NCOER for Soldiers in Language Dependent MOS

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:55:51 -0400

Since the release of MILPER MSG 14-083 that reinstates the language requirements in AR 11-6 requiring language proficiency be addressed on evaluation reports for language dependent MOS (specifically 35P), there have been many questions about how exactly to rate a Soldier who is sub-proficient in their Control Language (CLANG). A linguist who is sub-proficient in their CLANG has IMREPR Code 9P (loss of qualification in PMOS) placed on their records, so that being said:

- Can a rater justify anything other than a needs improvement in the block with the sub-proficient DLPT score?

- Can a senior rater justify anything other than a 4 or a 5 in the performance section?

Thank you all for your input.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 5:20 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:20:09 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member, I submit that a "needs improvement" by the rater is almost required, because the Soldier clearly does need improvement in the area of language proficiency.

Tougher call for the senior rater, but I think rating the Soldier a 4 or a 5 in the performance section would also be proper.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 19 at 2014 6:25 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 19 Sep 2014 18:25:40 -0400

What the heck, my response disappeared.

This is a very passionate topic for me. As a 35M with a DLI language, this doesn't really apply to me but I feel for those that it does.

If anyone is like me and hasn't received language training in almost five years, how can we punish them for not passing?!?

If you kept someone from shooting their M4 for 5 years how could you expect them to qualify at the range? Or if you kept someone from doing any physical training for 5 years how could you expect them to pass an APFT?

The answer is, you can't, and the language branch can't justify to me what they are doing in these situations. We have a ton of 35Ps that are sitting in FORSCOM BCTs not using their language and not getting language refresher. I've watched it happen. It's usually due to budget or "mission".

And sometimes you can't study on your own. Often in many languages certain words or phrases can't be looked up in the dictionary. In my language, it's very hard to find new words and their pronunciations because most dictionaries online and real don't show diacritic marks so you have no clue how to pronounce without a native speaker.

By the regulation yes the person is subpar, but you can't really rate above a 4/4 if you give a needs improvement. If the Soldier stinks and isn't doing anything to help themselves, fine. But if we are failing as the Army and leaders, how are we going to kick someone out for something that's OUR fault!?!