Which Language Should I Choose?

When embarking on your linguistic journey with the U.S. Army as a 35P (Cryptologic Linguist) or 35M (Interrogator), one of the most exciting aspects is the opportunity to choose your language. But with this choice comes an important decision: which language will offer you the most benefits?

The DLPT and Language Pay

Your language proficiency is measured by the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), which assesses your reading, listening, and speaking skills. For 35P, only reading and listening are tested after leaving the Defense Language Institute (DLI). The higher your scores, the more you earn in language pay.

Strategic Language Choices

Farsi: A Two-for-One Deal
Choosing Farsi can be a smart move. Not only do you learn this beautiful language, but you can also test out in Dari, a closely related language. This strategy can significantly boost your language pay. For instance, opting for Farsi could earn you an extra $400 per month with the addition of Dari, potentially adding up to $19,200 over four years on top of your base language pay of 600$ for Farsi.

Arabic: The Linguistic Goldmine
Arabic, however, might be the ultimate choice for maximizing your language pay. Here's why:

• Multiple dialects: The military treats each Arabic dialect as a separate language.

• Potential for seven different qualifications: By learning Arabic, you could potentially test out in about seven different dialects.

• Maximizing pay: This strategy allows you to reach the maximum language pay regardless of individual scores.

Future Considerations

The Army is planning to increase the monthly language pay to $1,750. With this change, Arabic is set to become the only language that will enable you to reach this maximum pay level. This could create a significant financial advantage compared to peers who choose languages like Mandarin, Russian, or Korean, who might only receive $600 per month.

Making Your Decision

While financial benefits are important, remember to consider your personal interests and aptitudes when choosing a language. The best language for you will be one that not only offers good pay but also aligns with your passions and career goals. Choosing the right language can make a substantial difference in your Army career and financial future. Whether you opt for the Farsi-Dari combination or dive into the diverse world of Arabic dialects, your language skills will be a valuable asset both in the military and beyond. I personally chose Farsi which has been a great language to learn, rich in history and literature. It also turned out to have been the best choice for me, because I always intended to do at least 2 terms in the Army, so I just re-enlisted for 80k and the opportunity to change my primary language to Arabic, which mean another language, and another year and a half at the DLI and 1750$ per month in language pay once I am done! This job is the best kept secret in the Army.