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  1. #46
    With my TS/SCI for the Army, they didn't even commence the investigation until I set foot on post and it took about 6 months for OPM to approve. I would imagine that much like my contract back then, there is a stipulation that you fill an MOS as per 'Needs of the Corps' if your clearance is not granted.


  2. #47
    dizark,

    For obvious reasons, the security clearance process can take a while. It is all dependent on your bacground to include finances, family history, contacts, police record, education and some other things. Things might have changed since I came in but I didn't actually fill out all of the paperwork (Form SF-86 - go ahead and google it so you can see the form) until I was actually at bootcamp. I shipped in October of 2002 and while I was there, an investigator had already begun my background investigation and visited my family. I recieved my clearance approximately 6 months after graduating bootcamp which is pretty standard. It can take up to a year or more if the investigator finds some things that don't add up.

    If you are denied a clearance, you will be placed in an MOS that fits the needs of the Marine Corps. Sucks but that's the way it is. I obviously don't know your background but if you've got a clean history and no financial problems, then there is no need to worry.

    Also, for anyone else seeking answers regarding any of the Intel MOS's, not just 0231, feel free to PM me or post it in here and I'll be happy to help you out. I've either done it or worked closely with those that have.


  3. #48
    Thanks 0231Marine for your answers. Another question. I saw somewhere that they give a polygraph exam I believe for Counter Intel, do they do the same for 0231?

    As far as my background goes, no criminal record, college and highschool graduate, good family, father retired Navy, 1 ticket (just got it recently due to an accident) I'm 25 btw.

    Also, during my research, Ive come across 2 totally different views on the schedule of a 0231. One says it's M-F 8-5 some weekends, and someone else I read said long hours, etc. Now either schedule is fine for me as I've worked retail for many years, am used to long hours and a varying schedule, but would like some clarification on the 0231 schedule, if there is one.

    Thanks again.


  4. #49
    Oh and 0231Marine, I googled the Form SF-86, and believe it or not, my recruiter had given that packet to me when he first came to see me. I recently handed it in and suppose he does something with it.


  5. #50
    Quote Originally Posted by dizark View Post
    Thanks 0231Marine for your answers. Another question. I saw somewhere that they give a polygraph exam I believe for Counter Intel, do they do the same for 0231?

    As far as my background goes, no criminal record, college and highschool graduate, good family, father retired Navy, 1 ticket (just got it recently due to an accident) I'm 25 btw.

    Also, during my research, Ive come across 2 totally different views on the schedule of a 0231. One says it's M-F 8-5 some weekends, and someone else I read said long hours, etc. Now either schedule is fine for me as I've worked retail for many years, am used to long hours and a varying schedule, but would like some clarification on the 0231 schedule, if there is one.

    Thanks again.
    You won't get a polygraph as an 0231 so you don't have to worry about that. As far as your record goes, sounds like you won't have any issues there either so hopefully it will take about 6 months to process your clearance once they finish their investigation. You'll recieve an interim Secret clearance if you don't have it completed by the time you hit the fleet. Doesn't really mean anything aside from the fact you can get on the SIPRnet.

    Regarding the working hours, that's situationally dependant. In school, it's a regular work day with PT in the mornings at 0600 and then class from 0800 - 1630. Once you get to your first unit, it will likely be the same thing although if you end up at an infantry bn, longer hours are more common. When you're deployed (and you will deploy) the standard shift is 12 hours on/12 hours off but operations and manpower dictate work cycles so it's not unheard of to work 15+ hours a day while deployed as an 0231. My last 2 deployments I was attached to a HET (Humint Exploitation Team - CI Team) and since I was the only analyst, I worked 18+ hours a day for 8 months. Time of my life though!

    I would strongly encourage you to do as well as you can in MOS school because your rank in class determines where you get to go for your first duty station. The higher the ranking, the sooner you get to pick and the better duty stations are available. I would also strongly urge you to go to one of the Intelligence Battalions for your first duty station, even if there is a really good duty station like Hawaii available. You will learn more at one of those Intelligence Battalions in your first year than you would in 3 years at a lower echelon unit like an Infantry Battalion.

    Anyways, hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.


  6. #51
    Quote Originally Posted by dizark View Post
    Oh and 0231Marine, I googled the Form SF-86, and believe it or not, my recruiter had given that packet to me when he first came to see me. I recently handed it in and suppose he does something with it.
    Alright, like I said, it may have changed since I came in. Don't be surprised if you have to do some type of interview while you're in bootcamp or MCT though. Either way, an investigator will have to talk to you before they start to process your clearance.


  7. #52
    The intel guys in my battalion sat in a room and watched CNN, FOX, Goodmorning America. I sat in time to time with them and one day i asked "what the hell do you really do man all you to do is sit and watch tv". He said that they have to be kept on wordly events at all times.


  8. #53
    Quote Originally Posted by 2ndCEBSupply View Post
    The intel guys in my battalion sat in a room and watched CNN, FOX, Goodmorning America. I sat in time to time with them and one day i asked "what the hell do you really do man all you to do is sit and watch tv". He said that they have to be kept on wordly events at all times.
    LOL...that's true to an extent. In my shop, we usually had the news on all day too but the volume was kept low and we were working on other things as well. That further emphasizes my point to the poolee above though in which analysts at lower echelons are watching fox news, you'd be doing actual intelligence work at one of the Intel Bn's.

    That's a funny story though.


  9. #54
    0231Marine, what duty stations are housing Intel Battalions so I may know what to look for if I get to choose a duty station?


    MOS School Questions:

    While at Damneck for MOS School, are you in dorm style rooms? Are there any types of freedoms after you're off the training clock for your free time? Are you allowed to have a laptop with you in your room for after hours use?

    General 0231 Questions:

    When is it that you find out what billet you were assigned to? (is it during bootcamp or near the end of bootcamp, or in MCT?)

    Are the Intel 0231's supplied with good computers in their 'shop' or does the government still use old surplus? :P

    Now, like the MP billet, where that is handed out more than corrections, is this the same way with 0231 vs 0261 where 0231 is more needed than 0261?
    The reason I ask is because I'm more interested in 0231 but know I can only pick the 02xx field and not the billet. I will probably do research on 0261 incase they do assign that to me so I'm not blind on the subject.

    What uniform do you wear when at your duty station working in the 'shop'? Is it a mix of the Alphas and the Combat Utility Uniform?

    Would you happen to know what types of jobs are available as a civilian after life in the Corps from being an 0231? I'd honestly like to turn the Marine Corps into a career, however I won't think that far ahead until the first 4 year term is up.

    Last but not least, on regards to the schedule. If the duty station would be similiar to the school schedule, I'm presuming that'd leave time for College (whether it be in person or online)? I have an associate's degree and would like to get a Bachelor, however would not like to wait until a civilian to do it.

    Thanks a lot for answering these specific questions like you have been. You have been most helpful.

    I was undecided on which MOS I'd like to go into and have browsed the MOS lists many times, but after reading more on 0231, I have become very intrigued with the position. I am very good with computers and am Microsoft Certified (used to do repairs with Circuit City for 3 years), however the IT type positions required a 110GT and mine is a 108GT. I'm not complaining because it opens doors into another field of interest (Intel).


  10. #55
    Quote Originally Posted by dizark View Post
    0231Marine, what duty stations are housing Intel Battalions so I may know what to look for if I get to choose a duty station?


    MOS School Questions:

    While at Damneck for MOS School, are you in dorm style rooms? Are there any types of freedoms after you're off the training clock for your free time? Are you allowed to have a laptop with you in your room for after hours use?

    General 0231 Questions:

    When is it that you find out what billet you were assigned to? (is it during bootcamp or near the end of bootcamp, or in MCT?)

    Are the Intel 0231's supplied with good computers in their 'shop' or does the government still use old surplus? :P

    Now, like the MP billet, where that is handed out more than corrections, is this the same way with 0231 vs 0261 where 0231 is more needed than 0261?
    The reason I ask is because I'm more interested in 0231 but know I can only pick the 02xx field and not the billet. I will probably do research on 0261 incase they do assign that to me so I'm not blind on the subject.

    What uniform do you wear when at your duty station working in the 'shop'? Is it a mix of the Alphas and the Combat Utility Uniform?

    Would you happen to know what types of jobs are available as a civilian after life in the Corps from being an 0231? I'd honestly like to turn the Marine Corps into a career, however I won't think that far ahead until the first 4 year term is up.

    Last but not least, on regards to the schedule. If the duty station would be similiar to the school schedule, I'm presuming that'd leave time for College (whether it be in person or online)? I have an associate's degree and would like to get a Bachelor, however would not like to wait until a civilian to do it.

    Thanks a lot for answering these specific questions like you have been. You have been most helpful.

    I was undecided on which MOS I'd like to go into and have browsed the MOS lists many times, but after reading more on 0231, I have become very intrigued with the position. I am very good with computers and am Microsoft Certified (used to do repairs with Circuit City for 3 years), however the IT type positions required a 110GT and mine is a 108GT. I'm not complaining because it opens doors into another field of interest (Intel).
    Well, that was a lot of questioning...lol. I'll do my best to answer them though.

    1. What duty stations are housing Intel Battalions?
    -There are 3 Intelligence Battalions, 1st Intel Bn at Camp Pendleton, 2nd on Camp Lejune and 3rd in Okinawa.

    2. While at Damneck for MOS School, are you in dorm style rooms?
    -Yes. The barracks there are about 6 years old now and are three stories. Females live on the first deck, LCpl's and below on the second deck and NCO's on the 3rd Deck. There are two Marines to a room which have a shared kitchen area and bathroom and individual bedrooms for each Marine. Each room has a rack, closet and drawers and a desk for studying. Very much like a college dorm room.

    3. Are there any types of freedoms after you're off the training clock for your free time?
    -Yes. After you leave class for the day, you're on your own time. The only things that will affect this is if you have duty that day (everyone gets it because it rotates between Marines or because it's Thursday which is Field Day). Any other time, you're allowed to leave but you have to be back at certain times during the week. I believe curfew is 2200 on weekdays but weekends you can stay out all night. The common thing to do is have a bunch of people pitch in and get a couple hotel rooms on the Virginia Beach Strip. Also, you won't be allowed to have a car their so you'll have to take a taxi most of the time. Again, find a bunch of other Marines and chip in together. A 10 minute car ride to the beach costs each about a dollar.

    4. Are you allowed to have a laptop with you in your room for after hours use?
    - Yes. You can pay for internet service and have that in your room. You can also buy a tv and pay for cable as well. There is a common room downstairs in the barracks for all the Marines to use. they have a large tv there as well.

    5. When is it that you find out what billet you were assigned to? (is it during bootcamp or near the end of bootcamp, or in MCT?)
    - You'll recieve your MOS near the end of bootcamp but won't recieve your orders until the last week of MCT. You'll proceed directly from MCT to Virginia Beach and check in wearing your Alpha Uniform.

    6. Are the Intel 0231's supplied with good computers in their 'shop' or does the government still use old surplus?
    - Yes. Intel School has a state of the art facility which is used to train not only Marines but the Navy as well. You won't have classes with any Navy personel but in the same building. Once you get to the fleet, you'll be working on a mixture of laptops and desktops, and all are DELL.

    7. Now, like the MP billet, where that is handed out more than corrections, is this the same way with 0231 vs 0261 where 0231 is more needed than 0261?
    - I believe currently that the 0231 MOS is a critical needs MOS meaning the Marine Corps has more vacancies than it would like. If you qualify for that MOS and have it in your contract, that's more than likely what you're going to end up doing.

    8. What uniform do you wear when at your duty station working in the 'shop'? Is it a mix of the Alphas and the Combat Utility Uniform?
    - You will be in your cammies 99.9% of the time. The only exception will be if you have a uniform inspection or some units wear their Service "C" Uniforms on Friday's. If you're ever at a joint command, this will be more common. Also, some units like mine often charged $5 -$10 to wear civies on Friday's. The money went towards the Marine Corps Ball fund though so it was worth it.

    9. Would you happen to know what types of jobs are available as a civilian after life in the Corps from being an 0231?
    - Well, there are literally thousands of jobs for 0231's after they get out of the Marine Corps and I'll use myself as an example. I was in for 5 years, did 4 deployments to Iraq and decided that I wanted to get out after my initial enlistment. I have the equivalent of an associates degree currently and no other formal jobs or education prior to enlisting. I posted my resume to several websites and within a week, I had 4 job offers. I ended up taking a contracting position in Iraq working for Multi National Force-Iraq making about 5x what I did in the Marine Corps. I did that for about 8 months and then decided I wanted to work in the states so I sent my resume out again and within a week, I was offered a job at my new company in Viriginia working as an Intelligence Subject Matter Expert for the Marine Corps. I'm also persuing my Bachelor's Degree in Intelligence Studies.

    Now, not to knock the Marine Corps here or the 0231 community, but there are significantly better opportunities for analysts outside of what you'll be doing. You could work as a contractor like I did or you could work at one of the government agencies like CIA, DIA, NSA, FBI, ATF, the list goes on and on. In all honesty, when the time comes for you to get out after 5 years or 30 years, you won't have any trouble finding a job.

    10. Last but not least, on regards to the schedule. If the duty station would be similiar to the school schedule, I'm presuming that'd leave time for College (whether it be in person or online)?
    - That is dependant on where you end up going. My unit was on a constant deployment cycle doing 7 months in Iraq and then 5 in the states. We did this for my 4+ years there and is why I still only have an associates. Now, other units may afford you the opportunity to go to school while you're there but as I covered before, the working hours while deployed are not condusive to off-duty education because mission accomplishment comes first. If you stick it out after your first enlistment, there are better duty stations available that will most certainly allow you the time needed to finish your degree. Some of these include the Pentagon, those national agencies I listed before, going back to Dam Neck to be an instructor a the Intel School and several other good ones like the Marince Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA) on Quantico. The reality is that we are in a time of war and the Marine Corps job is to fight in those wars so your personal education will be secondary to the needs of the Marine Corps.

    Well, I hope this helped answer your questions and feel free to keep asking if you have anymore.


  11. #56
    You are a wealth of information Corporal. I am about to ship to bootcamp with a "DD" contract. From what research I have done, I have read that at least one person out of each class (assuming they go to Dam Neck) is chosen to learn a language. Is this accurate and is this based on DLAB scores? If so when is this test administered? Other than that, the only question I have is can you give us any insight on what the other jobs do that fall into an intel contract? Those being 0261 and 2629 I believe.

    Honestly I hope to get the 0231 MOS but it not easy to find info on the others so I don't know if I would like them as much or not. No matter what I will enjoy the ride and be the best Marine I can be. Thanks for your responses thus far and thanks for taking the time to help us wannabe's get to where you are someday.


  12. #57
    I missed the edit time but the other MOS is 2631 not 2629.


  13. #58
    Quote Originally Posted by mdlangley View Post
    You are a wealth of information Corporal. I am about to ship to bootcamp with a "DD" contract. From what research I have done, I have read that at least one person out of each class (assuming they go to Dam Neck) is chosen to learn a language. Is this accurate and is this based on DLAB scores? If so when is this test administered? Other than that, the only question I have is can you give us any insight on what the other jobs do that fall into an intel contract? Those being 0261 and 2629 I believe.

    Honestly I hope to get the 0231 MOS but it not easy to find info on the others so I don't know if I would like them as much or not. No matter what I will enjoy the ride and be the best Marine I can be. Thanks for your responses thus far and thanks for taking the time to help us wannabe's get to where you are someday.
    It's not a problem. That's the whole goal of these forums is to provide you young "wannabe's" insight into the Marine Corps so you can make informed decisions.

    Regarding DLI (Defense Language Institute), it's my understanding that every analyst that goes through school at Dam Neck now takes the DLAB (Defense Language Aptitude Battery) and those with a high enough score are provided seats to learn a language designated by the Marine Corps. Because of the on going war, the primary languages learned right now are Arabic, Korean, Farsi and other dialects like that. This was not offered to analysts when I went through because the war had just started and there wasn't as much of a need at that time. If you do indeed end up going to DLI, you'll go there following graduation from NMITC and will go through the school which can last up to 20 months for some of the harder languages.

    Regarding the other 02 MOS's...0261 or Geographic Intelligence Specialist is commonly refered to as a Topo (for Topographic) Marine. The job basically consists of making maps and products (both hard and soft copy) for any consumer that requests them. They can make any map of anything you need, be it terrain, avenues of approach, Order of Battle for enemy forces, hydrology, weather. They are very good at what they do but it was never something that interested me personally. Glorified Map Makers is a common term for them as well but that's said jokingly.

    2631's are the Signals Intelligence Marines, also known as Sigint. They have a pretty interesting job as well although a lot of what they do is classified and I can't get into it for obvious reasons. However, many of them are linguists of varying backgrounds which enables them to translate documents and different transmissions that they deal with. There job can be a little on the teadeous side sometimes though and was again, something that didn't hold my interest completely. They do work closely with NSA though and are often afforded the opportunity to work with that organization once they get out of the Marine Corps if you're thinking long term, like after the Marine Corps.

    The other two primary 02 MOS's are both Lateral Move MOS's meaning you have to be on your first enlistment and be a Cpl or Sgt. Those two are 0241 - Imagery Interpretation Specialist and 0211 - Counterintelligence/Humint Specialist. The imagery guys (and girls) deal with looking at satelite and UAV imagery and determining what is on the picture. This is very helpful for infantry guys who are planning on conducting raids or operations so they know what they're going to encounter on target prior to execution. You would be hard pressed to find a target package anywhere in the world that does not have some type of imagery.

    Humint is another highly classified job because it deals with sources and interrogations among other things. I was attached to two different Humint Teams in Iraq and was able to operate with them on a daily basis which afforded me many opportunities that a lot of the analysts in my unit never recieved. I will just tell you that their job encompasses long hours but it's also a hell of a lot of fun. You'll run in to many of them while at NMITC becuase their basic school is at the same place so feel free to ask them questions while you're there if it's something you think you might be interested in down the line.

    I know I got ahead of myself with the two lat-move MOS's but just giving you something to think about for the future. It's always good to have a plan. Anyway, hope this helped and answered your questions.


  14. #59
    I have looked at posts and websites for several months and that is by far the best and most understandable definition of those MOSs that I have seen. I guess there is alot to be said for going straight to the horse's mouth.

    If I think of any more questions in the next day or two I will be sure to ask them. Thanks again.


  15. #60
    Quote Originally Posted by mdlangley View Post
    I have looked at posts and websites for several months and that is by far the best and most understandable definition of those MOSs that I have seen. I guess there is alot to be said for going straight to the horse's mouth.

    If I think of any more questions in the next day or two I will be sure to ask them. Thanks again.
    No worries!


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