Explore Careers

Human Intelligence Specialists

Explore Careers

Human Intelligence Specialists

Intelligence, Combat and Readiness
Officer Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo

What do Human Intelligence Specialists do in the Military?

Human intelligence specialists identify adversarial elements, strengths, dispositions, tactics, equipment, personnel, and capabilities through collecting information from people.

Where do Human Intelligence Specialists work?

Human intelligence specialists work in offices on land and aboard ships, and in tents when in the field.

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.

$101,831

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.

$27,746 - $320,663

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 Specialists gain in the Military?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Human intelligence specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Planning imagery and geospatial data from satellite and airborne systems
  • Preparing intelligence reports, maps, and charts
  • Analyzing aerial, satellite, and radar imagery
  • Using computer systems
  • Foreign language training
  • Target identification and operational patterns
  • Analyzing communications information using technical references
  • Screenings, debriefings, and interrogations
  • 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 Specialists succeed?

  • Ability to organize information
  • Ability to think and write clearly
  • Interest in gathering information and studying its meaning
  • Interest in foreign cultures

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers
  • Intelligence Analysts
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  • Public Relations Specialists
  • Political Scientists
  • Sociologists
  • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
  • Business Intelligence Analysts

Interested? Take Your Next Step!