How do I get the Linguist (L) identifier?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 19:09:44 -0500

I was looking at the ACT Career Map for 35F and saw for 35F20 under functional training, linguist is listed. Do you have to go through a certain school in order to get the L identifier or can you get it by showing proficiency in a foreign language? I was briefed that cultural and language proficiency would be more stressed for professional development in the future for those working in the intel world, so I am trying to get ahead of this early. I speak Spanish and am currently going through some civilian classes for Arabic, but as in most things in the military, it doesn't count unless you go through their program.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 27 at 2015 3:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 15:39:18 -0500

You need to take an FLPT (foreign language proficiency test) and turn the results into your S1. There are certain languages you can get a pay bonus for but some of them are like airborn qualification in that you need to be attached to a unit where that language is desired. The level at which you get paid for your proficiency also correlates to how well you do on your FLPT.