Military intelligence is information needed to plan for our national defense. Knowledge of the number, location, and tactics of enemy forces and potential battle areas is needed to develop military plans. To gather information, the services rely on aerial photographs, electronic monitoring using radar and sensitive radios, and human observation. Intelligence specialists gather and study the information required to design defense plans and tactics.
What They Do
Intelligence specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Study aerial photographs of foreign ships, bases, and missile sites
- Study foreign troop movements
- Operate sensitive radios to intercept foreign military communications
- Study land and sea areas that could become battlegrounds in time of war
- Store and retrieve intelligence data using computers
- Study foreign military codes
- Prepare intelligence reports, maps, and charts
- Install, operate, and conduct preventive maintenance of associated equipment and facilities.
- Conduct investigations to detect, identify, assess, counter, exploit and neutralize threats to national security
- Collect human intelligence (HUMINT) by interviewing, interrogating, or otherwise interacting directly with human sources of information
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and geography. Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to organize information
- Ability to think and write clearly
- Interest in gathering information and studying its meaning
- Interest in reading maps and charts
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction, including practice in intelligence gathering. Training length varies depending on specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Planning aerial and satellite observations
- Preparing intelligence reports, maps, and charts
- Analyzing aerial photographs
- Using computer systems
Work Environment
Intelligence specialists work in offices on land and aboard ships, and in tents when in the field.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian intelligence specialists generally work for federal government agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency or the National Security Agency. Their duties are similar to those performed by military intelligence specialists. The analytical skills of intelligence specialists are also useful in other fields, such as research or business planning.
