FLPB Calculator
Calculate your estimated Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus based on Critical Skill Modality Proficiency.
Cryptologic Language Analysts (1N3/1A8) are authorized payment at ILR 2 and higher. Note: Speaking pay requires meeting specific DAFI criteria.
Estimated Monthly FLPB
Max $12,000 per 12-month period
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Guidance (DoD FMR Vol. 7A, Ch 19)
Rates used in this calculator:
| ILR Level | Listening | Reading | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0 | $0 | $50 |
| 1+ | $50 | $50 | $75 |
| 2 | $50 | $50 | $100 |
| 2+ | $200 | $200 | $200 |
| 3 | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| 3+ | $350 | $350 | $350 |
| 4 / 4+ / 5 | $400 | $400 | $400 |
DAFI 36-4005 Categories
Navigating the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB) can be a complex process. According to DAFI 36-4005 (27 July 2023), simply speaking a second language is not enough to trigger a bonus—you must fall into a specific eligibility category.
Below is a detailed breakdown of every authorized category to help you identify where you fit and what requirements you must meet to receive your incentive pay.
Individual Eligibility Categories
Each category below defines who is eligible, which languages are "payable," and the minimum scores required for certification.
3.4. Foreign Area Officers (FAO)
FAOs are officers (16FX/16ZX) who specialize in a specific global region, combining language skills with regionally focused academic degrees.
Proficiency: Authorized at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities (Listening, Reading, Speaking).
Scope: Eligible for all approved languages within their assigned region. However, they must maintain a 2/2 in their primary target language before they can qualify for pay in additional regional languages.
Certification: Must possess a SAF/IA FAO certification letter dated 1 Jan 2007 or later.
3.5. Cryptologic Language Analysts (CLA)
This applies to enlisted Airmen in the 1N3X1 (Ground) and 1A8X1 (Airborne) career fields.
Proficiency: Authorized at L2/R2 or higher for their Control Language (CLANG).
Note on Speaking: Generally, CLAs are only paid for Listening and Reading. Speaking (S2 or higher) is only authorized if the member scores L3/R3 in their CLANG or fills a specific "speaking-coded" billet (e.g., Defense Threat Reduction Agency linguist or language instructor).
Dialects: For certain shreds (like Arabic or Persian), multiple dialects are considered the CLANG for pay purposes.
3.6. Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) Interpreters
DTRA recruits and trains enlisted interpreters (9L000 RI) to enable WMD deterrence and treaty missions.
Proficiency: Authorized for Russian at ILR Level 2 or higher in any combination of two or more modalities (L, R, S).
Timeline: Eligibility is effective starting the first day of their 47-week advanced training course at DLIFLC.
3.7. Language Designated Positions (LDP)
An LDP is a specific duty position on the Unit Manpower Document (UMD) officially coded for a language.
Requirements: You must be officially assigned to the language-coded billet. Generic "HZ" (generic language) coding is invalid and does not authorize pay.
Proficiency: Authorized for ILR Level 2 or higher in any two or more modalities (L, R, S) for the language required by the billet.
ARC Members: Reserve and Guard members on full-time orders (Title 10/32) can qualify if their orders or a Memorandum for Record (MFR) specify the language requirements.
3.8. Language Enabled Airman Program (LEAP) Personnel
Managed by the AFCLC, this is a volunteer program open to service members across most career fields.
Requirements: Must hold SEI YHQ (Officer) or 106 (Enlisted) and meet annual program milestones.
Proficiency: Authorized for their designated LEAP CLANG at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities.
3.9. Air Force SOF and MSAS Personnel
These units support Special Operations and partner-nation aviation development.
Proficiency: This category features the lowest entry threshold in the Air Force: members are eligible at ILR 1+ in Listening/Reading and ILR 1 in Speaking.
Two-Score OPI: These members may use a 2SOPI to "infer" a listening score from a speaking score for pay purposes up to Level 2.
3.10. Olmsted Scholars
Junior officers pursuing overseas graduate-level education in a foreign language.
Proficiency: Authorized for their program language at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities while assigned to the program.
3.11. Overseas Developmental Education (ODE) Students
Students attending foreign military staff colleges (Intermediate or Senior Developmental Education).
Proficiency: Authorized for the program language at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities.
3.12. International Health Specialists (IHS)
Medics applying regional expertise and language skills to support global health engagement missions.
Requirements: Authorized for the languages and modalities designated by their position while assigned to an LDP.
Proficiency: Authorized at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities.
3.13. Adjunct Foreign Language Faculty at USAFA
Members certified as adjunct professors teaching at the United States Air Force Academy.
Proficiency: Authorized for the language they teach at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities during the period of assignment.
3.14. AFOSI Personnel
Language-enabled personnel supporting criminal investigations and counterintelligence.
Proficiency: Agents in LDPs are eligible at Level 2. Even if not in an LDP, agents assigned to specific PAS codes (WG07XXXX) are eligible for Strategic/Critical languages (such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Korean) at Level 2 or higher.
3.15. Exchange Program Participants
Members in the Military Personnel Exchange Program (MPEP) or Engineer and Scientist Exchange Program (ESEP).
Proficiency: Authorized for their program language at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities while assigned.
3.16. Air Traffic Controllers (1C1)
Requirements: Must hold the SEI 055.
Proficiency: Authorized specifically for French and Spanish at ILR Level 2 or higher in any two modalities.
3.17. Bilateral Affairs Officer (BAO)
National Guard members serving as liaisons to state partner countries.
Proficiency: Authorized for all approved languages in their assigned country at ILR Level 2 or higher. Eligibility is limited to the duration of the BAO assignment.
3.18. Ad-hoc FLPB
For emergency, unplanned, or contingency operations where language skills are required.
Requirements: Must be documented in writing by a commander. Paid as a lump sum based on the specific dates the language was used.
Proficiency: Must achieve ILR Level 2 or higher in the specific modality required for the mission.