How to Apply for a Job in Military Intelligence
Both civilians and service members can apply for military intelligence jobs. You will need to possess a background in the field, as well as a college-level education to apply as a civilian. To enter the service with a military occupational specialty of an intelligence branch, you will need to complete the necessary steps to enter the military including basic training and advanced individualized training (AIT). A career in military intelligence has many sub-fields including counter-intelligence, intelligence operations, strategic intelligence and competitive intelligence.
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Things You'll Need
- College transcripts, if civilian
- Security clearance
- U.S. Citizenship
- Physically fit, if required
Instructions
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Civilians
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Complete a four-year college program. This could include almost any area of study. International relations and political science would be helpful, but the field is open to many different types of intelligence from business and corporate, to language translation intelligence analysts. If you are looking for a position as a field agent, you will need to be physically fit and be recruited into the program. Some colleges play host to job fairs where recruiters look for intelligence candidates.
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Gain some experience. Internships and fellowships through schools are available in all branches of the federal government, including intelligence branches. You will need to be able to obtain and hold a security clearance, possibly at the top secret level. For this you will need to be a U.S. citizen and undergo a thorough background check. Internships can be found through your school or through the same procedure in the next step.
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Review the USAjobs website. It is listed in the resources section. On this website you can search for jobs, build a resume and apply for all federal and military jobs. Click on the My USAjobs tab to create an account. You are allowed to build up to five resumes. It is a general rule of thumb to tailor your resume to the job description for which you are applying. Search for key words in the job description to add to your resume. Search for jobs and apply. You can click "Apply" at the bottom of each job listing. USAjobs will then redirect you to the proper agency to apply. Keep in mind that military intelligence jobs can also be from federal agencies that are not directly named the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Navy or Marines. Submit your resume and any other required paperwork. This will most likely include college transcripts.
Enlisting
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Speak with a recruiter to enlist in the service. You will need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as well as a physical fitness test. You will need qualifying scores on each to be considered for the intelligence MOS. You will also need to meet other requirements such as age and weight depending on which branch of the service you choose. You can enlist in the Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy or Marines.
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Attend basic training. This is a nine week course to give you the basic skills to become a service member.
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Attend AIT. Here is where you will learn the skills required to enter the intelligence field. Training takes place in the classroom and in the field. You will learn analysis, collection, deception and interpreting techniques. You will learn all job specific skills during this time and how they tie to the military's mission. Depending on whether you choose to be an officer or an enlisted soldier in any branch, your training will differ. Speak to a recruiter for more specific information on the branch of service you would like to join.
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Enter the intelligence field. You will be required to serve for a previously negotiated amount of time as stated in your contract. For example, you may sign a contract stating you will need to serve for a minimum of four years as Active Duty or Reserves. You will have to hold this job for at least four years before you can separate from the service. If you choose, you can usually change your job at least once, but you cannot leave the service before your contract is complete.
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Tips & Warnings
As a civilian, there are also private companies that offer military intelligence jobs. To find these jobs, do an Internet search for "private sector military intelligence jobs."
