Posted on May 16, 2018
Does 35M or 35L have the most or best options post military career? What are the differences and pros and cons of each?
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I am a current 35F stationed at fort hood. I was a prior service infantry marine and I was also in the national guard. I have a degree and law enforcement experience. My question is whether 35M or 35L has the most or best options post military career. I am interested in both , but prefer HUMINT. However the lack of stateside opportunities with 35M worries me and that is why 35L is appealing. I wanted to work for the FBI or CIA after college but gave that up to come back to active duty. Which would be the closest to those agencies? Also, I studied Arabic in college and was hoping to get a language. So, I’ve heard 35M is the better option for that, is this true, 35L unlikely to grant me a DLI slot? The 35L brief I went to told me it was unlikely. Thank You for any and all advice or input. Also, really interested to hear from a 35M who reclassed to 35L to hear the differences and pros and cons of each?
35L: Counterintelligence (CI) Agent
35M: Human Intelligence Collector
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 7
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Do what you want to do. If HUMINT is your thing, there are plenty of opportunities in the states and abroad for your post military career. The fact that you have Arabic under your belt makes you even more marketable. If you are disciplined and competent enough, work towards maxing your DLPT and forget about DLI. I know plenty of HUMINT guys who chose a commercial training option over DLI and came out on top of their peers. Same thing goes for 35L's. Don't commit to any MOS just because you are worried about the opportunities once you get out. You can translate both CI and HUMINT into TONS of career fields.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Thank you SSG, I have considered DLPT, but I’m super rusty so I’m way below the level I should be. With the Arabic I took, I should be able to talk and read at like a 6th grade level but I didn’t study hard enough in college. With that said, I realize how hard DLI is and studying is important but with my two years already I feel like DLI is just what I need to kick start my brain and make me an extremely valuable asset for the military. Thank you again, I really appreciate everyone’s input. It’s helping form a better opinion and idea in my head of which route I want to take.
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DLI is still possible as a 35L, but as others have said, its more likely as a 35M just because of the language requirement. However, 35L's can be assigned to linguist billets as well, and can also attend DLI via that route. Language aside, a lot of 35M's eventually become 35L's (primarily because you cannot be an agent until you are an E5 so those wishing to be 35L often start as 35M). Since you are already an E5 with a degree and experience, I would say you should at least consider going straight to 35L. And, if you are looking to work for a three letter agency later on being a former 35L looks really good. The FBI in particular has the primary CI mission for the U.S. government (for civilians), 35L translates to that well. In fact, as a 35L assigned to a field office stateside, we often work cases with the FBI. Additionally, with your law enforcement experience it would benefit you to consider 35L first, as 35M's have no investigative authority.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Thank you chief. I have pretty much given up my chances of agencies now since I came back to active duty, because of my age, I’m 35 now. With that said I’ve seriously considered 35L because of just what you said but I really like the HUMINT aspect of 35M. That was always my struggle between FBI and CIA, do law enforcement or clandestine/HUMINT stuff. I def have a passion for intelligence but the dumb grunt in me still misses some leg work on the ground with people. Thank you again, lots to consider especially with my time and rank to consider.
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CW3 (Join to see)
Just so you know, the clandestine work you speak of is also conducted by CI Special Agents. There are five core CI functions covering even more activities, so CI is extremely diverse. Both 35L and 35M conduct source operations utilizing HUMINT tradecraft for instance, just for different purposes. And as for your age, the 37 age limit for starting out in many federal law enforcement agencies does not apply to veterans who can obtain a veteran waiver.
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SSG(P) (Join to see)
Thank you chief. Definitely giving me a lot to consider. I love any and all of this information , thank you to everyone that’s contributed.
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Post career, 35L has way more options for job opportunities. Especially if want to work for the FBI or CIA, CI is the way to go.
35L's can have a language, but it isn't a requirement. To go to DLI, you have to be in a language position on the UMR within your unit. If you pass the DLAB for the certain language of that language position, then you can attend DLI as a 35L. It'd be easier to go to DLI as a 35M due to the 35M's language requirement.
35L's can have a language, but it isn't a requirement. To go to DLI, you have to be in a language position on the UMR within your unit. If you pass the DLAB for the certain language of that language position, then you can attend DLI as a 35L. It'd be easier to go to DLI as a 35M due to the 35M's language requirement.
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Mike Riccio
This is not accurate information especially when you consider the fact that the CIA is a HUMINT (35M) organization. FBI handles counterintelligence(35L). You will find that with very few exceptions both career fields will qualify for the same jobs in the civilian market.
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