The Defense Language Institute English Language Center is a U.S. Department of War institution that provides English language training to military and international partners.
The Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC) is the premier institution for English language training within the Department of War. Its mission is to provide worldwide English language training and resident cultural immersion to enable U.S. military and international partners to communicate in support of Department of War and Security Cooperation objectives. The address is 2235 Andrews Ave, JBSA Lackland, TX 78236-5259.
The institution was originally established as the United States Air Force Language School, with an initial mission of teaching English to Allied pilot candidates. In July 1966 the facility was reorganized as the Defense Language Institute English Language School, later designated as a Center. In 1976 the United States Air Force officially assumed Executive Agent responsibility for the schoolhouse. Since 1954, DLIELC has supported the strategic policies and global objectives of the United States Government and the Department of War.
Each year the institute welcomes over 5,500 resident students from 159 partner nations, offering them a chance to learn English and experience American culture. DLIELC is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, which is certified by the U.S. Department of Education. DLIELC also provides English language training to U.S. military service members whose primary language is not English, ahead of Initial Entry Training. The institute facilitates more than 60,000 English language evaluations for military and civilian international partners across 668 global testing sites.
A permanent 16-acre resident campus was formally inaugurated in 1993 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The campus features state-of-the-art academic facilities, a well-equipped library, a dedicated dining hall, streamlined student administration buildings, and comfortable housing for officer and enlisted personnel. DLIELC fosters a student-centered learning experience through small, technology-enhanced classrooms. Listed facilities include a Learning Center, Virtual Reality Lab, DLI Library, Learning Resource Center, Amigo Inn dining hall, Gateway Lodge business center, Wi-Fi, a post office, on-base shuttle service, and religious chapels and prayer facilities.
Candidate selection for Security Cooperation-sponsored training requires ECL testing. The ALCPT is an alternative to the ECL for countries exempt from ECL requirements that need an OPI test. DLIELC also extends its mission abroad through Mobile Training Teams supporting non-resident English language programs in each of the DoW's geographical Combatant Commands.