Service Branches
Work Environment
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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Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$128,297
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
$27,021 - $350,739
Overview
Intelligence officers provide a service that is crucial for our national defense. These officers develop and execute plans, policies, and procedures that facilitate intelligence functions. They are experts on all intelligence disciplines and their application across the spectrum of military operations. Some intelligence officers specialize in one form of intelligence, such as imagery, signals, or human intelligence.
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 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
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to organize and manage activities
- Ability to work with abstract problems
- Interest in analyzing data
- Interest in solving problems
Related Civilian Careers
- Police Identification and Records Officers
- Supervisors of Police and Detectives
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
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