What's the signing bonus for becoming a linguist (in any branch of the military)?

Question

I just took my asvab and scored well over the amount needed to take the DLAB, assuming I pass the DLAB with a high enough score to get into any branch as a linguist, what are the benefits in each branch?

Answer 1

The most recent person I know who joined the Army as a linguist (35W) is getting $39,000 bonus, plus $71,000 in college money.

Even 8 years ago, when I joined, the linguists were getting $20,000.

I know a lot of linguists in the Army, it is not unusual for a linguist in the Army to be promoted to Sergeant First Class (E-7) in 8 years.

Half of the time that you are in the military as a linguist, you are working together with all of the branches, so join the branch that suits YOUR needs best.  You also want to look at promotion opportunities, which are usually best in the Army.

No matter which branch you choose, before you go to MEPS to sign the contract, have your recruiter put you in contact with an actual linguist, so you can get the real deal from someone who knows.

Answer 2

If there is a sign on bonus for becoming a linguist, it will be in the $10K+ range.  But you won't get it if you don't complete the training.  It is one of the hardest training.  If you want to become a linguist make sure you join the Air Force.  Like the others had mentioned, talk with a recruiter (Air Force).

Answer 3

Even if you do well enough on the DLAB to get to the DoD language school, there's a pretty good chance you won't finish it.  It's considered to be the most difficult school in the military and it's a year long.  Then there's the security clearance...

Answer 4

linguists are in high demand so i would assume the sign on would be substantial.  Check with your recruiters.  I think the Army has the largest sign on bonus of all the branches.