Posted on Jul 13, 2018
Can I get some insight into the following MOS: 35F, 35S, 35N?
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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.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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.
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SFC (Join to see)
That's no way to be! We love our 35S! Without you guys there would be no intel to analyze. Besides, we all know it's the sly 35F who takes credit in the end.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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You’ll need a security clearance, secret or top secret. School for the 35F is in Georgia.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
The school for 35F is no longer in Georgia. It is currently at Fort Hauchucha, AZ.
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35S: Signals Acquisition/Exploitation Analyst
35N: Signals Intelligence Analyst
