If you were a recruiter, which secondary language of an individual is more preferred to enlist?

PVT Angelo Velez — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 12:13:57 -0400

If that someone had one semester each of French and German in a college course or if that someone had taken a semester of Arabic in college? One or the other. French and German or just Arabic. Spanish was already taken in high school and one semester of it in college. I have to decide and I schedule my classes tomorrow. French and German are both 3 credits so I can take both while Arabic is 5

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2017 12:25 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 12:25:24 -0400

Any foreign language that is spoken fluently is a bonus. wouldnt matter to me what the language is

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2017 12:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 12:41:31 -0400

As a former recruiter I can tell you that taking a course or two in a language won't make a difference at all. If you're fluent it might open some doors, however.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Apr 10 at 2017 12:51 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 12:51:08 -0400

I would say Arabic because we're not currently in conflict with France or Germany. Arabic on the other hand can be very useful to prevent possible issues due to miscommunication. It's also good when people don't know you speak the language. I've always loved walking into a room and people start speaking a different language, not knowing that I still understand them and what they're saying about me. It's not something that happens often in the States, but I'm sure overseas that'd be quite useful.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 10 at 2017 2:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 14:32:23 -0400

Arabic, by far.
I would point out that what is important in the military is the ability to read, understand, and speak the language. A semester's worth wouldn't get you very far.

Many Army billets offer additional training and a few offer Foreign Language Proficiency Bonuses. If you can test out at a high enough evaluation on the DLPT, it is well worth your while.

Response by SGT William Howell made Apr 10 at 2017 3:18 PM

SGT William Howell — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 15:18:28 -0400

Are you breathing? Can you pass a drug screen and physical? Can you make a 28 on the ASVAB? Can you almost speak English? That is all they want.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Apr 10 at 2017 4:04 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:04:14 -0400

Arabic. But take enough to be fluent speak read and write. Also complete your degree and apply for a commissioning program.

Response by SFC J Fullerton made Apr 10 at 2017 4:44 PM

SFC J Fullerton — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 16:44:50 -0400

It is only relevant if you are 100% fluent- speaking, reading, and writing, and can pass an oral and written exam administered by a native speaker employed by the Defense Language Institute (DLI). Otherwise, if you are seeking to enlist for a linguist MOS, you have to pass the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) to determine if you are eligible for language training at the DLI. Your college courses may help you get a better score on the DLAB, but it alone has no bearing on what you are qualified to enlist for.

Response by SFC David Xanten made Sep 16 at 2019 1:06 PM

SFC David Xanten — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 13:06:34 -0400

Arabic or Russian and or Chinese