If I join as a 35W, will I have a choice with what language I will be given to learn? Will I transition to another MOS after DLI?

2024-08-29T05:58:19-04:00

I got an 88 on my ASVAB and I’m interested in going into the 35-series. I recently took my DLAB at meps and got a 125, which I believe qualifies me for category IV. Does this mean I’m guaranteed to get a language from that category? And is there anything I can do to make me more likely to get one of those languages?

Also, I was told by my recruiter when looking at 35w(Foreign language specialist) that I would get funneled into either 35m or 35p after DLI; Is this true? And what decides on that as well?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2024 7:41 AM

2024-08-29T07:41:13-04:00

For your ASVAB, what is more important for MI are your GT and ST scores.
A DLAB of 125 means there is a very good chance, though not guaranteed, that you will be in a CAT IV language. There is no way to guarantee what language you get.
The language you get will be determined by needs of the Army and what you qualify for.
As a 35W you absolutely attend either 35M or 35P after DLI. 35W is only a feeder MOS to get you to DLI and then one of those two MOS tracks. The track you get will be dependent on needs of the Army.

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 29 at 2024 8:38 AM

2024-08-29T08:38:34-04:00

"Choice" of your language? No. You will submit a preference for your choices, but the language will be assigned based on your DLAB, background, preference and needs of the Army.

It's a safe bet that with a 125 DLAB you won't be given Spanish. While it's likely you'll have a Category IV language (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean), the other factors will weigh in as well. However, since all but 4 of the 13 languages on the Army's Strategic Language List* are dialects of Arabic or Chinese, it's probable you'll go into one of those.

The recruiter information is accurate. 35W is an entry MOS that feeds into either 35M or 35P. Much of the same criteria for your language goes into becoming a 35M or 35P (same criteria, evaluated differently). DLAB will focus heavily, but it the needs of the Army will be a 'screening' factor (i.e., if there isn't a need for junior enlisted 35Ps in your language, you won't go 35P).
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* Army's FY24 Strategic Language List - https://www.hrc.army.mil/wcmt-api/sites/default/wcmtfiles/files/21086_0.pdf
* AR 11-6 (Army Foreign Language Program) - https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN37270-AR_11-6-000-WEB-1.pdf

21086_0.pdf

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 30 at 2024 3:53 PM

2024-08-30T15:53:49-04:00

You will fill out a dream sheet, but ultimately you will learn whatever language the Army needs, our you can stay home, it isn't MacDonalds. Sorry

Response by SGT David Wyatt made Sep 9 at 2024 10:48 AM

2024-09-09T10:48:32-04:00

Don’t go for the generic mos. Ask for what you want exactly get it specified in your contract. Be an absolute stickler for exactly what you want. You only have leverage on reenlisting and initial entry. Don’t let the lifers sell you a line of bs. With high enough scores and a recruiter that needs numbers you write your own ticket. If the army won’t do what you ask there are 5 other services and numerous other government organisations that will send you to dli. Trust me the linguistic part is better than the gi Joe part anyway. Don’t get me wrong I love the army but remember everything has a waiver. Most times you just have to stick to your guns, learn the rules and how to use them to your advantage. Enjoy Monterey, it’s great.