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  1. #1

    Intelligence specialist

    Can someone please tell me what an Intelligence Specialist does?
    I know that I go to school in Virginia for three months but then?????
    Every place online says they collect and analyze data blah blah blah
    This is a horrible explination. So can somebody who has this MOS or knows somebody with this MOS please give me a real world explanation or at least an example of the kind of stuff they do. I hear the promotions are fast and there is great oppertunity to use this experience in the civilian world after I am out.Is this true?
    Is the job fun? Is it boring? Do you travel a lot? Is the school hard? Come on guys tell me something ...........Anything!!!!!


  2. #2
    Marine Free Member Marine84's Avatar
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    You getting a little ahead of yourself there Sparky.....................worry about making it through BOOTCAMP first!


  3. #3
    What's the matter MackMaster, you used to getting answers YOU want to hear??? You get the truth around here, not what is convenient. An Intelligence Specialist happens to do exactly what you read online. They collect data and analyze it. This means they read reports and make sense of them and try and glean information from them that might be helpful to our cause. It is highly specialized work and extremely important to our Corps and nation. Just because the description sounds like dull and boring work (and it may well be) doesn't mean it is. There is also the possibility that the work is classified and you aren't going to find out much about it until you have clearances.

    Marine84 is right, you need to make it through bootcamp AND your specialty school first, then worry about the work you will really be doing in the Corps...


  4. #4
    Marine Free Member cplbrooks's Avatar
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    i posted this on one of the other threads. Some of the former Marines on this site are getting a bit testy for whatever reason. Most of us are here to help. To the other Marines on this site who are getting $hitty and self important with the poolees you should relax a bit and try to answer questions rather than act like self important a-holes. These poolees will have plenty of time to deal with a-holes once they are in. We are here to answer questions and keep them motivated.


    Intelligence Specialist:


    I spent 6 moths in the 0231 field due to my security clearance when i checked into regimental HQ with 8th Marines. I didnt go to Dam Neck, VA for school. It was all OJT (on the job training). I loved it though. It was a lot of reading, writting and summarizing stuff and then passing it up or down the chain depending on who needed it. You will sift through 400 pages a day that come through the classified message board and then pick out what you are looking for. It was also a lot of maps etc. Just think of this, if it involved Enemy, Weather or terrain in your area of interest then you will be involved in it and should know it. It was a great job with great hours. I am glad to be back as an 0352 though because i didnt get dirty enough as an 0231.



  5. #5
    Cpl Brooks, I agree for the most part. But it does irritate me when the poolee seems to have an attitude when they ask the question, as if they somehow need to be in charge of the situation. I kind of got that feeling from this question... but I could have taken it wrong. Regardless, the job description seemed to be right on from what I have heard about it. And, like any job promotions can't be judged ahead of time. While I was in MOS school my MOS was one of the fastest promoting jobs out there, as soon as you hit TIS/TIG you got promoted. By the time I was eligible it was closed, and stayed that way. I saw many good Marines get out as a LCPL without ever having a chance to get promoted.


  6. #6
    Quote Originally Posted by cplbrooks
    i posted this on one of the other threads. Some of the former Marines on this site are getting a bit testy for whatever reason. Most of us are here to help. To the other Marines on this site who are getting $hitty and self important with the poolees you should relax a bit and try to answer questions rather than act like self important a-holes. These poolees will have plenty of time to deal with a-holes once they are in. We are here to answer questions and keep them motivated.
    TESTY!! Not me cplbrooks, when someone whines about the info they keep finding, and they say it all says the same thing, then I answer appropriately. They got EXACTLY the info they were looking for, just maybe not the ANSWER they were looking for.

    Don't be jumpin in my doo doo because you wanna play pacifist and tell people what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear. My statements were concise and accurate. The info available is what was on the sites looked at, and you said EXACTLY the same thing "collect and analyze data" you just used different words by saying you sift through maybe hundreds of pages looking for what you want then pull it out. That is collecting data and analyzing it no matter how you look at it...


  7. #7
    I was an 0231 for 6 years on active duty and in the reserves, before I went to OCS. I've had a number of poolees send me private messages asking about the 0231 field, so I'll post some of what I've sent to them here.

    I cannot over-emphasize the importance 0231's - even a lance corporal has tremendous responsibility as an 0231. Its hard to give a cookie-cutter explanation of what 0231's do - because your duties can vary wildly depending on the unit and section you are in.

    I went to the intel school in 1998 and a number of my peers are now instructors there. Some of the training has probably changed, but this will give you a sense of what its about.

    0231 training takes place at Damneck, Virginia in Virginia Beach. The training is 13 weeks long and was some of the best times of my life. Damneck is a great little Navy base. If you are lucky enough to go in the spring or summer - then Virginia Beach is a bang-up place to be.

    The classes are small - 20-30 students. Usually, there is at least one corporal in the class that becomes the class leader. The training is wide-ranging. The 0231 is a jack-of-all trades and an expert in nothing. You start off learning about basic intelligence concepts - like the intelligence cycle, the structure of Marine Corps intelligence, intelligence theories, and a little bit of intelligence history.

    Then, you receive some map-reading classes and navigation classes. These classes will go beyond the basic map-reading skills you get at boot camp. You will also learn about plotting enemy units on different types of maps and what the various symbols are.

    You will get an introduction to research and briefing. You will have a security clearance and they will teach you how to use the Sensitive Information Protocol Network - SIPRnet in conducting classified research. You will probably have at least two briefs. You will have to do a country brief and a weapons brief. These are great briefing skills that I still use in the court-room and as 3rd year law student today.

    You will learn about tactical intelligence. You will probably do a battle-field study at Yorktown. You will learn how to do a beach survey - like the recon teams do. Its tons of fun. You learn about different types of waves, currents, and depths. You may make a trip over to the Amphibious Warfare Center to see a mock amphibious landing display in a theater with huge models.

    You will learn about Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield. You'll learn about the Intelligence Analyst's System (IAS), which is electronic map-plotting that we use today. I know many 0231's that have civilian employment that pays well and relates to the IAS.

    IPB could be a course in itself. I'll just provide you this link: http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...98-8_chap1.htm

    Many students struggle with the IPB sections - but, its the essence of what 0231's do. IPB can be tedious, but its exciting to see how commanders shape the battlefield.

    The course will culminate in a several day exercise in which you employ your new intel skills.

    You can receive all sorts of follow-on training on active duty like SERE school, DIA Indications and Warnings Course, DIA Joint Intelligence Analyst's Course, Jump School, Dive School, Foreign Weapons Recognition School, Journeyman's Course, Counter-Intelligence lateral move, or possibly language courses.

    Your duties vary dramatically depending on the unit you are with. You can go from a grunt unit or scout/snipers all the way to an air wing or MEF. Basic duties will include research, briefing Marines on a variety of topics from in-country threats on deployments to political situations. At the air wing, you will learn alot about radar systems and missiles.

    At a grunt unit, your focus will be on small-arms weapons, IED's, militia units, terrorist units, and infantry tactics. You could find yourself de-briefing recon teams coming out of the field. Preferrably, you might get to go into the field with the teams and the grunts.

    Your day can vary wildly depending on what is going on in the unit. At most units, you go to work at 0830, after PT, and then work on whatever they have going. If you like computers you could even work on that kind of stuff. Of course, you'll have to maintain all of your skills as a basic Marine also.

    Enlisted 0231's have alot of responsibility in a command operations center. When a high ranking officer wants to know what's going on, he goes over to the lance corporal at the map that has actually been reading all of the messages and plotting stuff on the map. A young 0231 could easily find themself briefing a senior officer during their first enlistment.

    The 0231 field is wide-open for whatever you want to do or wherever you want to be. If you want to be with the grunts you can go to the grunts. Or, you can go to a Joint high level unit.

    The travel / deployment opportunities are vast - especially if you can get on a MEU. Promotions are typically faster than other MOS's, but its all timing. When I first enlisted, the MOS was flooded and it took me a while to pick up corporal. How fast the promotions are depends on many factors. You should be able to pick up sergeant in 4 years.

    Intel isn't rocket science. The training is not hard, but you have to be diligent. A good intel analyst needs to have a wide range in interests and education. You should be a voracious reader that enjoys learning. You need to be a student of military tactics and weapons systems. You should understand geo-politics and culture. You should also pay attention to current events. Grunts will only respect you if you're tactically proficient and committed to providing them whatever information they need to accomplish the mission.

    There are opportunities in the civilian world - but that's primarily because of the top secret clearance. I won't go into those opportunities here - because we should focus on Marine Corps intelligence.

    Initiative is the key to success as an 0231. If you don't take any self-initiative, then you are worthless to an intel section. Intel NCO's will expect you to take the initiative in getting work done and coming up with better ways to do things. You will be expected to know what is going on and to be current on world events, strategy, and history. Your opinions will count.

    Intel will only being boring if you let it be boring. You can have a negative attitude and envision yourself sitting in front of a computer going blind - or you can appreciate the unique opportunities to serve in the field supporting infantry units and supporting the decision-makers with timely intelligence. Your information will help shape how the general's / officers make their decisions to conduct the battle.

    That's all I've got time for right now, so I hope that helps. LT C
    https://www.npdc.navy.mil/cennavintel/nmitc/


  8. #8
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    Great description Dscusmc, I think that should have people not asking on the forums anymore since the answers are right there, but there is a problem with the globalsecurity website link you posted, for some reason the hyperlink is literal and isn't taking you to the proper page.
    Thanks again for the great info, always neat to hear in depth about different oppurtunities that are there.


  9. #9
    That's an old link I pulled out of an e-mail.

    Here it is:
    http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...98-8_chap1.htm

    That should explain IPB, which is one huge part of what 0231's do. This is an advanced article that I wouldn't expect most poolees to fully comprehend. The point is that you can see one aspect of the 0231 job.

    This may not look that glamorous, but when you consider that the 0231 is often at the hub of the decision making process - then you can appreciate how interesting it is to help and to see how commanders make real-time battlefied decisions. Some people say that intelligence drives operations.


  10. #10
    Thanks for all the info, dscusmc. You were a great help when I was looking for my info a few weeks ago, and this is even more.

    My recruiter is dragging his feet about signing me up for Intel because I came a point short (99, needed 100) on the DLAB. As far as I know, though, you don't need the DLAB to enlist into the DD program, so I'm frustrated on that one. Meeting with him tomorrow AM though.

    Thanks again for the copious amount of info.


  11. #11
    I thought the DLAB was just for the language jobs. That's kind of strange.


  12. #12
    Ok......
    First, I would like to apologize to those who misinterpreted the tone of my post I just wanted to come across clear so I didnt focus on word usage to much.
    Next, I know I have to go to boot camp first, I just want to happy with my MOS choice before I go, this is my life were talking about.
    Finally, thank you very much dscusmc, you answered all my questions plus more, but my plan is actually to eventually become a ground intelligence officer. So if you happen to know something about this MOS you could tell me, that would really be greatly appreciated.


  13. #13
    Ground Intel Officer Requirements:
    Job Description:
    Ground intelligence officers primarily serve as platoon commanders in division reconnaissance companies, infantry battalion scout/sniper platoons, and other ground intelligence assignments : Battalion, Regiment, and Division Staffs, Force Service Support Group, and Intelligence Battalion.

    Requirements:
    (1) Must be eligible for a top secret clearance based on a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) . (2) Must be a male lieutenant to be assigned this MOS as a primary MOS . This MOS may be assigned as an additional MOS to male captains and above . (3) Complete the Infantry Officer Course (IOC), MCCDC, Quantico, VA; the Scout Sniper Platoon Commander's Course (SSPCC), MCCDC, Quantico, VA; and the Ground Intelligence Officer's Course (GIOC), Navy Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC), Dam Neck, VA .

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Marine Corps Order 3500.32 defines exactly what the duties of the Ground Intel Officer are (0203):

    Core Capabilities List
    __________________________________________________ ________________________
    1. Provide ground intelligence to support the staff planning process.
    2. Advise the commander in the employment of ground reconnaissance
    and surveillance assets.
    3. Plan and direct the training of ground reconnaissance and
    surveillance personnel.
    4. Develop the dissemination plan.
    5. Conduct Intelligence Preparation of the Battlespace (IPB).
    6. Identify intelligence requirements.
    7. Provide target intelligence products to support the staff planning
    process.
    8. Plan and direct the intelligence collection effort.

    Of course, what does all that mean in practice. Providing ground intelligence support requires the officer to work closely with the operations (S-3) officer. In a real world environment, you are providing real-time threat based information. But, in garrison, you are supporting the infantry training and exercise evolutions. You are also helping them maintain situational awareness of current intelligence concerns. This means determining what types of intelligence products the units need. You then task your intel personel to create briefs, terrain models, intel reports, map overlays (a big heavy-duty clear plastic sheet that goes over a map and depicts enemy unit locations and various other points of interest), and any other product you deem useful to the S-3 and grunts. All of this also includes advising commanders on likely enemy courses of action and weather and terrain considerations. Some of this process occurs during IPB - Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefied.

    You'll also develop a plan for collecting information from the enemy. This includes the deployment of recon assets.

    You will develop a plan for disseminating your intelligence efforts to both the units that need the info and to higher headquarters and adjacent units.

    You will be instrumental in the unit's targeting plans. I won't elaborate, but suffice it to say that you help analyze how resources are allocated to destroying enemy targets.

    You work closely with counter-intel to protect our information. There are opportunities for command at various levels. You can also work fairly independently if you go to a joint command like Joint Intelligence Center Pacific or even a MEF level - to a certain extent.

    You can go to a number of agencies. You can deploy to various operations. I've known a number of intel officers that served as UN observers on the ground. You can go work at an embassy. The possible billets are too numerous to lay out here.

    The ground intel officer MOS is competitive to obtain, but having the 0231 MOS will certainly help. Hope that provides a real general framework. LT C.


  14. #14
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    Excuse me, sir, but do you know much about what a Counter-Intellegence Marine does? I know that you must have a lateral transfer, and can not go into the field directly from Boot Camp, but that's about it. Thank you.


  15. #15
    Well...I had typed a big long response, but the web browser froze and I lost it.

    Anyways, I'm going to attach a bunch of links and let you guys do the reading. They are much more informative than anything I had to say.

    MCWP 2-14-Counterintelligence. This is a must read if you are interested in CI.
    http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/usmc/mcwp2-14.pdf

    This is a CI flyer that will explain the training and requirements.
    http://www.mfp.usmc.mil/CI%20FLYER-NEW.doc

    Excellent resource for Marine Corps intelligence publications.
    http://www.fas.org/irp/doddir/usmc/index.html

    CIA Archive of intelligence articles.
    https://www.cia.gov/csi/kent_csi/Default.htm

    I'll post a couple of other links once I find them. LT C


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