Is DLAB mandatory even for soldiers with more than 2/2 DLPT scores?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:28:44 -0400

Hello everyone. I went to see a retention NCO, she told me I have to take a DLAB test to reclass to 35P.
As far as I know, DLAB is for soldiers who do not know another language and to measure if they have abilities to learn different languages. I told retention NCO that I already have a DLPT score, but she said if I don’t bring the DLAB score she won’t help me. The retention NCO before her told me that I just need to take DLPT since I know multiple languages, but new retention NCO is saying something else that the Army will choose your language so I have to take the DLAB. So far, I have 5/5 Upper Korean and 2/1+ Japanese DLPT scores. I even read the regulation for dlab and dlpt, but couldn’t find the answer.
I’m afraid I might not get enough DLAB score for my languages and have to wait 6 months for retest. My contract is ending in 2024, and I know it takes 6-8 months to get TS. Is DLAB mandatory for reclassification or can I get a waiver? Thank you.

Response by SSG Dale London made Sep 21 at 2022 3:04 PM

SSG Dale London — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:04:44 -0400

As far as I remember, DLAB score is a required field on the DA Form 2A of a linguist, so I reckon its mandatory.
It wouldn't surprise me if they use it as a way of prioritizing unit assignments when two soldiers with identical DLPT scores for the same language are competing for an assignment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2022 3:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:46:38 -0400

You won't find the answer in the DLAB regulation because it's not a DLAB question it's a 35P question. The answer is in DA Pam 611-21, Chapter 10C. It says that you will have a DLAB OR a qualifying score of a 2/2 DLPT in a language. In this case, the language needs to be an in need language as listed in the In/Out calls for your rank. Korean is almost always under strength or balanced. If Korean was over strength and they had no need for Korean then you would need a DLAB for a different language.

Because you're a speaker, you will not attend DLI, and will only attend the SIGINT portion of the course. You must have your TS prior to being able to get a class seat for that.

It sounds like your new Counselor is new. If they give you pushback, go to their senior at the Brigade level. If you are having issues, you can have them contact me, I am a Division Retention Operations NCO and can answer their questions

Response by SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM made Sep 21 at 2022 6:40 PM

SFC David Reid, M.S, PHR, SHRM-CP, DTM — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:40:21 -0400

I would look in the regulation that governs DLABs.