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35W Foreign Language Specialist

As a Foreign Language Specialist, you’ll go to the Defense Language Institute (DLI) for language training. There you will learn how to speak, listen, and read in your target language. During your time at DLI you will also be immersed in the culture of your target language’s region. Upon graduation of language training at DLI, you will be eligible for an associate degree in foreign language. Foreign Language Specialists will be assessed and attend either 35M or 35P Advanced Individual Training.

ASVABThe current public GoArmy profile does not list a qualifying line score
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 85 or above on the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) (active duty only) + 101 ASVAB Score: Skilled Technical (ST) *can bypass DLAB with an ST score of 129 or above + 36-64 weeks of education at the Defense Foreign Language Institute required if Soldier is not fluent in a foreign language
Physical demandsModerate
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Foreign Language Specialist, you’ll go to the Defense Language Institute (DLI) for language training.
  • There you will learn how to speak, listen, and read in your target language.
  • During your time at DLI you will also be immersed in the culture of your target language’s region.
  • Upon graduation of language training at DLI, you will be eligible for an associate degree in foreign language.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Intelligence CollectionDebriefing & InterrogationIntelligence Gathering & AnalysisCommunicate EffectivelyInterest in other culturesSelf-discipline, confidence, and intelligenceEnjoy helping and caring for others

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 9–24 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (64 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Intelligence Studies
  • International Relations

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 35W experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Interpreter

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Technology and telecommunications companies, Government agencies, Government contractors

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Potential role

Translator

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Technology and telecommunications companies, Government agencies, Government contractors

Search current Translator jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Intelligence Analyst

Illustrative salary information: $55,000–$125,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Technology and telecommunications companies, Government agencies, Government contractors

Search current Intelligence Analyst jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

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