Question about DLAB/DLPT...?

Question

Ok, first realize this is a hypothetical question.

Lets say I scored really well on the DLAB, but could already speak Russian and took the DLPT in Russian and got the highest possible score... would the military still send me to Monterey to learn another language anyhow? What if I still wanted to go there to learn another language?? How would that all work?

thanks

Answer 1

Treehugger, if you scored high enough on the DLPT, they would likely offer you a quick promotion and send you to the next school needed for Russian.

You should ask your recruiter for details but if you wish to guarantee the next language, wait until you go to DLI and take the Russian DLPT *after* you have started another language. On the other hand, it will mean less money for you until you complete the training.

If you know Russian now, you're likely to do well on the DLAB.

Realize that you *may* be able to get a particular language guaranteed in your contract but that if you don't, you may end up in the Russian program. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it doesn't sound like that's what you want.

Another possibility that you can use instead of or with the above is that after you finish your first contract, you may be able to go back to DLI for a second or third language (3rd/4th).

Answer 2

DLAB\DLPT test your ability to learn other languages, and depending on the score depends on what they will send you to school to learn. So if you score really well, then you will be sent to learn a language joe average like me would find incredibly tough to learn. Also, you will be learning to read, write, as well as speak these languages. You can speak Russian, but can you read and write in Russian?

Answer 3

I've got a friend who's been through DLI Monetary twice. In addition to the two languages he was taught he also knew Hungarian from his parents who immigrated to the US from there. He tested for it and scored high enough to have it added to his list of qualified languages.

Right now Russian is a low priority.

Answer 4

all the DLPT does is measure you fluency for Pro pay purposes.

it is possible to go to DLI for a language other than one you already speak. it's just a matter of getting Linguist in your contract.

anyone can take the DLPT and receive Pro pay for a language. Only rated linguists go to DLI..Unless the specific billet they are going to requires lnaguage skills. several of my neighbors attended DLI as non rated linguists but their follow on orders required them to have DLI training.