Can you pick which language you learn as an Air Force Crypto-Linguist?

Question

Also, I have a wife and two children and would like any insight as to how often I might be away from home as a ground based linguist.

Answer 1

You will be assigned a language based on your test scores..you may be able to choose between two, but you can't simply say I want X and nothing else.  Languages that are studies are one needed by the military..Russian, Chinese, Farsi...you won't find Japanese, Spanish or French among the usual offerings.  As for how often you will be away...there is no way to accurately answer that for anyone in the service.  The military will send you where they need you and that need can change often and easily.  The AF tends to have fewer and shorter deployments, but linguists can find themselves on more unaccompanied tours than say a medical admin tech.  

Answer 2

nope.  when you show up to Monterey they may say: here, choose between these Three..and they may all be Farsi.

what language you qualify for is based on your DLAB score.   what language you GET is based on what they have  classes starting up  in when you arrive.  

in the Navy CTIs deploy a lot  I imagine the AF is the same.