Would it be beneficial for a 35L take a crack at DLI?

2019-03-27T15:47:44-04:00

Currently, it seems as if a 35L does not need to go to DLI, therefore I wouldn't have to take the DLAB if I wanted to pursue this career. However, thats not stopping me from wanting to try it out... before I do though:

Is it advantageous for a 35L hopeful, to still take the DLAB?

Would the Army even consider sending a 35L to DLI?

Is knowing a foreign language even something that could be required in the 35L mission set?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 4:03 PM

2019-03-27T16:03:45-04:00

Its possible (but as you say, not a requirement) for a 35L to get a foreign language and DLI. The easiest way to do it would be to get yourself in a billet that requires it. For instance, we have an MI unit in the guard which is a linguist unit in which even the 35L's can get DLI. However the only guarantee is going 35M.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 4:14 PM

2019-03-27T16:14:04-04:00

35L are authorized to go to DLI. However you won't be able to request it until after your AIT and you're on station a year. You won't have to be in a language billet to request it. But you also won't return to your previous location either, and will go where the Army needs you. In addition you'll be required to maintain a 2/2 DLPT the rest of your career.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 27 at 2019 6:10 PM

2019-03-27T18:10:30-04:00

Yes, there are missions for 35Ls having a language is beneficial. These are not common, which is why 35L is not language dependent or even language preferred. That does not mean a 35L cannot get a language, just that the circumstances allowing it will not often be encountered, and those requiring it almost non-existent.

All that being said, if you have a 35L who has a shot at getting a DLI slot, go for it. My view has always been that more training and more capability is never a bad thing. Even if you end up only using that capability once, it was still beneficial to have it (however it may not be cost-effective for the Army, which is why it may be difficult to get that DLI slot).

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2019 8:16 PM

2019-03-27T20:16:23-04:00

Also note, DLI isn’t really a ‘just because I thought it was neat’ type of school. It’s challenging, to say the least. Success generally requires maximum commitment and effort.

The Army can send 35L, but unless learning a language is something that is just absolutely, positively missing in your life, or unless you decide on a different MOS that is language dependent, DLI might not be the best choice. It’s simply a very difficult, time consuming, all-encompassing school.

Best of luck.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2019 11:38 AM

2019-03-28T11:38:57-04:00

Should you? Yes, language capabilities are awesome. DLI gives an Associates degree in the language.
Do you need to? That's up to you.
There are some higher level assignments that having a good language score will help you, or if you desire to join SOF, it'll help. But it's a long school and not easy.

Response by 1SG Paul Tullier made Apr 9 at 2019 10:18 PM

2019-04-09T22:18:04-04:00

You should take every opportunity the military offers! Also, if you become a 35 series, you might serve in a T-HUINT Team and the cultural familiarization is beneficial So go for the language!!! DLI is the best training the military offers!!! Depending on the Unit make up you might get DLI as an option. Good Luck!