Posted on Mar 23, 2017
What is the DLI school (in Monterrey, CA) like?
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Foreign Language
Defense Language Institute (DLI)
35P: Cryptologic LinguistLinguist
Foreign Language Defense Language Institute (DLI) 35P: Cryptologic LinguistLinguist
Posted >1 y ago
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SPC (Join to see) Expensive area, expect to be busy learning your language but you will have time to go around and do stuff, expensive once again, weather is 40-60 year around for the most part, once again very expensive area, and I cannot forget traffic in the morning and afternoon especially if you live in Ft Ord.
P.S. Monterey is very expensive and don't forget to hit the sandwich shop by the gate Compagno's
P.S. Monterey is very expensive and don't forget to hit the sandwich shop by the gate Compagno's
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CPT Maria Burns
Compagno's is still in business? Cool, I was there in 2000 and it was a good place to eat back then.
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I've been twice for three courses. What do you want to know?
The area is nice. A tad less military friendly than, say, Texas. Tons to do with large nature parks for hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking. San Fran and San Jose are within driving distance. LA requires leave or distance pass. Barracks are on the installation, "on post housing" is located at Fort Ord, about a 15 min commute to DLI. The courses can be pretty difficult, but the attrition rate is due almost entirely to academics. Nothing physically strenuous outside of typical biannual APFTs.
For prior service, you will likely serve as a student squad leader. You are really limited on what military authority you can exercise outside of monthly performance counseling. Any significant issues are handled by the PSGs or MLIs (Military Language Instructors).
Fraternization is a big deal here. You tend to grow close to fellow classmates, but 90% of them are IET. Keep it professional. Class hours are typically 0700-1500 with 1.5 hour lunch. Most school houses (depends on the language) have "study hall," which is a 2 hour self-paced, mandatory study session from 1800-2000. Most schools make it mandatory the first 8 weeks, then you can get out of it if your GPA is high enough. My wife jokes that she saw me more when I was in Afghanistan than when I was in the Farsi course.
It is very possible to do extremely well in the 6 mo - 18mo long courses, but fail the big test at the end - DLPT. If you fail the DLPT, you will have to recycle or attend a "post graduation" 6-week class.
Feel free to ask any specific questions, and good luck!
The area is nice. A tad less military friendly than, say, Texas. Tons to do with large nature parks for hiking, picnicking, and mountain biking. San Fran and San Jose are within driving distance. LA requires leave or distance pass. Barracks are on the installation, "on post housing" is located at Fort Ord, about a 15 min commute to DLI. The courses can be pretty difficult, but the attrition rate is due almost entirely to academics. Nothing physically strenuous outside of typical biannual APFTs.
For prior service, you will likely serve as a student squad leader. You are really limited on what military authority you can exercise outside of monthly performance counseling. Any significant issues are handled by the PSGs or MLIs (Military Language Instructors).
Fraternization is a big deal here. You tend to grow close to fellow classmates, but 90% of them are IET. Keep it professional. Class hours are typically 0700-1500 with 1.5 hour lunch. Most school houses (depends on the language) have "study hall," which is a 2 hour self-paced, mandatory study session from 1800-2000. Most schools make it mandatory the first 8 weeks, then you can get out of it if your GPA is high enough. My wife jokes that she saw me more when I was in Afghanistan than when I was in the Farsi course.
It is very possible to do extremely well in the 6 mo - 18mo long courses, but fail the big test at the end - DLPT. If you fail the DLPT, you will have to recycle or attend a "post graduation" 6-week class.
Feel free to ask any specific questions, and good luck!
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SPC (Join to see)
Also, when it comes to PT, is prior service mandated to perform unit PT every morning with the IET? Or would I be able to attend a crossfit box outside of base?
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SSG (Join to see)
My wife and children enjoyed the area. There is a free indoor pool, gym, and several play grounds within walking distance of the homes. The commissary is right next to Fort Ord housing, instead of on base. The PX is the opposite (on base). We lived in Fort Ord, but I don't remember the name of the community.
Off base housing is a thing, but it's pretty pricey. Most communities surround DLI boast $1mil+ homes, but there are a few. Salenas (spelling?) is a bit of a drive, affordable, but a much higher crime rate than other communities. I strongly recommend Fort Ord if it's available to you.
I *want* to say they offer on-post housing (i.e. not barracks) for prior service that aren't married, but I can't remember 100%. Might want to check with BN HQ or your sponsor if you're given one.
PT is standard for everyone. Show up in the morning (or afternoon depending on the season) and conduct an hour of PRT. Nothing insane. Can't remember ever even doing a ruck march there. There is gym PT for those with profiles, and PT Exemption for those that make 270 with 90 in each event. PT Exemption is especially a blessing here - you'll want that time to study the language and work out on your time after or before.
If you're not PT exempt, and on academic study hall, i seriously doubt you'll have time to attend crossfit and still get a decent amount of sleep each night. But who knows, you might!
Off base housing is a thing, but it's pretty pricey. Most communities surround DLI boast $1mil+ homes, but there are a few. Salenas (spelling?) is a bit of a drive, affordable, but a much higher crime rate than other communities. I strongly recommend Fort Ord if it's available to you.
I *want* to say they offer on-post housing (i.e. not barracks) for prior service that aren't married, but I can't remember 100%. Might want to check with BN HQ or your sponsor if you're given one.
PT is standard for everyone. Show up in the morning (or afternoon depending on the season) and conduct an hour of PRT. Nothing insane. Can't remember ever even doing a ruck march there. There is gym PT for those with profiles, and PT Exemption for those that make 270 with 90 in each event. PT Exemption is especially a blessing here - you'll want that time to study the language and work out on your time after or before.
If you're not PT exempt, and on academic study hall, i seriously doubt you'll have time to attend crossfit and still get a decent amount of sleep each night. But who knows, you might!
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) so you basically pcs there? I was concerned about a 64 week school at basically an ait. Bringing family would make it way better.
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see)
Yes. When I was in the military, anything longer than 180 days was a PCS. Be warned your actual AIT (after DLI) will likely be a TDY. Your family can stay in Monterey or PCS ahead of you to your duty station while you're finishing your training.
Yes. When I was in the military, anything longer than 180 days was a PCS. Be warned your actual AIT (after DLI) will likely be a TDY. Your family can stay in Monterey or PCS ahead of you to your duty station while you're finishing your training.
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I just graduated from the Arabic basic course last year...study, study, study...especially as a reclass like I was, I didn't want to go back to my old MOS...also get out in the community and volunteer, there are tons of amazing opportunities. Rent is expensive of course, I lived in pacific grove which was close to post and traffic was minimal on that side of post, the Monterey side can get congested around the tunnel...running along the ocean was always breath taking and motivating. You'll have a lot better time going through as a careerist, not as much lock down as the new privates coming through. Your classmates can become a great asset, ask them to help you if needed. Enjoy the Montetey/big Sur, Carmel area!
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