Can I get some insight into the following MOS: 35F, 35S, 35N?

2018-07-13T12:32:23-04:00

I am in the process of enlisting and I would like some insight into these three MOS's if possible. I know there are questions that ask similar questions but I am looking for up to date or any other information that can be learned about these MOS's that isn't already on this site. Maybe three positives and negatives about these MOS's would be cool. Thanks everyone! Side note: I will be enlisting with a bachelor's degree.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 1:03 PM

2018-07-13T13:03:52-04:00

So I am a 35F - have been my entire career so far (14 years end of July). I also came in with a Bachelor's degree so I came in as a SPC. When I was in DEP I was a PFC (I started DEP with two years of college left or a year and a half at least).

35Fs are all source analysts - we can go anywhere. Any unit. There is always a need for a 35F and we don't just focus on one intelligence discipline (or INT). We are considered "jack of all trades" you could say with knowledge in each. My first unit was a combat EN BN and I was in the BN S2. I was the only 35F for 2 of 4 years there. Somehow they sent me a 35F soldier even though I was in the 35 slot authorized enlisted. I deployed twice with them. Then I went to Cyber Command before it stood up as Cyber Command and was there through those growing pains in targeting. Then to Ft Riley in 4th IN BDE (which no longer exists). I started in the MI Company and then moved to BDE S2.

The pros are you can go to any unit anywhere and if you're lucky you get into a unit that does some cool stuff and actually get to do intel. The con is you can end up in a crap unit that doesn't do a lot where you don't get to do intel. You will most likely go to an S2 as a F and do a lot of personnel security and physical security stuff more than intel analysis.

I haven't worked with a lot of S or Ns. Maybe some will chime in. I know one is imagery analyst so if you like to look at imagery all day that's what you should pick.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 1:13 PM

2018-07-13T13:13:47-04:00

You’ll need a security clearance, secret or top secret. School for the 35F is in Georgia.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 2:00 PM

2018-07-13T14:00:14-04:00

I’ve been a 35F for the past 4 years and spent the entire time assigned to a battalion S-2 section. The life/job of any 35 series soldier is rarely glamourous or glorified. You’ll be known to most as a “Secret Squirrel.” What SFC Fuerhoff told you about the 35F being a “Jack of All Trades” is accurate. Your work can be the difference between success and failure for a unit. And you literally can be assigned to almost any unit in the Army.

Side note: coming into the Army with a bachelors only gets you paid more, unless you can prove yourself as a self-sufficient soldier that requires little supervision. Realistically when it comes to military experience, you’re still a private so keep that in mind and don’t let your rank make you think you’re better than your peers in BCT and AIT. You’re no better than them until you prove you are at your unit.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 2:18 PM

2018-07-13T14:18:08-04:00

If you want to be the guy who actually finds the bad guys, be a 35N. If you want to be the guy who manages intelligence resources, be a 35S. If you want to be the guy who compiles all that info and briefs the commander, be a 35F.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 8:06 PM

2018-07-13T20:06:06-04:00

I’ve been a 35N for 7 years and absolutely recommend it. Upwards mobility has remained steady and there’s always something new to learn due to ever changing realm of SIGINT. 35N also has two pretty distinct sides between tactical and strategic job rolls which can give you more options in your career. I absolutely do not recommend 35S as their promotions have been stagnant for the last 4 or 5 years and don’t seem to be getting better anytime soon.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 9:24 PM

2018-07-13T21:24:02-04:00

A 35S detects, acquires, and analyzes the signals containing intelligence value and must be well versed in communication and radar technologies.

A pro for all the MOSs listed is that each has a demand in the civilian world with higher than average salaries whenever you decide to move on from the Army. Depending on what your degree is in, it won't necessarily help you in your job, but it will count toward promotion points when you venture into the NCO ranks.

Someone else mentioned the promotion rate wasn't very high. That was true for many years until recently. We've finally overcome downsizing while merging with other MOSs. The MOS is also small so there aren't as many billets to fill compared to 35N and 35F.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jul 14 at 2018 9:16 AM

2018-07-14T09:16:46-04:00

Why in the world are you enlisting? If you have a bachelors degree, then all of the Services should be willing to give you a chance for a commission. Talk to all 5 Service Officer recruiters before you commit to being enlisted. Intel officers in all Services. Better pay!

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 16 at 2018 10:17 PM

2018-07-16T22:17:48-04:00

35N you will be sitting at a desk all day making powerpoints, but it has opportunities for door kicking. If you are enlisting with a college degree, you should definitely go commissioned.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 17 at 2018 9:50 AM

2018-07-17T09:50:46-04:00

35S is a fun job and the AIT is in Florida. Can't get any better than that. We are working on getting back into FORCOM in the next year or two as well so that will open up billets as well. The job is highly technical and you will receive some of the best training not only from the units you will serve with but in the schools you will attend. More times than not you will be in a joint environment (eg: working with Navy, Airforce, Marine, and our Foreign Partners), so you will get the chance to work those connections for when you get out into the civilian sector.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2018 6:39 PM

2018-07-29T18:39:37-04:00

As a 35S you can be stationed in Australia!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2020 6:11 AM

2020-11-19T06:11:07-05:00

Then why are you enlisting?

Go officer; branch MI.