What is the DLI school (in Monterrey, CA) like?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 05:11:41 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 9:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:51:14 -0400

I've never been there, but those that I've known that have gone there......not a one had anything bad to say.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 11:54 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 11:54:38 -0400

Purportedly, it is the one with "yachts and condos".
--Private Benjamin
:)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 1:07 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 13:07:29 -0400

I've been twice for three courses. What do you want to know?

The area is nice. A tad less military friendly than, say, Texas. Tons to do with large nature parks for hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking. San Fran and San Jose are within driving distance. LA requires leave or distance pass. Barracks are on the installation, "on post housing" is located at Fort Ord, about a 15 min commute to DLI. The courses can be pretty difficult, but the attrition rate is due almost entirely to academics. Nothing physically strenuous outside of typical biannual APFTs.

For prior service, you will likely serve as a student squad leader. You are really limited on what military authority you can exercise outside of monthly performance counseling. Any significant issues are handled by the PSGs or MLIs (Military Language Instructors).

Fraternization is a big deal here. You tend to grow close to fellow classmates, but 90% of them are IET. Keep it professional. Class hours are typically 0700-1500 with 1.5 hour lunch. Most school houses (depends on the language) have "study hall," which is a 2 hour self-paced, mandatory study session from 1800-2000. Most schools make it mandatory the first 8 weeks, then you can get out of it if your GPA is high enough. My wife jokes that she saw me more when I was in Afghanistan than when I was in the Farsi course.

It is very possible to do extremely well in the 6 mo - 18mo long courses, but fail the big test at the end - DLPT. If you fail the DLPT, you will have to recycle or attend a "post graduation" 6-week class.

Feel free to ask any specific questions, and good luck!

Response by MSG Frederick Otero made Mar 23 at 2017 2:03 PM

MSG Frederick Otero — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:03:10 -0400

I knew some soldiers that went and came back speaking foreign languages at a high level. The key is to get an assignment to an area/country that will allow you to use what you have worked hard to learn. The military will often forget the importance of that aspect.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 12:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 12:52:51 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Expensive area, expect to be busy learning your language but you will have time to go around and do stuff, expensive once again, weather is 40-60 year around for the most part, once again very expensive area, and I cannot forget traffic in the morning and afternoon especially if you live in Ft Ord.

P.S. Monterey is very expensive and don't forget to hit the sandwich shop by the gate Compagno's

Response by SSG(P) Loris Metzinger made Mar 25 at 2017 12:07 PM

SSG(P) Loris Metzinger — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 12:07:27 -0400

I just graduated from the Arabic basic course last year...study, study, study...especially as a reclass like I was, I didn't want to go back to my old MOS...also get out in the community and volunteer, there are tons of amazing opportunities. Rent is expensive of course, I lived in pacific grove which was close to post and traffic was minimal on that side of post, the Monterey side can get congested around the tunnel...running along the ocean was always breath taking and motivating. You'll have a lot better time going through as a careerist, not as much lock down as the new privates coming through. Your classmates can become a great asset, ask them to help you if needed. Enjoy the Montetey/big Sur, Carmel area!

Response by SFC Nancy Hawk made Jan 27 at 2020 12:48 PM

SFC Nancy Hawk — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:48:28 -0500

I was there 3 times. The biggest lesson is to learn all you can about cultural differences. The books are now supplemented by resources on the DLI website. I would think for some officiers it would help improve any language they might know.