DLIFLC

The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) is a United States Department of Defense education and training institution dedicated to teaching foreign languages and related culture studies to military personnel and other government professionals. It serves as the DoD's primary center for language training, regional expertise, and cross-cultural knowledge to support national security and operational readiness.

DLIFLC is headquartered on the Presidio of Monterey in Monterey, California, with facilities on the historic campus and at other DoD sites in the area. It operates under the Defense Language Programs within the DoD and collaborates with U.S. military services, civilian employees, and allied partners.

The center offers language instruction in a broad range of languages, from commonly taught to less commonly taught languages. Programs cover beginner to advanced levels and include language, culture, and area studies, as well as translation, interpretation, and linguist training for military operations.

Instruction employs classroom teaching, computer-assisted learning, immersive activities, and field and cultural training. Proficiency is measured using standardized tests such as the Defense Language Proficiency Test and related oral assessments; results determine course placement and advancement.

The institution traces its roots to World War II-era language programs and has evolved through DoD reorganizations to operate as DLIFLC today. It serves active-duty service members across the armed forces, reserve personnel, and select DoD civilians, preparing personnel for a wide array of linguistic duties.

As a cornerstone of the DoD’s language training mission, DLIFLC continues to expand its language offerings, pedagogy, and support for multilingual readiness across the U.S. military.