Posted on Apr 8, 2020
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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I am currently in the IRR and I am looking to enlist into the NG or AR while I pursue my Bachelor's. I am hoping to get into the Intelligence Field and would like to pick and MOS that provide a solid foundation. I initially looked at 35F simply for the TS however I am not sure it would be most fufulling. What recommendations do you 35 Series guys have? I have considered 35M and 35L as well. My ASVAB scores are decent enough.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
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At this point, any 35 series MOS requires a TS. So that really isn't a deciding factor. What do you want to do and what are you good at (or willing to get good at)? SIGINT is a lot of technical expertise and some maths, but also tends to be a bit more isolated. HUMINT is a lot of tactical expertise and some psychology, but also relies heavily on people skills. IMINT is a lot of analytical skills and interpretation, plus headaches from staring at screens. All source is a lot of analysis, some maths, some people skills, a lot of databasing and charting, plus a little bit of black magic. And even then it is slightly better than flipping a coin.

You mentioned on another reply that you were leaning toward HUMINT. Do you want to spend most of your time dealing with (and manipulating) other people? If yes, then great, HUMINT might be for you!
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Thanks for the breakdown. Much appreciated Sergeant.
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MSG Charles Perkins
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I would agree with SFC O'Malley. I spent 22 years as a 35F and one of the things is you get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each INT. A 35F is a jack of all ints and maybe a master of a few. Each single source person will tell you theirs is the best, but each is strong or weak based on the tactical, operational or strategic situation and the 35F has to weigh all that to provide a fused intel product.
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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I appreciate the response Master Sergeant, thank you for the insight.
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SFC Sr Intelligence Nco
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Google the Army COOL (Credentialing Options Online) and it will break down each MOS and what different fields they can go into. Having been a 35M for over 14 years and a previous SIGINT guy, my money is on 35M. Fs are stuck inside a building without windows more often than not. Ls aren't actually intel. Ms get certifications a few of the alphabets are highly interested in and can get relevant experience in the states as well as deployed. If you want to be a M, you will do both tactical and strategic work if you stay in long enough as an active duty person but I don't know much about reserve/guard folks in this job. There ARE opportunities to support at least one of the alphabet agencies CONUS but sometimes those are hard to get. But, they are an option, you just have to try to get into one of their US field office as an active guy (ADOS orders for you probably) There are a lot of options available if you become a M, however, in all reality there are a lot of options any MOS you choose. It all depends on where your interests lie. If you don't like what you do, you'll be miserable the whole time so make sure you select something that is in line with your interests. If you have any other questions there are plenty of people here who can answer for you. Good luck!
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Thanks for the info Sergeant its much appreciated.
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What are the best 35 Series MOSs for a possible career in the Intelligence Field?
SPC 35 F
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What do you want to do in the intel field?
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Ideally, I would like to eventually work for one of alphabet agencies. I am looking more toward Humint type stuff.
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SPC 35 F
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp 35L would be a better fit than the mike’s. The Lima’s go school’s and get accreditation’s that the alphabet agencies like. You wouldn’t gain a lot of experience as a mike unless you deployed frequently because they don’t do there job in garrison.
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SSG Cryptologic Linguist
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp which agency would play a huge role in the information you're requesting.
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SGT Justin Chiang
SGT Justin Chiang
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35L and 35M both produce certifications that are welcome at DoD agencies. Contrary to popular belief, 35L does *not* carry the equivalency of a federal 1811 Special Agent straight from the schoolhouse.
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LCDR Mike Morrissey
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Just from the clearance issue, just make sure you are squeaky clean. As a former Nuclear Weapons security officer and PRP certifier, a basic BI is one thing, checking all the blocks for TS and subsequent levels is another ballgame. Our daughter just went through her regular periodic update in a defense industry, and things have really tightened up. Even we parents both retired Navy with former TSs were rechecked.
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Thank you for the insight Sir. It is much appreciated.
Crazy to think they looked at your clearances as well. Good to know.
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SPC Intelligence Analyst
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It really depends on scar you’re looking to do long-term. When I was first doing my research, I almost went the 35P way since that’s where my interests where. Then I realized that 35F might translate better in the civilian way once I transition out so I picked that instead. Also consider how long you’re ready to be back in AIT for since most intelligence training is extensive. 35P can take up to a year which was another deterrent personally. 35G is some terre along the line of 6 months (if you don’t recycle). 35T is about 11 months. These are all things to take into consideration when making a choice.
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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I see. Thank you for the info!
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SSG Cavalry Scout
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I think 35L would be good to network out. There's a ton of broadening assignments that comes with the MOS. Best of luck
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Thanks for the response Sergeant.
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SSG Cavalry Scout
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp no worries bro. Look into the broadening assignments for CI before making a decision
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Will do. Thanks.
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SFC S2 Intelligence Ncoic
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Any one of them are pretty safe for post Army life. But to be honest, take a look in Armyreenlistment.com and see what MOS's there are that you actually must apply to, such as 35L. Good luck.
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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I see. Yeah, from my understanding 35L is not entry level. I'll check it out. Much appreciated Sergeant.
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SPC 35 F
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp it’s entry level now. Changed around a year ago
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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I see. Good to know.
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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F's do a little bit of everything, hence why everyone wants to be one.
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SFC Casey O'Mally
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Bwahahahahahah. That's funny right there, I don't care who you is!
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SSG Intelligence Analyst
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Oh lord, it’s a “Huminter”SFC Casey O'Mally
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SFC Casey O'Mally
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SSG (Join to see) I spent 16 years in Intel. 3 different Intel MOS (although one was only a technicality). Not ONCE did I wish I was a fox. And that includes the three years I was stuck in a 35F slot.
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SSG Cryptologic Linguist
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100% glad I'm not a Fox. The plagiarizers of the IC.
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CW4 Craig Urban
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How about FBI
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CW4 Craig Urban
CW4 Craig Urban
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CW4 Craig Urban
CW4 Craig Urban
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That is me
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Possibly. I'm just trying to make myself as marketable as possible. But I admit I have more interest in operations abroad.
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SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
SPC(P) Arthur Trapp
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Solid video. I am actually familiar with the channel. I have most of the Total War series of games as well.
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