Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP)

What FLPP Is

Per 37 USC 31637 USC 316 and DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 19, Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) compensates members proficient in foreign languages valuable to DOD. FLPP supports retention of language-skilled members and incentivizes language proficiency development.

FLPP can be substantial. The rate varies by language demand and proficiency level.

Languages and Categories

DOD designates languages by strategic importance. Categories shift based on operational needs.

Strategic Languages (Highest Demand)

Higher payment rates apply.

• Arabic (multiple dialects)
• Chinese (Mandarin and others)
• Dari, Pashto, Farsi
• Russian
• Korean
• Specific languages per current strategic priorities

High-Demand Languages

Mid-tier payment rates.

• French (specific contexts)
• Spanish (specific contexts)
• Other languages per current designations

Lower-Demand Languages

Lower or no FLPP for general proficiency. May apply for specific operational use.

DOD updates the designated language list periodically.

DLPT - The Test

The Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is the standard measurement.

DLPT Format

• Listening proficiency test
• Reading proficiency test
• Some languages also have speaking tests
• Members test once for each language they claim

DLPT Levels

• Level 0: No proficiency
• Level 1: Elementary proficiency
• Level 2: Limited working proficiency
• Level 3: General professional proficiency
• Level 4: Advanced professional proficiency
• Level 5: Functionally native proficiency

Higher levels earn higher FLPP rates.

FLPP Rate Structure

Per DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 19, FLPP rates vary based on.

• Language category (high-demand vs lower-demand)
• DLPT scores in listening and reading
• Whether member is in language-required billet

Example Rate Tiers

Specific amounts updated annually. Reference current DOD FMR.

Eligibility Requirements

A Marine receives FLPP when meeting these.

• Active duty status
• Documented DLPT scores at minimum required levels
• Language is on current FLPP-eligible list
• DLPT scores are current (typically annually)
• Member uses or maintains the language

Performance Steps for FLPP Processing

Step 1 - Verify DLPT Qualification

Pull member's DLPT records.

• Verify recent DLPT scores in listening and reading
• Verify scores meet minimum thresholds
• Verify language is on FLPP-eligible list
• Note scores and levels

Step 2 - Determine Rate

Per DOD FMR Volume 7ADOD FMR Volume 7A Chapter 19.

• Look up rate for member's language category
• Apply rate based on combined DLPT scores
• Verify any specific assignment-based modifiers

Step 3 - Process UD/MIPS Transaction

Apply FLPP via UD/MIPS.

• Specific FLPP transaction code per MCTFSCODESMAN
• Effective date of qualifying scores
• Monthly recurring pay activated

Step 4 - Verify EDFR

Confirm processing within 5 business days.

• FLPP posts at correct rate
• Member sees FLPP on next LES

Step 5 - Track Annual DLPT

For continued FLPP.

• Member must retest annually (typical cycle)
• Track each member's DLPT expiration date
• Coordinate retest scheduling
• Process FLPP changes based on new scores

DLPT Annual Cycle

FLPP requires current DLPT.

• DLPT scores are current for typically 1 year
• Member retests annually to maintain pay
• Higher scores increase pay
• Lower scores decrease pay
• Failure to test stops FLPP

The annual retest is essential.

When FLPP Stops or Changes

FLPP changes when.

• Member retests with different scores
• Annual currency expires without retest
• Language removed from FLPP-eligible list
• Member transfers from language-related duty (in some specific cases)
• Member separates or retires

Common FLPP Errors

These hit during PAC processing.

1. DLPT expired but FLPP continues. Annual retest missed. Stop FLPP after currency expires until retested.
2. Rate not updated after retest. Member retested with higher scores but rate not increased. Process rate update.
3. FLPP not started after qualifying. Member achieved qualifying scores but FLPP never started. Process retroactive start.
4. Wrong rate for language category. Language category may have shifted. Verify current category and rate.
5. FLPP applied to non-eligible language. Language not on current FLPP list. Verify and correct.

Multiple Language FLPP

A member may receive FLPP for multiple languages.

• Each language has its own rate
• Combined FLPP for multiple languages may apply
• Specific stacking rules per DOD FMR
• Total FLPP capped at maximum per DOD provisions

FLPP and Other Pays

FLPP coordinates with other special pays.

• BAH applies independently
• BAS applies independently
• HFP applies if combat zone
• SDAP applies if member also in special duty
• Each pay is separate

Audit Implications

FLPP is audit-relevant.

• FLPP without current DLPT creates findings
• Wrong rate creates compounding pay error
• FLPP for non-eligible language creates findings

PAC accuracy on FLPP supports unit audit posture.

DLPT Resources

Members access DLPT through.

• Defense Language Institute (DLI) at Monterey, California
• DLPT-certified test centers worldwide
• Online DLPT scheduling
• Specific testing periods at member's installation

I&I admin coordinates testing for reservist members.

Documentation Required

For FLPP actions, PAC needs.

• DLPT score reports (current within annual cycle)
• Member's qualifying language documentation
• Annual currency verification
• Coordination with command for language-required assignments

Quality Control

Before submitting FLPP transactions.

• Verify DLPT scores current
• Verify language on FLPP-eligible list
• Verify rate per current DOD FMR
• Verify effective dates correct

Coordination Touchpoints

FLPP processing touches.

• DLI Foreign Language Center: For DLPT testing
• HQMC Manpower: For language-required billet assignments
• Member's chain of command: For language use verification
• Local installation testing center: For DLPT scheduling

Related Roles

FLPP affects language-qualified Marines.

• Marines maintain DLPT currency and verify FLPP on LES.
• Leaders support member language testing and currency.
• Commanders at language-required units track member FLPP eligibility.