Pursuing a career in Strategic Intelligence: How can I achieve success?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Apr 2014 23:32:04 -0400

I am interested in pursuing a career in Strategic Intelligence (FA34). I know many individuals have different experiences prior to attending NIU for their masters. I would like recommendations and advice on good career moves that would put me in a position to attend NIU and thrive as a Strategic Intelligence Officer.

So far I have only been in a tactical unit. I've been an Assistant S2 and an ISR Platoon Leader. My next duty will be as an S2 OIC for a BSB. My current understanding is that I should make an effort to get joint assignments and strategic assignments to become more familiar with the world and how the US creates policies. Any corrections or further guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 1:35 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 01:35:27 -0400

Response by LTC Jason Strickland made Apr 19 at 2014 7:40 AM

LTC Jason Strickland — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 07:40:49 -0400

Christopher, while I wasn't a FA34, I spent most of my time at strategic assignments. Once you reach CPT and complete company command, then you can broaden your assignment search. Ask your branch manager about jobs in the national Intelligence Community (IC) or at combatant commands, where you'll be exposed to looking at strategic perspectives regarding our nation's defense.

I served as a GEOINT officer and worked in a couple of those types of assignments giving me a great perspective on strategic intelligence.

Let me know if I can help out.

Response by CW3 Bill Golden made Sep 10 at 2014 10:57 AM

CW3 Bill Golden — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 10:57:16 -0400

Give yourself 5 years and you are marketable. Strive to get 2-3 years minimal at the G2/J2/SOTF/JTF level and you get two things: experience and marketability.

One of the things that employers want, on both the Gov and private side is some gut reaction to go with your experience. Data can point the way but gut reaction often tempers what we think the data is telling us. You only get that from being in the middle of the data with hands-on for 2-3 years.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 7:31 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 19:31:55 -0500

Lateral Internship with NSA.