If someone has 4 years of high school Chinese, what are their chances of getting assigned to that language if they enlist for 35P?

Jim Ryan — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 08:21:44 -0500

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2018 9:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 09:58:45 -0500

High I would say, I'd take the DLPT also.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2018 12:52 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 12:52:29 -0500

You very very very rarely get to choose your language. Granted, Chinese is one of the more difficult to learn, so if you score high enough on the DLAB and can prove some proficiency to begin with, then you may be able to convince someone.
On the other hand, if you end up assigned a different language at DLI, you could always complete training in that language (acquiring a third language for free) qnd then DLPT in Chinese when you get to your first duty station. If you are proficient in two languages, you can submit a request to change your Control Language, sometimes with no additional training required.

Response by SPC Kelli McPherson made Feb 8 at 2018 9:19 PM

SPC Kelli McPherson — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 21:19:15 -0500

You can do it but I don’t know the route. I just know that I saw it in AIT and I know reserve soldiers that do it. They just take the dlpt and score high to scip DLI altogether. If you think your proficiency is good enough, then do this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 4:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:47:52 -0500

I got my language before basic, but this was years ago. See if your recruiter can put you in contact with the reserve component linguist manager for your state. That's who got me Arabic. Mind you I only had 2 real choices at the time-Arabic or Korean, and Arabic is more comparable to the Spanish I already spoke, so I picked it. The needs of the Army come first so don't get your hopes up for a language we aren't missioned for. Other branches have other focuses, so that mau be a route to consider.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2018 4:55 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:55:02 -0500

If you are looking to be a Chinese Mandarin 35P It's not likely at this time. The MOS is pretty much at the numbers they require, and slightly over in some skill levels, so they aren't placing Chinese at a priority.

Response by SFC Gregory Bradford made Apr 13 at 2018 9:27 AM

SFC Gregory Bradford — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 09:27:20 -0400

If you already have competency in one language, pass the language test. If they give you another language you will be that much more valuable

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 13 at 2018 10:59 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 13 Apr 2018 10:59:44 -0400

Depends on your score on the DLAB test.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2018 11:40 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 May 2018 11:40:26 -0400

I took 4 years of French and went to DLI for Polish. It's all based on the needs of the Army.