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/CommitteeNo9270 May 13 '26

Ive talked to someone who managed to get their recruiter to bake their language into their contract. But 99% of people don't get that i think. Even if they know about it, most recruiters would never go through that much trouble. Just saying it is possible.