Career questions

[Dom]

I'm interested in the World Languages career program so I've been trying to research enlisting in the Navy. I've found a lot of useful information on the DEP program and such, but am still unclear about how one gets into certain careers and I'd like to know before I talk to a recruiter.

For example, it says on the Navy's website that the World Languages career is available without having a college degree (which is good, don't have one), but that "Qualifications for the world languages field are highly demanding. For those who qualify for this field, placement is excellent." What kind of qualifications are they talking about? Some kind of test?

Thanks in advance

[Kristie]

Hi Dom....welcome to the cafe, we are glad you joined us. I am not sure I can help but you might try this link http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjob1/a/cti.htm and see if it might answer some of your questions.....a recruiter is definatly the one to talk to...

Keep us posted and let us know what you decide to do!

[Sirhcrod]

I'm actually in DEP right now, going in as a CTI (Once my new contract comes in at least).

Yes, it's a test that they are talking about. It is the DLAB, which tests your APTITUDE for learning a new language, not your proficiency. It is a test that you really cannot study for apart for studying the parts of English. In my opinion, the test is very fair. A lot of people seem to think that the test makes no sense and isn't a good measure for aptitude, but there are people who score as low as 60, and many who score as high as 140.

You need to get a 100 MINIMUM to be accepted as a CTI, and that will qualify you for languages like Spanish, French, or Russian. Though, I don't believe the Navy recruits anyone in French or Russian. If you get a 110 or above you will be eligible to do CAT IV languages; Arabic, Mandarin, Korean.

If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask!