Russian for Military: How Learning Russian Led to a Salary Raise
In many armed forces, language skills can affect assignment and pay. The US military classifies Russian as an FSI Category III language and offers Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) for qualifying scores on the DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test). This is a success story about a service member who learned Russian with VividRussian School, passed the DLPT, and earned a salary raise.
- How military language pay works for Russian
- The study approach that fit around an active-duty schedule
- DLPT preparation and the result
- Advice for service members in a similar situation
The Background
By preparing for the DLPT with structured online lessons, this service member passed the military Russian language test and qualified for Foreign Language Proficiency Pay — up to $500/month extra, depending on score and branch.
In my branch, Russian is a designated language. If you reach a certain level and pass the required test (the DLPT), you can qualify for language pay — a salary raise. DLPT scores map roughly to CEFR levels, with a 2/2 (listening/reading) corresponding approximately to CEFR B1–B2.
I had basic Russian from earlier training but not enough for the exam. I needed to improve my Russian in a structured way while balancing duty and family.
Preparing for the DLPT or another military language test? Book a free trial and see how our native teachers can help you reach the score you need.
How I Studied
I looked for online Russian lessons that I could do in the evening or on weekends. I found VividRussian School: native teachers, group and individual lessons, and flexible scheduling.
I started with a free trial lesson, then chose individual lessons once or twice a week so we could focus on:
- Military and general vocabulary
- Listening skills
- Speaking under time pressure
- Exam-specific tasks — reading, listening, writing, and speaking sections
My teacher knew I was preparing for a language test and a possible salary raise. We practised the kind of questions and tasks I'd see on the exam. Wondering is Russian hard for English speakers? It's classified as FSI Category III (harder than French but easier than Arabic), and with consistent lessons it's absolutely achievable.
Whether you're preparing for the DLPT, OPI, or another assessment, our teachers can tailor lessons to military and government testing formats. See pricing plans for individual and group options.
The Result
After several months of consistent lessons, I took the required language test and passed.
My unit processed the language pay, so I received a salary raise. Beyond the money, I'm more confident using Russian in my role.
For me, that's a clear success story: learning Russian with a dedicated teacher led to better pay and better job performance.
If You're in a Similar Situation
If you're in the military (or similar) and Russian can help with assignments or pay, a structured course with native speakers can get you to the level you need. Online lessons make it easier to fit study around duty. For context on study timelines, see how long it takes to learn Russian. You may also find our TRKI/TORFL exam preparation story useful if you're considering civilian certification alongside military testing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What military test is used for Russian?
The primary test is the DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test), which assesses listening and reading on a 0–5 scale using ILR (Interagency Language Roundtable) levels. Some roles also require an OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) for speaking. DLPT scores map roughly to CEFR levels: a 2/2 is approximately B1–B2, and a 3/3 is roughly C1.
How much is military language pay for Russian?
Foreign Language Proficiency Pay (FLPP) varies by branch, score, and mission need. It typically ranges from $100 to $500 per month. Higher DLPT scores and languages designated as critical (Russian qualifies) generally earn more. Some branches offer additional bonuses for maintaining proficiency over time.
What level of Russian is required for the DLPT?
There's no minimum level to sit the test, but to qualify for language pay most branches require at least a 2/2 (listening/reading) on the ILR scale, which corresponds roughly to CEFR B1–B2. Higher scores (2+/2+ or 3/3) unlock higher pay tiers. Preparation typically takes several months of consistent study, especially for the listening component.
Interested in improving your Russian for career or pay? Book a free trial lesson at VividRussian School and see how we can tailor lessons to your goals.