Language Testing?

[daysi_cruse]

I heard that if you score high enough on the language placement test when you get to the academy that you dont have to take a language class while at the academy. Is this true?

 

[raimius]

Not that I know of. Usually, you will be placed in a "strategic language" if you score highly. All cadets must take a language now. (I am unaware of exceptions/validation, but there may be one.)

 

[daysi_cruse]

Well a major in my squadron told me that because he scored high enough on the language placement test that he didnt have to take a language but that was 10 years ago so it could have changed.

 

[PDub]

During basic you'll have to take the DLAB (Defense Language Aptitude Battery), and scoring high on the test will likely get you assigned a strategic language. However, if you are already very good at a language and decide to take the placement test for that language, and is able to validate at least one semester, then you can pretty much be guaranteed to be placed in that language. The DLAB doesn't hold much weight if you take any language validation tests.

That being said I've never heard of anyone not taking a foreign language at all (with the exception of exchange and international cadets), just people validating into higher level classes.

 

[raimius]

Engineering majors did not always have to take a language. They do now. The academy required all cadets to take a language starting for the class of 2011.