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Service Branches
Work Environment
Human intelligence officers work in offices on land and aboard ships. They may work in the field on maneuvers and military exercises.
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Military Status
Officer
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Average Military Salary
$94,607
Overview
Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT manage operations to obtain intelligence information using humans as both intelligence data sources and collectors. Human intelligence officers may also be responsible for overseeing psychological operations, which are designed to control, influence, predict, and understand persons and groups though communication and contact with these individuals. Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT have an expert level of knowledge about the history, culture, geography, and current politics and economics of the country or countries to which they are assigned.
Military Training
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
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to organize and manage activities
- Ability to work with abstract problems
- Interest in analyzing data and solving problems
- Strong communication skills
Related Civilian Careers
- Interpreters and Translators
- Public Relations Specialists
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