Keeping up with the times: Depot language testing goes computerized

23 Jun 2008 | Pfc. Daniel Blatter Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Marines with foreign language capabilities have the chance to increase their job opportunities with more specific assignments and higher pay.

The Defense Language Institute in Monterey, Calif., produced a new test to identify Marines with effective foreign language skills. Although the base school is in California, Marines now have the chance to take the test locally at Parris Island.

The tests are designed to determine how well a person can translate in a real-life foreign language atmosphere, said Staff Sgt. Thomas Williams, the staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of foreign languages.

“Recruit Depot Parris Island is the first Marine Corps Depot to go operational with the Defense Language Proficiency Tests,” said Dennis Bywater, a program analyst on Parris Island, who is from Atascadero, Calif.  “The new test has currently been in effect here since June 19. 

“This new test is now offered through recruit training,” Bywater said. “However, if a Marine wants to take it, he or she can.”

“Although the old testing wasn’t as concerned with proficiency in Spanish, the new computerized testing allows all languages, Spanish included,” said Staff Sgt. James R. Nunnery, from Lancaster, S.C., and also a staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge of foreign languages.

The test results will be used to determine operational readiness, incentive pay and training decisions for civilian and military language analysts.

The test is now computerized, and the results are processed immediately. Using the older paper-and-pencil testing, results could take up to eight weeks to process.

“The test is divided into reading and audio sections,” said Williams, from Hampton, S.C. “Examinees have a three-hour time limit to complete each section.”

Although there are three hours allowed for each section, it isn’t as easy as expected.

“I expected to breeze through it, but it was more difficult than expected,” said Rct. Francisco Beas, from Platoon 3060, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion.

The test consists of two categories, the upper and lower-range scoring tables. The lower-range test scores, which scores levels 0 through 3, is the first test Marines and recruits take. A score of at least three is required to qualify for the upper-level test.

The upper-range test measures levels 3 through 4 and is the test that qualifies Marines and recruits for their bilingual benefits, Williams said.

“The new test is more efficient than the previous tests, consisting of more challenging questions and longer phrases to read,” Bywater said. “There are less interruptions; individuals can take the test at their own pace and have up to six hours to complete it.”  The new DLPT is randomly generated, so each day the test is different from the last, he added.

“Once they take the test, they are not eligible to take it again for six months,” Williams said.

“To register to take the test, Marines must go through their chain of command,” said Williams, who is also a drill instructor for Charlie Company, 1st Recruit Training Battalion.

“This test qualifies Marines to get paid for their expertise in foreign languages,” Bywater said. “It is recommended for Marines who speak and read a different language to take advantage of the opportunity and earn a few extra bucks.”

For more information, contact the Defense Language Proficiency Testing Department at 228-3899.


Marine Corps Training and Education Command