Posted on Jun 4, 2019
Does anyone have any advice regarding being successful at DLI?
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I just picked up a 35P slot and I am leaving for DLI in the near future. I'm a little intimidated by the fail rate of DLI. Anybody have advice on doing well?
Also when will I know my language?. Most people say that you find out your language in basic but I did basic two years ago.
Also any insight on what being a 35p would he helpful. I've heard horror stories of being stuck in a box your whole career and some good stories about being in the field. Is there anyway to better my chances of being in the field?
Also when will I know my language?. Most people say that you find out your language in basic but I did basic two years ago.
Also any insight on what being a 35p would he helpful. I've heard horror stories of being stuck in a box your whole career and some good stories about being in the field. Is there anyway to better my chances of being in the field?
Posted in these groups: 
35P: Cryptologic Linguist
Defense Language Institute (DLI)
35P: Cryptologic Linguist Defense Language Institute (DLI)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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SPC Casey, you probably won't know your language until you get there. As for advice to succeed, buckle down and study like crazy, but don't forget to find time to relax and reset your mind. Over-studying can actually inhibit learning, so try to find the balance early. Immerse yourself in positive ways that feel less like studying in your off-time (e.g., movies, music, youtube videos on topics that interest you). Try to find something about the culture that truly appeals to you, especially if you're not a fan of the language. Surround yourself with positive, responsible people who will help you learn and keep you in check. Remember that you're only there for a short time - even if it feels like a decade - and keep your eyes on the future (but don't get married)!! Also keep OPSEC in mind at all times.
As for getting to the field, airborne qualification and good APFT scores will drastically improve your odds. Talk to your leadership when you get to the AIT portion and start networking for future assignments early.
Best of luck!
As for getting to the field, airborne qualification and good APFT scores will drastically improve your odds. Talk to your leadership when you get to the AIT portion and start networking for future assignments early.
Best of luck!
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MSG (Join to see)
SSgt Justin Taylor, unfortunately that's not really how the Army works, especially if you're re-classing into a new MOS. It's very rare to have a choice of language, and language assignments are often determined once you're on site based on DLAB eligibility, available billets, and Army needs. Your assigned language can also change up to the day of class start, and badgering someone to find out what you're going to learn (though occasionally successful) is more likely to get you branded as 'trouble' than to get you an answer.
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SSgt Justin Taylor
MSG (Join to see) - Well that sucks. You know, whenever I find something like this out about the Army, or sometimes even another sister service, it makes me not only more grateful, but a little more proud of myself for choosing the Air Force.
Because by comparison, in knew my language, even before getting on the plane for BMT, as did everyone I met & talked to at BMT, that was also headed directly to DLI after graduation.
Because by comparison, in knew my language, even before getting on the plane for BMT, as did everyone I met & talked to at BMT, that was also headed directly to DLI after graduation.
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MSG (Join to see)
SSgt Justin Taylor, I'm glad you're happy with your choice of service. I was raised an AF dependent, but gladly accepted the uncertainties of the Army and am still proud of my choice. They all have their own benefits and sacrifices, definitely not 'one size fits all'.
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PFC (Join to see)
I am heading to DLI in a few months, my boyfriend and I want to get married at some point while I am in school there. But I'm curious why you say "don't get married"?
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Congrats! I recently graduated last April, and I am a korean linguist. I found out my language before I went to basic, but in your situation you will probably find out once you get to DLI and in-process. Whatever language you get just try to immerse yourself in the culture and keep an open mind. It is a lot easier to do well when you enjoy what you're doing. Also, take advantage of 7th hour and study hall. The teachers will usually let you stay and do speaking practice as well. Just keep your head down and try to balance studying with having fun.
As for horror stories. I am currently in Korea doing more of the traditional "stuck in a box" part of the job, however my next duty station will be tactical. They try to give you a balance now rather than being stuck in one aspect your whole career.
As for horror stories. I am currently in Korea doing more of the traditional "stuck in a box" part of the job, however my next duty station will be tactical. They try to give you a balance now rather than being stuck in one aspect your whole career.
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Very good chance depending on your launguage. See I self taught myself in German and Dutch. Plus on the afsb I passed the launguge test. Plus I used to date a SSG Russian linguist.
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