How to pursue military intelligence jobs in the Marines?

I'm interested in a career in military intelligence within the Marines. What steps should I take in high school to prepare myself for this path? Are there specific requirements or skills I should focus on developing?

In order to pursue a career in military intelligence within the Marines, there are a number of steps you can take in high school. Here's some advice for you:

1. Physical Fitness: Marines need to be physically fit, so starting a regular exercise routine now would be extremely beneficial. You can participate in sports teams at your school or even work with a trainer.

2. Academic Achievement: Excellent grade point average and standardized test scores would also be beneficial as many military positions are highly competitive.

3. Course Selection: Take classes that will strengthen your analytical and problem-solving skills, such as advanced math or computer sciences. Improved abilities in these areas can help you later on with complex military intelligence tasks.

4. Language Skills: Marines often deal with foreign intelligence, so learning a second (or even third) language, especially ones in high demand (like Arabic, Russian, or Mandarin), can be extremely helpful.

5. Leadership Roles: Marines value leadership, so consider obtaining leadership roles within school clubs, or join programs such as JROTC, if available at your school.

6. Extra-curricular Activities: Activities such as debate team, Model UN, or similar ventures help develop research, problem-solving, and communications skills - all useful in intelligence roles.

7. Citizenship: Keep in mind that you need to be a U.S. citizen to serve in military intelligence. If you're not currently a citizen, you should lookup the naturalization process and potentially work with a mentor or advisor to guide you through it.

8. Military Entrance Process: After high school, you'd need to enlist in the Marines and complete basic training. After that, you would have to complete the Defense Language Aptitude Test (DLAB) and the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), and based on the results, you might be selected into the military intelligence field.

Post high school, you'd be enrolled for the "intel school" at the Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center in Virginia, where you'd be trained in specific intelligence operations.

It might also be useful to talk to a Marine recruiter or a career counselor about your specific interests and ambitions. They can provide you with additional insight and guidance.