Explore Careers

Intelligence Specialists

Explore Careers

Intelligence Specialists

Intelligence, Combat and Readiness
Officer Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Marines logo
  • Navy logo
  • Air Force logo
  • Space Force logo
  • Coast Guard logo

What do Intelligence Specialists do in the Military?

Intelligence specialists play a key role in ensuring that military operations are planned using the most accurate, current information about enemy forces and capabilities.

Where do Intelligence Specialists work?

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.

$74,260

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.

$23,633 - $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 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. 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

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 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
  • Interest in computers

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Private Detectives and Investigators
  • Intelligence Analysts
  • Police Identification and Records Officers
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  • Correctional Officers and Jailers
  • Supervisors of Police and Detectives
  • Business Intelligence Analysts
  • Digital Forensics Analysts

Interested? Take Your Next Step!