCAs, revealing a range of traumatic experiences related to combat stressors and challenging working conditions. Despite facing these hardships, participants reported limited post-service support, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and contributing to long-term mental health issues such as PTSD and depression.