Would it benefit me to take a crack at the DLAB, even if my #1 choice does not require me to go to DLI?

2019-03-20T09:48:06-04:00

After doing my research, my #1 choice of being a CI potential, does not require me to go to DLI, let alone taking the DLAB. However, I have always had an interest in learning a new language and I think going to DLI may help my career and potentially help me with getting new and exciting assignments. Would it be better for me to just try and learn a language on my own (Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, watching loads of Telemundo)? Or should I just see what the DLAB has in store for me, in case DLI is a potential option for me down the road?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 9:49 AM

2019-03-20T09:49:35-04:00

Always a benefit to try the DLAB. If you do well, you could potentially be selected in the future for language training or a position that would need language training.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 10:09 AM

2019-03-20T10:09:27-04:00

Well, the DLAB helps assess your capability in learning a new language. The higher your score, the more doors you unlock in your ability to learn higher category levels of languages.

DLI will grain the language into your head so you will walk out (potentially) proficient in your communicative abilities of that foreign language, by way of a DLPT (listening/reading) or an OPI (listening/speaking).

I would take advantage of learning a new language. Although there are multiple learning platforms out there to learn a new language like you mentioned (Rosetta stone, Babel fish, etc.). You benefit from DLI because you consistently have to utilize your foreign language throughout the course. Forcing your brain to absorb the information.

Taking it from first hand experience, I never went to DLI (still dream of going though). But having deployed to Central and South America, within my first month or two of being there I had to absorb the language and got more proficient and confident at talking (breaking several Puerto Rican, broken Spanish, and Spanglish vocabulary). Because everything around me was of that native language. So my body and brain had no choice to absorb and adapt (language, dialect, body language, body posture, etc.).

I would say go for it. Take that experience and knowledge with you for the remainder of your military career and out into the civilian sector.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 10:20 AM

2019-03-20T10:20:51-04:00

If your recruiter lets you take it, why not? It’s like a condom...I’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

As an adult, stuff like the Rosetta Stone is great...if you don’t want to be fluent in a language. Unfortunately, the only way to attain fluency is immersion, and closest thing to immersion (other than moving abroad) is DLI.
The school is hard, for sure, but taking a DLAB now can’t hurt you

Response by LTC Eric Udouj made Mar 20 at 2019 10:40 AM

2019-03-20T10:40:57-04:00

If you have the opportunity to take it - then take the opportunity. It may come in handy some time in the near future. If you have a 2d language - test out on that as well and get it recorded for record. Where you are now in your career is never the same as where you will be tomorrow.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2019 10:44 AM

2019-03-20T10:44:55-04:00

DLAB is just a test that measures your ability to learn a new language. Taking a DLAB won't make it any more or less likely for you to go to DLI, it's just a prerequisite for going if it's offered to you.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2019 7:17 AM

2019-03-21T07:17:38-04:00

Sir, my advice to you would be this, take it if you feel that it can enhance your career opportunities, but only take it if you are seriously prepared. There are many language opportunities beyond DLI that require a DLAB rating. Doing well on the DLAB can open or close the door on these opportunities. I can't speak for the Navy, but when I took the DLAB Army policy was that if you failed you could take the test again in six months but if you earn a passing score, any passing score, the the rating you earned was the one you were stuck with. Retaking the DLAB after receiving a passing score required the endorsement of a general officer. This is to say, if you have ambitions of ever learning a more challenging language you could easily sabotage yourself by going in unprepared and passing with a score that is too low. One last thing, if you choose to take it, stay cool. I was convinced that I was failing the test through the whole first section but upon receiving my score I was extremely pleased.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 26 at 2019 8:21 AM

2019-03-26T08:21:46-04:00

DLI is the most intense language training course you will ever take, Rosetta Stone has nothing on DLI. You are completely immersed in the langauge and the culture and best part is they pay you to go to class and learn a langauge. I would recommend DLAB(although it doesn’t really tell you if you are capable of learning a langauge) and try your shot at getting into langauge training