Posted on Aug 4, 2020
What advice does anyone have for being a Linguist? Is there much of a difference between how Army and AF linguists conduct their duties?
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What advice does anyone have for being a Linguist? Is there much of a difference between the way Army and Air Force (besides airborne) linguists conduct their duties?
Posted in these groups: 
35P: Cryptologic Linguist
1N3X1: Cryptologic Language Analyst
35P: Cryptologic Linguist 1N3X1: Cryptologic Language Analyst
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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As has been stated before, the job is the job, regardless if it's on a mountain, in a tent, in an office or on a plane. With technology today, you may or may not be on the continent of your target language; geography is just not that important. That being said, I am biased towards the Army -- having been a career "35" series soldier. If you want to be challenged - go Army. If you want to an easier life, go Air Force -- there are nuggets of truth in the USAF life is easier stories ;-)
If you have any questions, just ask ---
Good luck on your decision
If you have any questions, just ask ---
Good luck on your decision
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Most branches have linguists. The question is what branch cultures speaks to you because that is the difference. Culture is where the different shades of grey are. Also the mission is slightly different depending on the branch as well.
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They're very similar. The biggest difference would be the branch itself and how they conduct their day to day duties/big military stuff. If you want to be a linguist and your biggest concern is which branch then you need to look at the pros and cons of those branches, not the job itself.
You also have to keep reclassing in mind. Becoming a linguist is a very long process and difficult. If you go army and fail the schools then you will be reclassed to needs of the army. Im not sure about the airforce, but its something to look into.
You also have to keep reclassing in mind. Becoming a linguist is a very long process and difficult. If you go army and fail the schools then you will be reclassed to needs of the army. Im not sure about the airforce, but its something to look into.
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SPC (Join to see)
for army they'll give you an option of 3 jobs (usually, I have seen drills pick for their soldiers if they didn't like them but this is rare and I think its *technically* not allowed, but its happened)
Those 3 jobs are going to be at the armys needs. Most common ones ive seen are 88M (Truck Driver), 68W (combat medic), and some sort of chemical specialist I cant remember the exact title of. Im not saying these will be your options, just common from what ive come across.
Those 3 jobs are going to be at the armys needs. Most common ones ive seen are 88M (Truck Driver), 68W (combat medic), and some sort of chemical specialist I cant remember the exact title of. Im not saying these will be your options, just common from what ive come across.
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Comparing Apples to Oranges- Army will be in FOB or with units in the AO. USAF will be at bases, etc.
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SSgt Christophe Murphy
C Eaves - it is safe to say if you are a linguist you will be assigned where the language skills are needed. If you speak Arabic expect to be in the Middle East. If you speak Korean expect to be stationed in Korea. I currently work with a lady that was a Sgt in the Army and a Korean Linguist. She spent her entire 4 year contract in Korea. Which makes sense because a Korean linguist would be more useful there instead of Fort Polk.
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MSgt Kris Aguilar
Unless that USAF linguist is airborne. Then he/she is absolutely in the AO on the job. If deployed, lands at a FOB, if not, goes home for the evening.
As far as being in the country of the language, usually only peripherally. In 11 years as a Russian linguist, never set foot in country. Tours in Japan and Italy instead. Transitioned to Serbo-Croatian during the Balkan crisis, and was stationed out of the UK when airborne with the RC-135, in California when chairborne with the U-2. A ground Korean linguist , regardless of whether Army or AF, will likely spend an entire career bouncing back and forth between Korea and Ft. Meade. Not much more mind-numbingly boring than that. Satellites, drones, and other technological advances have made many of those sweet overseas sites unneccessary, and most of them are gone. I don't think any of the places I was stationed overseas are still an option. Some could probably do an entire career at Ft. Meade. That would probably be worst of all.
As far as being in the country of the language, usually only peripherally. In 11 years as a Russian linguist, never set foot in country. Tours in Japan and Italy instead. Transitioned to Serbo-Croatian during the Balkan crisis, and was stationed out of the UK when airborne with the RC-135, in California when chairborne with the U-2. A ground Korean linguist , regardless of whether Army or AF, will likely spend an entire career bouncing back and forth between Korea and Ft. Meade. Not much more mind-numbingly boring than that. Satellites, drones, and other technological advances have made many of those sweet overseas sites unneccessary, and most of them are gone. I don't think any of the places I was stationed overseas are still an option. Some could probably do an entire career at Ft. Meade. That would probably be worst of all.
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Whatever you choose, be prepared for one Hell of a beast after basic training when you’re learning your language.
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They’re pretty much the same. I was in the Air Force and served in an Air Force base where we had Army, Marines, and Navy working alongside us - we were all linguists. The job was exactly the same for all services. The only thing that was different was the formations, PT, and other miscellaneous things you had to do with/for your squadron because every branch had their own. Hope that helps.
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