Explore Careers

Human Intelligence Officers

Explore Careers

Human Intelligence Officers

Intelligence, Combat and Readiness
Officer Role

Service Branches with this Role

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  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo
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What do Human Intelligence Officers do in the Military?

Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT manage operations to obtain intelligence information using humans as both intelligence data sources and collectors.

Where do Human Intelligence Officers work?

Human intelligence officers work in offices on land and aboard ships.  They may work in the field on maneuvers and military exercises.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$107,648

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$23,673 - $356,274

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Human Intelligence Officers gain in the Military?

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for human intelligence officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Air, ground, and sea intelligence operations
  • Photograph interpretation
  • Use of surveillance equipment
  • Reconnaissance equipment and weapons systems
  • Screenings, debriefings, and interrogations
  • Preparing maps and charts
  • Human intelligence analysis

Military Training for Officers

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree. All officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.

What skills help Human Intelligence Officers succeed?

  • Ability to organize and manage activities
  • Ability to work with abstract problems
  • Interest in analyzing data and solving problems
  • Strong communication skills

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Intelligence Analysts
  • Interpreters and Translators
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Political Scientists
  • Sociologists
  • Business Intelligence Analysts
  • Management Analysts
  • Public Relations Managers

Interested? Take Your Next Step!