Can someone explain how FLPB works in the Navy? Do I have to take the DLAB? Also where to find training materials?

Question

I've noticed that on their Immediate and Emergent Languages list they have strange languages that are hard to acquire training in:

Arabic (Iraqi), Arabi (Yemeni), Baluchi, Pashto-Afghan, Dari, Farsi, Somali, Swahili, Urdu, Fulani, Punjabi, Uzbek, Wolof, Bengali, Krio

All of these languages cannot be found in most universities, yet if I want FLPB I would need to learn at least one of them. Where can I find training materials for these languages aside from Rosetta Stone? I want to become proficient at the intermediate level

Answer 1

Private lessons.



Learning a language and becoming proficient enough at it so that you would be eligible for special pay is all on you. Most speakers of these languages grew up speaking them. And you don't get the pay just because you're language proficient - the Navy must decide that you are also in a rank, rate, and position where the language is a necessity.



The DLAB is taken only if someone is trying to choose a rate that requires a language skill and the Navy will teach them. It doesn't use any real language, but assesses one's ability and potential to learn a language. Proficiency tests are completely separate and the only language included is the one being tested.

Answer 2

You clearly do not understand. The level of proficiency required is nearly that of a native speaker. You need to be able to read and translate highly technical material.

Answer 3

Not sure how things work nowadays, but I'm Filipino and when I was in the Army I took the DLPT for Tagalog (Filipino). I passed with flying colors and got the extra pay even though my MOS and job position had nothing to do with speaking a language.

Answer 4

you take the DLPT.



quite frankly, it is geared towards NATIVE SPEAKERS. no one is going to score well enough on the DLPT by wasting their money on Rosetta stone or taking a college class.



furthermore you only GET Pro Pay if your BILLET AUTHORIZES IT.



BM3 Joe Schmucatelli on a DDG in the middle of the Pacific ocean is not going to rate Pro Pay for Pashto even if he grew up in Afghanistan.

Answer 5

try a book store