Any advice for an incoming 35M?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 21:17:37 -0400

Currently in DEP and going to Basic Training in June. I am going to DLI after that, then AIT.

I qualified for every language, but do I have any ability to put preferences for which I learn? If so, which would you recommend? I'm happy to take a more difficult language if it means I get to do more of the job.

Any other MOS-specific advice? Thank you in advance.

Response by SPC Kevin Ford made May 4 at 2021 9:26 PM

SPC Kevin Ford — Tue, 04 May 2021 21:26:13 -0400

If you are going to DLI and a specific language wasn't in your contract, likely a language will be assigned based on need.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2021 9:37 PM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 May 2021 21:37:16 -0400

I’m a 35P but I went to DLI so I know the process. You can reach out to your branch manager and ask if they may be able to get you a specific language if you had one in mind. Give them options so they’re not forced to say no to your only request. This was successful for myself and a few friends who tried. I recommend choosing languages that are going to enable you to engage in high-impact missions with near-peer adversaries, such as Chinese, Korean, or Russian.

I don’t know much about life of 35M in garrison because I’m a SIGINTer, but if you have any questions about DLI feel free to PM me!

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2021 6:01 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 May 2021 06:01:02 -0400

The language doesn’t correlate to whether you do the job or not as we don’t need it to do our job but it helps in different situations. The unit you get assigned to after is what determines the experience you will get as a mike.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made May 5 at 2021 9:32 AM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Wed, 05 May 2021 09:32:48 -0400

Get comfortable being uncomfortable. One of the biggest aspects of the job is relating to others, and making *them* comfortable. If they do not know the meaning of personal space, guess what? Neither do you. If they like lutefisk, better figure out how to NOT wrinkle your face in disgust at the smell. Etc.

Aside from that, most 35Ms want to say how much we *aren't* 35Fs and how analyzing stuff is THEIR job. Wrong. The best 35Ms can piece together information even as they are gaining it so that they can ask good follow-up questions. They have a lot of relevant information stored in their Brain Housing Group so that they can key in on important information. Don't try to be a 35F... but don't work to make sure you don't do anything they do, and can't use the tools they use.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2021 2:33 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 05 May 2021 14:33:59 -0400

You should try the Rally Point search section in answers and read some of the responses there.
Such as this one. https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-is-a-35m-job-like

What is a 35m job like? | RallyPoint

I am looking to reclass into a 35m but for reserve and wanted to know from people who were are are still a 35m to five some insite on was AIT difficult and what's the hardest part of that job.

Response by 1SG Christian Chenard made May 12 at 2021 8:24 PM

1SG Christian Chenard — Wed, 12 May 2021 20:24:56 -0400

Take a Myers Briggs test as soon as possible. It might help you decide what language group you’d like to study one or more of. Your branch component has a good idea which language they need you in. I’ve known service linguists to go back to DLI for intermediate whatever, or to study a complete different tongue from their first tour.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2021 11:41 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:41:13 -0400

Hi! When you are at DLI make sure to get your AA degree from them. Do the CLEP tests they offer and take advantage of that since it’s free of charge.