I am reenlisting/reclassing from 11B to 35P. I see there are several languages understrength. Will I get any precedence on language choice?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 00:40:42 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 1:02 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 01:02:53 -0400

You should be able to have a specific language written into your contract.

Response by PV2 Chase Manly made May 12 at 2017 1:05 AM

PV2 Chase Manly — Fri, 12 May 2017 01:05:33 -0400

Once you get your contract, after taking a DLAB ( Defense Language Aptitude Battery ), you'll be assigned a language that suits your skill level

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 12 at 2017 10:41 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 12 May 2017 10:41:47 -0400

SPC Morgan, as stated before you will have to take the DLAB. Depending on how good you do on the DLAB will correlate with what languages you are eligible to learn.

The scores will put you in 1 of 4 categories *The listed languages are poss slightly old*:
- CAT I (DLAB 85): French, Spanish, Italian, Portugese
- CAT II (DLAB 90): German
- CAT III (DLAB 95): Belorussian, Czech, Greek, Hebrew, Persian, Polish, Russian, Serbian/Croatian, Slovak, Tagalog [Filipino], Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese
- CAT IV (DLAB 100 or higher): Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Korean

Talk with your reenlistment NCO and also check with the MICO and try to talk to their CLPM (Command Language Program Manager) or the 35P's that work their to get an idea on what to expect.

Response by SGT Jeff Arazi made May 18 at 2017 1:32 PM

SGT Jeff Arazi — Thu, 18 May 2017 13:32:07 -0400

When I first enlisted, I was a 98G (now a 35P). After taking the DLAB, they told me the category of language I was able to take. I was given Mandarin Chinese and talked with the NCOs there and was able to switch my language to Modern Standard Arabic. I don't know if you are able to pick, especially as a reclass. I would talk to the Career Councilor and Branch and they should be able to help.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2017 1:15 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 May 2017 01:15:30 -0400

When a language is under strength, they tend to overcompensate with recruitment and points will be max for a few years after that. Just keep that in mind if they let you choose your language -under strength now means over strength soon.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2017 12:24 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 31 Oct 2017 12:24:04 -0400

Have you taken a DLAB yet? The results of this test will determine the category of language you are qualified for. After that, as long as you are qualified for a specific language and there is an in call, you can choose your language.

Be advised: DLI is HARD. As a 35P Arabic linguist going back for Russian, be prepared to study your ass off. Its like trying to drink water from a fire hose.