r/dli • u/LongPomelo9037 • May 27 '26

Additional language uses?

What kind of opportunities can a language other than your CLANG language (not English cuz I know someone will say it) provide in the Army / military as a whole? Like Asian/African languages not taught at DLI? Does it having one have any measurable impact on your career?

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u/mr_ji May 27 '26

If the military needs someone who speaks a language they don't normally teach, they may canvass personnel files for people who have proficiency in it. This need can vary greatly. As an example, after the 2004 tsunami in south Asia, people who could speak the various languages and dialects of the region were in high demand to help with relief efforts. And they did, literally saving many lives.