Exploring military intelligence jobs in the National Guard

I'm curious about how one can enter military intelligence roles through the National Guard. What kind of training or education would be necessary? Any recommended resources or programs that could help me get started on this path?

Joining the National Guard and entering a military intelligence role typically involves these steps:

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

Before anything else, you need to ensure you meet the basic requirements for joining the National Guard. These include age (usually between 17 and 35), U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status, at minimum a high school diploma or GED, and passing the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test.

Step 2: Choose a Military Intelligence (MI) Job

The National Guard has numerous MI roles, such as signals intelligence analyst, intelligence analyst, and geospatial intelligence imagery analyst. Research each role's requirements and job description to understand what might best suit your talents, interests, and long-term goals.

Step 3: ASVAB Test

Take the ASVAB test, given by military recruiters or high schools. This test assesses your qualification for certain jobs, including those in intelligence. A high score in the General Technical (GT) area of the ASVAB, which tests verbal and arithmetic reasoning, increases your eligibility for intelligence roles.

Step 4: Basic Combat Training (BCT)

After you've passed the ASVAB and chosen a role, you'll attend Basic Combat Training, typically lasting ten weeks. This training covers the fundamentals of being a soldier.

Step 5: Advanced Individual Training (AIT)

Following BCT, you'll move on to Advanced Individual Training. For MI roles, this is where you'll learn the specifics of your job and gain hands-on experience.

Step 6: Continued Education

MI professionals often continue learning throughout their careers, keeping up with new intelligence collection methods and technologies. The National Guard offers professional development opportunities and may even help pay for civilian education through benefits like the G.I. Bill.

The National Guard is one great opportunity to learn and work in military intelligence, balancing part-time military service with other parts of your life. Speak with a local recruiter for more information, or explore the official National Guard website. Remember, making an informed decision about your future is crucial, and it's definitely okay to take your time gathering details before committing. Best of luck on your path!