Does 35M or 35L have the most or best options post military career? What are the differences and pros and cons of each?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 12:09:34 -0400

I am a current 35F stationed at fort hood. I was a prior service infantry marine and I was also in the national guard. I have a degree and law enforcement experience. My question is whether 35M or 35L has the most or best options post military career. I am interested in both , but prefer HUMINT. However the lack of stateside opportunities with 35M worries me and that is why 35L is appealing. I wanted to work for the FBI or CIA after college but gave that up to come back to active duty. Which would be the closest to those agencies? Also, I studied Arabic in college and was hoping to get a language. So, I’ve heard 35M is the better option for that, is this true, 35L unlikely to grant me a DLI slot? The 35L brief I went to told me it was unlikely. Thank You for any and all advice or input. Also, really interested to hear from a 35M who reclassed to 35L to hear the differences and pros and cons of each?

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made May 16 at 2018 12:25 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Wed, 16 May 2018 12:25:46 -0400

It is highly unlikely to get a DLA slot with 35L. The MOS does not require a language. However with 35M moving towards a language dependent MOS, and you already possessing some language skills, there would be more of a chance with 35M. Both skill sets are sought after post-service by numerous contract companies as well as the different levels of the LE community.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 1:49 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 13:49:44 -0400

أهلاً و سهلاً. I know all about DLI and Arabic, brother. If you’re interested, send me a message. I might be able to offer some insight. إن شاء الله

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 1:50 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 13:50:17 -0400

Since the Army is requiring 35ms to have a language then I would suggest go and get that language. Now this doesn't really matter, but if you're given the choice of where you would like to go after DLI, ask for SF group support, that way you actually get to use your language. Regardless of what unit you go to, you can still drop a 35L packet once you get to your unit. If I'm not mistaken, 35L courses are pretty back up so may get a school date a year out or possibly even further. But that's something you can look into to. Either way you'll still have time to figure out if you want to stay a 35M or go 35L.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 16 at 2018 1:53 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 16 May 2018 13:53:41 -0400

DLI is still possible as a 35L, but as others have said, its more likely as a 35M just because of the language requirement. However, 35L's can be assigned to linguist billets as well, and can also attend DLI via that route. Language aside, a lot of 35M's eventually become 35L's (primarily because you cannot be an agent until you are an E5 so those wishing to be 35L often start as 35M). Since you are already an E5 with a degree and experience, I would say you should at least consider going straight to 35L. And, if you are looking to work for a three letter agency later on being a former 35L looks really good. The FBI in particular has the primary CI mission for the U.S. government (for civilians), 35L translates to that well. In fact, as a 35L assigned to a field office stateside, we often work cases with the FBI. Additionally, with your law enforcement experience it would benefit you to consider 35L first, as 35M's have no investigative authority.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 3:42 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 03:42:13 -0400

Do what you want to do. If HUMINT is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities in the states and abroad for your post military career. The fact that you have Arabic under your belt makes you even more marketable. If you are disciplined and competent enough, work towards maxing your DLPT and forget about DLI. I know plenty of HUMINT guys who chose a commercial training option over DLI and came out on top of their peers. Same thing goes for 35L's. Don't commit to any MOS just because you are worried about the opportunities once you get out. You can translate both CI and HUMINT into TONS of career fields.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 8:04 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 08:04:07 -0400

I concur with those who have commented above. DLI is possible for a 35L, but you have a way better shot as a 35M.
DLI is extremely demanding, no matter what language you have, but there is no better instruction that at DLI.
As far as opportunities after the Army. It really depends on your schooling. 35L often has more opportunities to do their job because it is state side, but it you can get with the right unit then 35M get the schools and the opportunities to use their skills and do their job.
If you do either, I would try to also get an ABN slot, which would help you to get to the SOF side.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2018 12:29 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 17 May 2018 12:29:53 -0400

Post career, 35L has way more options for job opportunities. Especially if want to work for the FBI or CIA, CI is the way to go.
35L's can have a language, but it isn't a requirement. To go to DLI, you have to be in a language position on the UMR within your unit. If you pass the DLAB for the certain language of that language position, then you can attend DLI as a 35L. It'd be easier to go to DLI as a 35M due to the 35M's language requirement.