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I have a wife and three children (a 2 1/2-year-old, and twins that just turned one) whom I love dearly, and they love me. I am currently pursuing an undergraduate National Security Studies degree, with a minor in foreign languages. ROTC has popped up on the list of possibilities (for many, really good reasons), but my wife and I are concerned about the toll that it will take on our family.
She grew up as an AF brat, moving all over the world, so she knows what the life can be like as far as that goes. Moving from location to location would be a fun adventure for our family, but we're wondering what the family life of an MI officer is like. Granted I know that early in my career I would likely be detailed with another branch for a while, but once I make it back to MI, what does that look like? Thanks in advance!
p.s., I suppose this should be considered my introduction as well, I don't think I've posted anything yet (although I've been stalking the pages here for a while now).
She grew up as an AF brat, moving all over the world, so she knows what the life can be like as far as that goes. Moving from location to location would be a fun adventure for our family, but we're wondering what the family life of an MI officer is like. Granted I know that early in my career I would likely be detailed with another branch for a while, but once I make it back to MI, what does that look like? Thanks in advance!
p.s., I suppose this should be considered my introduction as well, I don't think I've posted anything yet (although I've been stalking the pages here for a while now).
Military Intelligence
Family
Military Life
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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Wow...normally MI wouldn't miss a chance to talk about themselves. I worked in the 8th Army G2 and spent over 11 years on Battalion and Brigade staffs working with S2 bubbas. It all depends the unit you are in, such as being a battalion S2 in a 82nd infantry battalion is a lot different than working in general staff or Intel cell in like the 303rd MI doing collection or PED (analysis). Yes the life can be rewarding and I wouldn't trade the last 20 years for anything else. The downside is in a few years I will walk away with an amazing retirement and you will have a low-level 401K which really isn't worth the work we do. In the end you and your family have to make the choice if it is right for you. Finally you don't get branch detailed as you have to choose another branch to work in such as Infantry or Armor for three years.
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LTC Jason Mackay
MAJ (Join to see) good response. SPC (Join to see) I want to add something. You can ask for MI, but the Branching process for any commissioning source except a direct commission (unless you are ordained clergy or a medical doctor, forget it), will be needs of the Army. You have to be prepared to accept the branch they assign you. You fill out a branch preference, which in my day was your top 10, 16 direct accession branches list 1-n. The Army's hope is that somewhere on the top 10 branches aligns with their needs. The reality, you 'git what ya git and don't pitch a fit'.
What you do in Garrison is not what you do deployed at least at the tactical BN and BDE level. You and your team worry about physical security, security clearances, and handling/maintaining classified materials. Deployed and on training exercises, you are really making money doing intelligence preparation of the battlefield IPB, Intel assessments, preparing Intel reports of what your unit is finding, and making tailored Intel products in support of the Commander and the mission.
Most of your time as a commissioned officer is spent as a staff officer at the BN and above. As a young officer, you'll really want to be a platoon leader before you enter the Staff world. MI officers don't always get to command at CO and BN level. Your world will be being the Battalion or Brigade S2 (Intelligence Officer). There are other opportunities to serve in operational and strategic intelligence assignments. Look an DA PAM 600-3 which anyone can download from the Army Publishing Directorate (http://www.apd.army.mil)
What you do in Garrison is not what you do deployed at least at the tactical BN and BDE level. You and your team worry about physical security, security clearances, and handling/maintaining classified materials. Deployed and on training exercises, you are really making money doing intelligence preparation of the battlefield IPB, Intel assessments, preparing Intel reports of what your unit is finding, and making tailored Intel products in support of the Commander and the mission.
Most of your time as a commissioned officer is spent as a staff officer at the BN and above. As a young officer, you'll really want to be a platoon leader before you enter the Staff world. MI officers don't always get to command at CO and BN level. Your world will be being the Battalion or Brigade S2 (Intelligence Officer). There are other opportunities to serve in operational and strategic intelligence assignments. Look an DA PAM 600-3 which anyone can download from the Army Publishing Directorate (http://www.apd.army.mil)
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1. Depends on what unit you are assigned to, and how far up the "tip of the spear" are they. 2. 100,000's of families survived the military, sometimes it is tough, but it can be weathered if you work on it together. . If it really is bothering you, then don't join, please.
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Family lifeis what you make it to be. This is something the service member actually controls outside of the military but it's different from any field.
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