Army Linguists have many options within the Army Language Program. Here is a brief description of the programs currently available to Army Linguists.

Skilled Linguists are soldiers who are already proficient in a foreign language and enlist for Military Intelligence MOSs 35M and 35P. Since they do not require language training DLI, they enlist at the rank of Specialist and receive an additional enlistment bonus. In addition to the basic qualification a 2/2 or better on the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), other qualifications include U.S. Citizen citizenship (non-wavierable), a minimum 91 ST line score, normal color vision (at least red/green color distinction), and be eligible for a security clearance.

Interpreter/Translator (09L)
The nation's defense depends on information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, radio broadcasts and other sources. Therefore, it's very important that some members of the Army be able to read and understand the many languages of the world. Nowhere is this more important than in the Middle Eastern countries of Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently the Army offers this option to selected Middle-Eastern language speaking individuals to serve on both Active and Reserve Duty. Requirements also include U.S. Citizenship or a Permanent Registration Card (I-551).

Defense Language Institute (35W and selected)
Don't know a foreign language but want to learn one? The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLI-FLC) teaches a wide range of languages to meet the nation's needs. In addition to the basic enlistment standards, all you need to do to qualify is meet the minimum standards of the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB).

Foreign Language Recruiting Initiative (FLRI)
The goal of the initiative is to provide young men and women who demonstrate ability in their native Spanish language and achieve a score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) in the Category IV range an opportunity to serve in the U.S. Army. The program is currently only offered to native Spanish speakers.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Training
This training is for qualified applicants who require some improvement in English proficiency. They attend this training before they go to Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

Army English Comprehension Enlistment Option
This option is open to all qualified applicants without prior service who do not comprehend the English Language proficiently. This will allow individuals who do not possess the basic skills to enlist in the Regular Army unassigned. They must attend the English Language Training Program and enlist for four years.