What MOS can you get if you fail out of DLI?

2017-12-27T16:35:52-05:00

DLI is a tough school. Not everyone can pass. What are some likely reclass options if one fails? I know people don't like to ask this kind of question (because it may appear as if one is planning to fail) but I'm going through difficulty right now with listening in my target language. I would like to know if it's possible to stay in intelligence, even if you don't cut it as a linguist.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 5:04 PM

2017-12-27T17:04:05-05:00

It's possible, but more often than not, if you fail out of your MOS school, you will get reclassed to a different MOS based on the needs of the Army.

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 28 at 2017 7:51 AM

2017-12-28T07:51:47-05:00

98C linguist (yeah I'm old) chiming in here --

Find a tutor/mentor - there should be plenty of potentials candidates to assist you, but it's likely you are just feeling the firehose of immersive learning. It WILL become easier and you WILL get it.

That said, if you are a 35P, there is a chance you may get reclassed to 35N or 35F -- there is already a sunk investment in your security investigation. If, however, your clearance doesn't pan out -- needs of the Army. Hope this helps -- Keep Grinding - Good Luck.

Response by SGT Casey Bradford made Dec 29 at 2017 1:52 AM

2017-12-29T01:52:36-05:00

I was at DLI back in 2011-2012 for Chinese Mandarin (best 63 weeks of my army life) If you fail out you can do a few things, depending on your current language you ask to be placed in a lower cat lang i.e. I was in Chinese if I had failed I could have petitioned for Spanish or French. This doesnt happen often but I've seen it go down. The other option is to ask to become a 35N. These are the analysts that work along side the linguists. They get station in the same companies, work in the same enviroment, they just play a different role. Your ASVAB and DLAB scores are obviously high enough to get you to the Presidio, the chance of you going to 88M or 11B without asking for it are slim. I saw a few ppl go become radiology techs, one went off to become a 35M (She ended up becoming a bad ass) so there are other options.
The one thing you need to know is you are your best and sometimes ONLY advocate in these situations. If you show determination and grit it won't go unnoticed. Fight to keep your grades up, go to study hall or speaking club every night if its still available and drive on. I spent 63 weeks going to mandatory speaking club for Chinese every night in order to pass, in the end walked away with a 2+/2/2. If I had failed they would have seen my willingness to bust my ass and it would have worked in my favor when it came time to reclass.
Good Luck, hang in there, you picked arguably the most mentally challenging MOS in the Army, kick its ass.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Dec 31 at 2017 3:23 PM

2017-12-31T15:23:49-05:00

There is always Cook, that is what we were threatened with.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2018 11:39 AM

2018-02-27T11:39:09-05:00

ARSOF Recruiters from Ft Carson cover DLI, we make trips there every few months to recruit exactly the people you are talking about for Civil Affairs, PsyOps, and Special Forces. Since you are already fairly well language trained (pass or not pass) you have a heads up for SOF language school and the cultural knowledge we seek. If interested, PM me or attend the upcoming briefing at DLI for students in your position.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 14 at 2018 9:03 PM

2018-10-14T21:03:27-04:00

Usually cooks, combat arms or 88 series..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 14 at 2018 10:08 PM

2018-10-14T22:08:43-04:00

It's the current needs of the Army. I have a guy in my unit who failed out of DLI and was sent to 91S.