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

PVT Angelo Velez — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 12:32:23 -0400

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

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 13:13:47 -0400

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

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 14:00:14 -0400

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 14:18:08 -0400

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

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 20:06:06 -0400

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

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 21:24:02 -0400

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

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 14 Jul 2018 09:16:46 -0400

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

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 22:17:48 -0400

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

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jul 2018 09:50:46 -0400

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

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 29 Jul 2018 18:39:37 -0400

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

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

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 06:11:07 -0500

Then why are you enlisting?

Go officer; branch MI.