Foreign Language Specialist
Job Overview
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.
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Official Qualification Requirements
Requirements being verified against the official service publication. We do not display unofficial or estimated scores — contact a recruiter for the current minimum.
Last verified: 2026-08-14
Requirements are subject to change by the Department of Defense and each service. Always confirm the current standard with an official recruiter before making a decision.
Required in practice. Recruiting sites do not print a job-by-job rule, but this specialty needs access to classified information, and federal personnel-security rules (32 CFR 117.10 and the SEAD-4 adjudicative guidelines) limit security clearances to U.S. citizens. Verified August 2026.
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Bonuses & Special Pay
Bonus availability changes frequently — confirm current amounts with a recruiter.