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05-08-17, 04:33 PM #1
Looking for OccFlds that are right for me.
Hey guys, I'm thinking about joining the Marines but I'm not sure what MOS I want. If I can get the scores I'd prefer 02xx but I could end up in the 26xx field that way if I'm not mistaken. I've read up on the other Intel posts and I understand a good bit about it but I'd like any suggestions or details into what it's like working in Intelligence or Signals Intelligence. What's a day like? What are they given to work with (I'm not looking for classified information)? Sorry if I don't have my profile filled out to y'all's expectations, I'm new here. And yes, I understand that the first step is to become a Marine first and foremost. Any help is appreciated.
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05-08-17, 09:11 PM #2
I did not have an intel MOS but did work in the intel field a little bit. Was assigned to the Special Security Office (SSO) with the J-2 Directorate of Intelligence, US Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa FL. Also deployed to the USCENTCOM forward deployed headquarters in Saudi Arabia for Operation Desert Storm. Will add my two cents for what it's worth.
Looks like you know by now, there are many different MOS's within the intel community. As an active duty Marine, you cannot be guaranteed any of them (reservists are guaranteed a specific MOS because they have to fill a specific billet vacancy at a specific reserve unit). What primary MOS you ultimately end up with will be determined based on the needs of the Marine Corps (along with your ASVAB score and security clearance).
Pretty much any intel job (signals intel, intel analysts, etc) will mean spending your duty hours inside a windowless building called a SCIF (Secured Classified Information Facility). The J2 Directorate in Tampa was just one huge building with no windows and large satellite dishes on its roof. When we deployed to Saudi Arabia, we worked in the basement of the Saudi's defense ministry (their Pentagon). Even at the battalion S2 level, intel Marines spend their days inside a SCIF (processing security clearance applications from their Marines amongst other things). At our embassies overseas, the State Department's communications equipment, communicators, and CIA employees work inside the embassy's SCIF.
Some intel MOS's are considered "critical", meaning the USMC needs more of them, and is willing to pay an incentive to keep these Marines on active duty instead of getting out (and working with Federal agencies such as the CIA/DIA, etc). This fiscal year, the USMC is paying these reenlistment bonuses for these MOS's:
0211 Counterintelligence/human intelligence specialist:
E-3 0, E-4 $51,000.00, E-5 $56,000.00
0241 Imagery analysis specialist:
E-3 $16,250.00, E-4 $18,500.00, E-5 $20,500.00
0261 Geographic intelligence specialist:
E-3 $12,000.00, E-4 $14,000.00, E-5 $15,000.00
At the battalion level, most intel Marines work a normal Monday thru Friday 8-5 work day with weekends and holidays off. That will change obviously if they get deployed.
At the J2/Joint Command level, the joint intel center is manned and operational 24 hours a day 365 days a year. That means shift work and working weekends/holidays.
Good luck.
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05-08-17, 09:18 PM #3
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05-08-17, 10:16 PM #4
Be sure your background is squeaky clean. No arrests, no drugs, no bad friends, no marginal associations. Nothing the least bit suspicious in your life.
You are going to need high levels of clearance to access information and equipment that is not known to the public.
Recent current events should warn you that unless you are a privileged politician and have some sort of immunity insurance, you are NOT likely to get into a sensitive position in intelligence for a VERY long time.
There are no "OJT entry level intelligence" jobs. You have to WORK your way into them. That takes a lot of time and effort and clean living.
Don't set your heart on a career in intel. If it is going to happen, it will be someone else that makes that recommendation. You won't have much -- if anything -- to say about it.
I worked SIGINT COMSEC Crypto for years. I know what I am talking about. In 1974, my MOS paid 10,000 on graduation of a year long training course (40 hours a week, 56 weeks long).
Get your priorities in order. Have a clean slate background, survive Boot, become a Marine. Everything else is gravy.
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05-08-17, 10:29 PM #5
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