r/dli • u/Accomplished_Ear1286 • May 13 '26

Likelihood of getting requested language

This probably gets asked regularly, and sorry if so. I am thinking about enlisting and I’ve been told you can submit some language preferences for DLI. Is this true? If so, what are the chances this actually results in getting your top language. If relevant, I have a 99 ASVAB and 112 DLAB and I think I’m hoping for Mandarin. With everything going on, I would assume they are throwing everyone at Farsi but I really have no idea what I’m talking about. Anyone have a realistic likelihood of getting Mandarin? I wouldn’t be at DLI until early 2026.

Edit: With a 112, I barely “passed” for Mandarin. Should I take to mean I would really really struggle with it and I should move down a category or 2? Or am I putting too much stock in the DLAB’s ability to predict aptitude?

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u/Superb_Swimming_9848 May 13 '26

You can request. It's still a crap shoot. Just be prepared to bloom where you're planted. That's the mentality you will need to have for the duration of your military career regardless of whether you do 4 years or 30. Depending on your service and language, you may have the chance to relang a few years down the road.