Original story by Pfc. Seu Chan
BATURAJA, Indonesia — When a large-scale, multinational joint military exercise called Super Garuda Shield 25 kicked off August 25, one Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center graduate helped ensure participants fully understood each other.
Army Cpl. Tiffany Mitchell, a linguist assigned to Bravo Detachment, 502nd Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Battalion, served as the primary translator between the U.S. and Indonesian Army for meetings, planning sessions and dignitary visits during the nearly two week annual exercise. Designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities and cooperation, Super Garuda Shield 25 brought together more than 6,000 troops from Indonesia, the United States, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, South Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Germany, and France.
U.S. Army Cpl. Tiffaney Mitchell, Bravo detachment, 502nd Intelligence Electronic Warfare Battalion, Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, translates for commanders during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 29, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
“I am the main translator for all of these events and meetings” between the Indonesians and U.S., said Mitchell. “I ensure that planning, preparation and schedules are communicated effectively so that everyone is on the same page.”
Born to Jamaican parents, Mitchell grew up speaking Patois and English before studying Spanish abroad in Argentina. When she joined the Army, she was already speaking three languages, so her recruiter offered her the chance to learn a fourth – Indonesian.
She completed training at DLIFLC in Monterey, California, and went on to support Super Garuda Shield 24 in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, with the U.S. Army 25th Infantry Division. After receiving high praise from a successful performance there, Mitchell accepted the invitation for this year’s iteration with the U.S. Army 11th Airborne Division.
“When you give your all and put your best foot forward, people notice,” said Mitchell. “I was honored to be chosen to come back.”
With her return, Mitchell’s role expanded significantly, ensuring both U.S. and Indonesian leaders and participants remain aligned throughout the exercise.
Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force Lt. Col. Takaoka, left, commander of 1st Airborne Brigade Battalion, and U.S. Army Cpl. Tiffaney Mitchell, Bravo detachment ,502nd Intelligence Electronic Warfare Battalion, Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, pose for a photo during Super Garuda Shield 25 in Baturaja, Indonesia, Aug. 29, 2025. (Courtesy Photo)
Mitchell explained that nearly every plan and schedule adjustment had to be coordinated through her. If there was an issue, she was often the one called on to assist in resolving it. Her presence was essential to smooth coordination between partner nations; her efforts streamlined communication during fast-paced planning and execution.
Mitchell’s time participation in Super Garuda Shield this year also marks a transition point in her career. She will soon report to Officer Candidate School where, upon completion, she will commission as an officer following her six-year enlistment contract.
Mitchell said the journey is about more than just language, it is about connection, opportunity and growth.
“Opportunities come when you least expect them,” Mitchell said. “If you are willing to put yourself out there, doors will open and the opportunities are endless.”
