A Career as an Intelligence Specialist?

Answer 1

Intelligence has been a word heard in the news and on TV a lot in the last several years. In this case, it is referring to military information, especially classified information about enemies of the country. With so much focus on intelligence, there an intelligence specialist has become a sought after job. Intelligence specialists analyze the intelligence data that is received. Their goal is to determine if the information can be useful to the military. They also identity intelligence data organize it and present it to their superiors. This information can be gathered through satellite pictures, internet chatter and military reports. To do this, intelligence specialists must be able to operate computerized intelligence systems, have excellent analytical skills, and the ability to maintain intelligence databases.

The military is the primary employer of intelligence specialists. All branches of the military have a need to gather and analyze intelligence. Some intelligence specialists are employed by the government as well, although these positions are usually begin within the military.

Each branch of the military has different training and education for intelligence specialists. All branches require the candidate to complete basic training and then officer training. After basic officer training, the candidate will receive specialized training along with advanced testing. There are few other job requirements that the candidate must meet. For example, the candidate and immediate family members must be U.S. Citizens. They cannot be formers members of the Peace Corps. They must also pass a screening interview to receive special security clearance.

The pay scale for an intelligence specialist is determined by rank and experience more than by the job title itself. Higher ranking officers will receive a bigger salary. The more rank and experience, the higher salary one can expect.

There are only a few drawbacks to a career as an intelligence specialist. One of those includes tours of duty away from family. These tours can be as long as 48 months. This separation from family and friends can take an emotional toll on the intelligence specialist.

The job outlook for an intelligence specialist is very positive. Technology will provide new ways to gather intelligence data. That data will need to be organized and analyzed. For this reason, there will be an ongoing need for the military to employ intelligence specialists.