Posted on Nov 14, 2018
SPC Information Technology Specialist
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I speak Chinese (mandarin) fluently as a bilingual, I was told I could get language pay if I take the test and pass. But my MOS is not language-related, can I still do this? Would there be other opportunities without reclassing to language??
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SrA John Monette
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SGT Soldier
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Edited >1 y ago
The first start would be to talk to your S3. There should be a CLPM (Command language Program Manager) there that will be able to answer most if not all questions. I am a CLPM currently working in S3. They can help put you into a class which could very lengths or if you are proficient you could ask to take the DLPT. You will be graded on reading, writing, and for some comprehension. There is no harm in trying to take the DLPT. The extra pay will be nice if you meet the minimum testing qualifications. As any kind of Analyst it can be beneficial to expand your wealth of knowledge and show your peers you are capable of going above and beyond. Good Luck!
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SPC Information Technology Specialist
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I definitely want to take the DLPT, even just for fun, but as far as I know, my language isn't on the current strategic list A...I don't know if this means I can't get language pay? I am not looking to reclass or go to DLI for a new language, just extra assignments.
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SGT Soldier
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It wont hurt to take it regardless. Just talk to your S3 and try and take the test. Even if your language is not on the A list why would you not? Could be on the B list? Even if it is a unpaid one still do it. You don't need to reclass.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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Your language would have to be on the Strategic list love languages for pay. Need for language it's not determined by its current threat, it's determined by how many language speakers of that type are in the army. The Army tries to maintain a certain percentage of various languages within its ranks. Here is the website with the list of strategic languages
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Foreign%20Language%20Proficiency%20Bonus
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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SPC (Join to see) it's not on there are more than enough Mandarin speakers in the army to meet the threshold. It is not a bad idea to testout on because sometimes there are opportunities for a tasking that requires your language. For instance, a joint agency might have need of an IT person who reads and speaks Mandarin for a temporary Duty in Singapore, Taiwan, or Hong Kong to work with a liaison team. Or they could have a requirement for a mandarin speaker of any MOS with a secret clearance to work as a liaison.
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SPC Information Technology Specialist
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SFC (Join to see) - good point although it seems like mandarin is on the control and deployment lists, does that count?
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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SPC (Join to see) control list refers to control languages which are given to certain MOS. 18 series, 37f, civil affairs, 35 m, 35p, and 09 l are all MOS that are assigned a control language. That is their primary language which they are required to test out on a regular basis.
I don't have much experience with the deployment language, but I believe those are able to be paid while you are deployed in support of contingency operations.
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CW4 Keith Dolliver
CW4 Keith Dolliver
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SPC (Join to see) - It's definitely worth taking the test and getting the language added to your SRB even if you don't receive pay. Anything that distinguishes you from the rest of the crowd is always a benefit for you. Additionally, it could open up special assignments or taskings that you wouldn't even know about until you get a call from HRC or someone in your Command.
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