Any info on reclassing to 35L?

2016-12-14T03:33:19-05:00

Hi all,
I'm a 35N (SIGINT analyst). Just picked up SPC a few months back and am on the fast track to being an NCO once I go through a board and complete BLC (sometime this year). I love my job and am very proficient in it, and have worked in support of numerous missions against GWOT. That being said I am currently working on a degree from Penn State in Political Science and hope to eventually become an 1811 for the FBI. I am actually reenlisting within the next month or two hopefully for another four years. I love my country and love the Army, and I feel like being a Federal investigator for the Army would be a great fit.

I understand that the job is not neccessarily glamorous, but I enjoy working with people, am passionate about the security of our country and I am proficient in writting, as it is a major requirement for my current MOS as well as my degree. I was wondering for those who made the transition into 35L, how long/difficult is the process, and what is the best route to take in regards to getting in touch with someone that can point me to such a path?

Any further pertinent information about the job would also be extremely helpful. Thanks!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2016 5:44 AM

2016-12-14T05:44:03-05:00

Proofreading. It's importand. Check what you write before submitting. This isn't amateur hour.
'hopefully ofr another four years'. You may work with federal if you are credentialed but that doesn't make you a federal investigator for the Army. Apply, you can't attain it if you don't apply.

Response by SFC William H. made Dec 28 at 2016 1:44 PM

2016-12-28T13:44:28-05:00

Dear SPC Watson:
First, you must understand the MOS. Your ultimate goal does not match up with 35L or 97B (during my career). SFC Schroeder's advise is good. Rely on it. You really should talk with a senior 35L. I believe you are looking for CID. During my career, I worked with the FBI in South Dakota and out of an office of 30 Agents only one was CI. Room for thought.....

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2017 12:16 PM

2017-01-03T12:16:13-05:00

First of all. Proof read. I know I'm piggy backing here, but... "I understand that the job is not neccessarily glamorous, but I enjoy working with people, am passionate about the security of our country and I am proficient in writting, as it is a major requirement for my current MOS as well as my degree." There are two misspelled words and it's an incorrect sentence for military writing. You should know this due to your current MOS.

That being said, research, research, research! It is paramount that you actually know and understand Counterintelligence prior to working on your packet. Simply saying that you want to be one, or that your goal is to go 1811 for the FBI when you get out will likely get your packet denied by the senior Lima's. Once you've done the research, seek out your local Counterintelligence field office. They will put you on the correct path to acquiring your 35L reclassification packet. They will also be the persons who will conduct your interview and send off your packet so long as you don't PCS while you're completing it. Allocate a period of 27 days to complete your packet. The entire packet must be completed altogether within 30 days. 27 days of your leg work, and three days for the agents and special agent in charge to conduct your interview, review and send off your packet.

Ask plenty of questions when working with the agents. Their job is to work with you and answer your questions. They are not required, nor are they encouraged to assist you in completing your packet except for their final piece in it. So do not expect them to hold your hand throughout the process. This is a self driven process. The first step is a test to weed out those who do not have the drive to get the job done without oversight.

Anything else you may want or need to know can be learned by looking up the information on the the Go Army website, by the 35L recruitment site and power point presentation. Additionally, read, Traitors Among us, by COL (RET) Stuart A. Herrington. But don't get a new copy. The guy the wrote it should be finishing his prison sentence had he actually been arrested. We don't like throwing money in his pocket if we can help it. Used copies should be available still. That is a massive view into the investigative and some operational aspects about the 35L/97B MOS. This may assist you in better understanding the job prior to working on your packet.

Good luck.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2017 12:49 PM

2017-01-09T12:49:10-05:00

Talk to your local 902d field office

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2017 1:26 PM

2017-03-14T13:26:34-04:00

Like SFC Giovanni Bennett said; you should conduct a fair amount of research into the MOS before hand to ensure it's a good fit for your personality. We have this issue quite often, people want to be "investigators" but that's not the sole function of Counterintelligence; you have to be personable and adaptable to any situation because you're not always going to be assigned to an investigative position.

Additionally, you're career counselor would be a decent start; however, they are not the "end all, be all" as with most MOS changes. Counterintelligence is an application only MOS and as such we essentially choose the people we want to work with in the future. Everything you need to know about submitting an application can be found on the Intelligence Knowledge Network https://ikn.army.mil/ search for: Army Counterintelligence Recruiting Program. This page will provide you with everything you're looking for, from the basic recruiting briefing, CI duties and responsibilities, waiver requests, and a step by step checklist for how to complete your application packet (to include examples of all the required forms).

When you're ready to take the next step, contact your local Counterintelligence Office or a Counterintelligence Agent who might be assigned to your unit; they will take over from there. A quick word to the wise, do the leg work and ensure your application is strait; no one should care about your application more than you. Show up prepared and present yourself as being serious and passionate about the profession. If you bring your application to me and you're lacking the proper motivation or the application itself is "jacked up" don't expect a raving recommendation. I want to work with the best individuals the Army has to offer; individuals who are motivated to protect or national security, if someone is just looking for a career change or a way out of their lackluster MOS, Counterintelligence is not the way to do it.

You're more than welcome to reach out with any additional questions or concerns you might have and I will do my best to get you an answer.