Do I have any recourse for a DLPT failure flag?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 May 2019 22:34:50 -0400

Ok, here's my situation. I'm a prior service 35P Korean linguist. I ETS'd with an Honorable Discharge in 2015. I graduated college and re-en listed this January with the eventual goal of applying for OCS. The reason I didn't apply for OCS at the recruiter is that I wanted to get some experience as an NCO before trying for officer. I didn't really want to be a linguist again but because my MOS is understrength it was the only option available to me at MEPS. I told my recruiter and the NCOs at MEPS that they needed to let me take the DLPT or I wouldn't be MOS qualified but they refused. Said that I would have to deal with it at my gaining unit. So I re-enlist and the Army sent me to Korea. Now I have to take the DLPT next week and I am told if I fail then I will be flagged. So no promotion board, no command sponsorship, no OCS packet, nothing. Also, if I don't pass the retest I am told I will probably be chaptered. I haven't taken the DLPT since 2014 and I've heard that the test has only gotten harder. Obviously if I pass the test none of this is an issue but I feel like the Army has set me up for failure through no fault of my own. I have always been a good soldier. No UCMJ violations, never failed a PT test, passed all my prior DLPTs, was recommended for promotion at my first board in 2013, graduated near the top of my WLC class, etc... I know the regulations are clear on DLPT failures but no one in my Brigade has ever seen a situation like mine. If I fail do I have any recourse to fight the flag?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 12:23 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 May 2019 00:23:12 -0400

You say the regulations are clear regarding DLPT failure but I don't think you've actually read these regulations. Nowhere on a DA Form 268 will you find a flag reason for failing a DLPT. Failing a test is never a cause for UCMJ. Failing your DLPT is an MOS certification issue, not a discipline issue. It's true that you can be separated for failing to maintain your language, the first recourse is to reclass you. On top of that, you have to fail your DLPT twice before being considered as failure to maintain your MOS. You will want to dig into AR 11-6 it has all the answers to your questions. For starters, you have 6 months to study after your first DLPT failure.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 23 at 2019 5:41 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 23 May 2019 05:41:39 -0400

Stop worrying and start studying. If you passed it before and your skills are high, you will pass. If you do not, and you are a good Soldier they will likely reclassify you. At any rate, Grab your boot laces and get ready to pass the test. Thank you for your service.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made May 23 at 2019 9:22 AM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Thu, 23 May 2019 09:22:10 -0400

Talk with the Brigade's Command Language Program manager. They will have the current standards and guidelines regarding DLPTs. Given the time since your last DLPT, you should be eligible for a refresher course prior to taking one, but confirm with the CLPM. That said, be prepared to take the test -- if your suspicions come to fruition, you'll get remedial language training.

I don't believe a chapter is in your future, given your clearance, a reclass is more likely.
Regarding the potential flag -- wait for it to happen before worrying, then exercise the appropriate open door policies and provide your mitigating circumstances to the command.

Regardless, take advantage of the remedial training -- your proactive actions will work in your favor.

Good Luck

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2019 7:04 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 May 2019 19:04:40 -0400

Get 6 weeks of mandatory language training first.