What has been your operational experience as an 35L or 35M? Is 35L now an entry level MOS?

PV2 Michael Wise — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 08:05:35 -0400

Whats your operational experience with 35L and 35M. I was a geospatial analyst (1N1) about 10 years ago. I was told that 35L is an entry level mos now. Is that true?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 11:26 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:26:08 -0400

Both are very instrumental in the operational process.

35M was created from the old interrogator MOS for The GWOT and really will be finding itself forward since it isn’t something you can do outside of a combat zone. Nor do commanders like to send out young HUMINTers outside the wire to CO duct thier job so it’s a hit or miss when it comes to you doing your job or just an extra body in the S2 shop doing passports and security-LOL but in our army the 35M get promoted faster and also if there is a mix of both MOSs the Mike is the higher rank which creates a false ceiling for the Lima’s. This is a great feeder MOS for DAT work or stepping into strategic HUMINT.

35L are actual special agents, like the FBI but only DOD. You have a very intricate and strategic mission that if utilized correctly is a profound multiplier in peace and at war. You can work in CONUS and OCONUS as well as in Combat. If you stay in the 902d and 650th you can make rank and shine, or maybe even in Special Operations; however, if you diversify you’ll do well amongst your peers but will fall behind the strategic folks. This too is a great feeder into Startegic CI elsewhere. I have found few, very few commanders (non CI) who really know what these folks are supposed to and or can do. Normally so frustrating most go elsewhere away from Army into a DOD or OGA activity.

Of the two-best outside Army is 35L, inside the Army 35M

Good luck!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 11:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 11:57:48 -0400

35L has been on and off an entry level MOS. I think right now it is, but it still has a minimum age requirement.
Your old MOS translates to 12Y in the Army now

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 2:47 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:47:28 -0400

As a current 35M SGT, I can tell you a little bit about my experience: Went through BCT for the normal 3-ish months, AIT for 7 months, then went on to DLI to learn Arabic for 2.5 years. The Army is currently trying to make 35M a language-dependent MOS similar to 35P (Crypto-linguist), where you learn a language before going to AIT (Trade school is the AF term, I think). In Garrison, I've worked on doing background research for our secret-squirrel types, learned OSINT, and trained up for my deployment. You should also be warned, you don't start getting the high-speed low-drag stuff until you are an NCO, or you have a good command that will send you to school anyways with a waiver.
On my deployment, I served a (traditionally) 35F (Analyst) role as a Reports Officer, meaning that I reviewed, corrected/edited, and pushed-up intel reports from other 35Ms, CI, and contractors. I also took my own initiative in creating presentations/graphics from those reports, make OSINT briefings for the teams I worked with, etc.

I did serve with some CI people both in Garrison (My sister unit) as well as deployed (NG). My only knowledge of what they *do* is limited to providing anti-terrorism and base-protection briefs to units and personnel, and provide force-protection investigations (I.E. The CI people I worked with at 1 point were investigating a prostitution ring on-base) (Deployment) and acting in support of other CI units in investigations (Garrison). 35L (CI) is indeed now an entry-level MOS, and I've been seeing PFCs and SPCs start filtering into my sister unit because of it, though they quickly pick up SGT because (notionally) it's pretty awkward having a junior-enlisted perform an investigation against NCOs/Officers.

Sort of rambled a bit, hope this provides the information you were looking for. If not, then let me know or toss me a message!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2020 8:22 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 20:22:51 -0400

Ive only served as a 35M but have served alongside many 35L as well. When deployed I worked on a team made up of me and a couple 35L. I did a lot of HUMINT related work while I was there and also assisted the 35L in work when I could. Our missions were very similar and with a small team it made for a fun mission. I know 35L is supposed to be entry level now but I’m not sure how long that’ll last. The 35M tend to go out and about a lot more than the 35L do. I left the wire quite regularly when deployed by my 35L teammates left maybe once. Hopefully this answers some of what you are looking for.