Language barrier just one more obstacle to tackle

By Mark Payne

Staff writer

Celso Ramos-Caraballo learned to speak English five months ago, making his transition to Army life difficult.

Video by Douglas Worthington

“The first day, a drill sergeant told me to show the other Cadets how to make a military bed,” said the Co.
D 1/46th Inf. Cadet and Puerto Rico native. “It’s kind of hard.”

Ramos-Caraballo said he is a person of different expressions and humble, but it’s hard for people to see it when he can’t communicate well.

“I feel like a mute person,” he said. “I want to say so many things. I try to tell my opinion with some of the Cadets, but sometimes they don’t understand me.”

He said he feels somewhat comfortable, but at the same time alone.

“I take this program, because I want to interact with people who speak English,” he said. “I don’t like to sit and learn English from a book.”

He said it’s better to be in the United States and learn firsthand. It’s his goal to speak English well in a year.

“Cadet Ramos is one of the most driven Cadets in the platoon,” said Platoon Tactical Officer Lt. Col. Don Stoner. “He clearly identifies some of his weaknesses, and is very diligent, on a daily basis, about improving them.

Back in Puerto Rico, Ramos-Caraballo attends University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, where he is working on a degree in business relations. He said he also wants to pursue something in the arts, because he likes to draw.

Delta Co. Cadet Celso Ramos-Caraballo learns how to load and unload the M240B gun during heavy weapons training. Photo by Kristin Sherrard

Before attending college, he grew up in a tough neighborhood. Ramos-Caraballo said he regularly hears about his high school classmates being killed.

At the Leader’s Training Course, he describes the physical aspect of the course as easy. He also likes how he does something new every day.

“My favorite thing has been the discipline,” he said.

His squad tactical officer, 2nd Lt. Monica Tubesing, said he is succeeding despite his limitation.

“He feels a little hesitant because of his language barrier … he plays himself down a lot,” she said. “He doesn’t give himself enough credit.”

Ramos-Caraballo feels the Army is something he is going to dedicate his life to.

“I’m here to represent those people of Puerto Rico that don’t have a good life,” he said. “I will always feel indebted.”