What are solid steps a young servicemember in Military Intelligence can take to stay relevant in his/her field?

2013-11-14T07:40:48-05:00

I'm coming to an interesting turning point in my HUMINT career due to taking on more responsibilities than I have previously, in addition to going through my first deployment. The success/stress is bringing on a series of questions for me though, most of which largely center on concerns on whether or not my field will continue to shrink with the impending drawdown, and if so, how I can stay relevant enough to continue to contribute to the military? I find myself grasping for answers, and much of what I hear from others is good advice, but inconsistent. What else could a 35M in my position do to ensure that they have the foundations to continue on in military intelligence? My apologies for the vague question; I'm having a difficult time trying to put the thoughts into a single concrete wording. I appreciate any feedback from those who have been doing this for a while longer than I have.

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 13 at 2013 8:09 PM

2013-12-13T20:09:54-05:00

The best thing you can do is stay as current and up to date within your area of specialty and also get as much advanced schooling and any certifications you can. Even if you are selected for departure, you are very desirable to the outside Intel community if your are current and have major certifications and education.

Good luck, stay strong and stay safe.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 3:31 AM

2013-12-14T03:31:10-05:00

I believe education is the key no matter what. Work towards a civilian degree or always be striving for professional military training as well. The more certifications you have on that resume the better both in and out of the military. Take advantage of every training opportunity available, especially the FREE ones; i.e. ones your own unit does not have to pay for because it's more likely they will actually let you attend. JCITA is one of those that is fully funded by other organizations, find the course you qualify for, apply, get accepted and you're good to go. All you're current command can really argue with is the amount of time you will be away and not the usual "this unit doesn't have the funding to send X amount of Soldiers to this abstract training..." I come from a combat arms background and switched to MI mid career so I completely understand the whole trying to stay relevant within your job. I had to work extra hard at it because just about everyone else around me had already been doing it their entire career's and I was "the new guy"

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 14 at 2013 4:14 AM

2013-12-14T04:14:21-05:00

A good course of action for you would be to find and download a copy of the 35M Career Map. This document provides the "what should I be doing/completing" at each rank during your career. It is a very useful document. I believe that there is a link on the MI Page on the HRC webpage. If it is not there, check the Office Chief of MI (OCMI) page. If that does not work for you, shoot an email to SFC Pennington at OCMI. He is the 35M Career Advisor. Good luck.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2013 7:10 AM

2013-12-14T07:10:40-05:00

Get that military training SPC Bradley. I allready have two RFO out there for when we get home plus WLC and thinking about DLI. If you want to progress be available and ready when these opportunities present themselves and you will stand above you peers.

"Its not the lack of opportunity that holds people back. Its their inability to see an opportunity when it is available."