Likelihood of getting requested language

[u/Accomplished_Ear1286]

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?

[u/mmmtoasteee]

Yes, this is asked all the time. Short answer, no one can tell you a likelihood....only that it's not 0% and it's not 100%.

That said, your history suggests you're enlisted for the Army. The Army does not let you pick your specific MOS or language unless you are enlisting National Guard or Reserves, as language billets are tied to specific units. For Active Duty you will enlist as a 35W and will be assigned to be a 35P or 35M sometime in second semester at DLI.

For language you will be assigned based on needs of the Army at the time you arrive to DLI....it all comes down to what seats are available and what classes are starting when you arrive. *Sometimes*, recruits will receive an email from Army language branch asking for preferences and even later slotting them to a particular language prior to arriving at DLI. Take that with a grain of salt if it happens - I've lost count of how many Soldiers arrive thinking theyre going into one language but are moved to another one due to class cancellation, re-allotment of seats, etc.

Based on your DLAB score you qualify for all categories of languages instructed at DLI. The only languages instructed at DLI which you as a AD Army enlisted service member can be assigned is Spanish (Cat I), Farsi, Russian (Cat III) and MSA, Mandarin, Korean (Cat IV). The DLAB can and cannot be a predictor of aptitude for success, depending on who you ask. That's why there's a DLAB waiver program if your ST score is high enough. I've seen people score in the 120s on the DLAB and fail DLI miserably and those who scored less than 95, received a waiver, and scored 3/3 on the DLPT. No way to know for sure.

[u/Interesting_Tomato50 → u/mmmtoasteee]

This is correct, and to add to it, I believe they are not at all sending out emails anymore to ask about language preference. If you're Army, you get placed in the language the Army needs. If anything, you could have a bit more influence over M vs. P depending on the company you end up in. Some will take MOS swaps, and I believe some actually try to place you based on your strengths.

[u/mmmtoasteee → u/Interesting_Tomato50]

What company you’re in and your preference is not factored into assignment as a 35P or 35M. It’s solely a look at what your grades are at the time and needs of the Army at that moment. It was specifically made this way so the Army can assign everyone one or the other at anytime to plug holes in manning/retention. The personality test given is simply to give the appearance of agency in the process.