I have a strong interest in intelligence and am exploring military jobs in this field. What are the best military intel jobs available, and what skills or experiences should I focus on to qualify?
There are quite a few military intelligence jobs across the different branches of the U.S. military (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Space Force), offering diverse opportunities and experiences.
In the Army, you might look into becoming an Intelligence Analyst (35F). This role involves coordinating the collection and analysis of information from various sources to use in strategic decision-making processes.
The Navy offers a role as an Intelligence Specialist (IS) who analyzes and disseminates top-secret and sensitive intelligence data.
The Air Force might appeal to you if you're interested in becoming a Signals Intelligence Analyst (1N2X1), who intercepts signals to glean intelligence, or a Geospatial Intelligence Specialist (1N131), who analyzes overhead and aerial imagery, among other tasks.
The Marine Corps offers opportunities as an Intelligence Specialist (PMOS 0231). This role involves strategic and tactical intelligence through gathering, recording, and analyzing information.
Finally, the newest branch, the Space Force, also has Intel roles, where you would be gathering, analyzing, and providing intelligence data to key leadership.
To qualify for these intel jobs, you’ll need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to demonstrate your suitability for this field. Experience in critical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving typically translate well, as do skills in languages or technology. It's also important to note that you need to qualify for a security clearance, implying a clean criminal record and other checks.
As you prepare to go into this field, consider building sturdy soft skills, like communication and teamwork. Equally important is an understanding of global events, history, and geopolitics. Lastly, physical fitness is crucial for any military role. Remember, each branch and role might have specific requirements, so it's best to check with a military recruiter or on the branch's official website.
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