Boost Your Air Force Pay with Language Skills
Are you an Air Force member looking to increase your pay? One way to do so is by developing language skills. The Air Force offers a range of language-related special pays and bonuses to incentivize airmen to learn and maintain foreign language proficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways you can maximize your Air Force pay with language skills.
Language Proficiency Bonus (LPB)
The Language Proficiency Bonus (LPB) is a monthly payment made to airmen who demonstrate language proficiency in a foreign language. The LPB is based on the airman’s language proficiency level, as determined by the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT). The DLPT measures language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
To be eligible for the LPB, airmen must:
- Be proficient in a foreign language
- Be assigned to a position that requires language proficiency
- Have a valid DLPT score
- Be in a pay grade of E-1 to O-6
The LPB payment ranges from 100 to 500 per month, depending on the airman’s language proficiency level and the language itself.
Language Skill Identifier (LSI)
The Language Skill Identifier (LSI) is a special identifier assigned to airmen who demonstrate language proficiency in a foreign language. The LSI is used to identify airmen who have the language skills necessary to perform their duties effectively.
Airmen with an LSI are eligible for special pays and bonuses, including the LPB. To obtain an LSI, airmen must:
- Pass the DLPT with a score of 2+ or higher
- Complete a language training course
- Have a valid language proficiency certificate
Cryptologic Language Analyst (CLA) Bonus
The Cryptologic Language Analyst (CLA) bonus is a special pay for airmen who work in cryptologic language analysis. The CLA bonus is paid to airmen who are proficient in a foreign language and work in a position that requires language analysis.
To be eligible for the CLA bonus, airmen must:
- Be proficient in a foreign language
- Be assigned to a position that requires language analysis
- Have a valid DLPT score
- Be in a pay grade of E-1 to O-6
The CLA bonus payment ranges from 200 to 1,000 per month, depending on the airman’s language proficiency level and the language itself.
Language Training Opportunities
The Air Force offers a range of language training opportunities to help airmen develop their language skills. These opportunities include:
- The Defense Language Institute (DLI)
- The Air Force Language School
- Language training courses offered through the Air Force’s Professional Military Education (PME) system
Airmen can also take advantage of online language training resources, such as language learning apps and websites.
📚 Note: Airmen should consult with their unit's language training manager to determine the best language training opportunities for their career field and language needs.
Conclusion
Developing language skills can be a great way to maximize your Air Force pay. With the LPB, LSI, and CLA bonus, airmen can earn extra pay for demonstrating language proficiency in a foreign language. Additionally, the Air Force offers a range of language training opportunities to help airmen develop their language skills. By taking advantage of these opportunities, airmen can increase their pay and advance their careers.
What is the Language Proficiency Bonus (LPB)?
+
The LPB is a monthly payment made to airmen who demonstrate language proficiency in a foreign language.
How do I get an Language Skill Identifier (LSI)?
+
To get an LSI, airmen must pass the DLPT with a score of 2+ or higher, complete a language training course, and have a valid language proficiency certificate.
What is the Cryptologic Language Analyst (CLA) bonus?
+
The CLA bonus is a special pay for airmen who work in cryptologic language analysis and are proficient in a foreign language.
