Military Intelligence Officers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Intelligence officers provide a service that is crucial for our national defense. These officers develop and execute plans, policies, and procedures that facilitate intelligence functions. They are experts on all intelligence disciplines and their application across the spectrum of military operations. They may conduct counter-intelligence operations to safeguard against adversarial threats. Some intelligence officers specialize in one form of intelligence, such as imagery, signals, or human intelligence.
Work Environment
Intelligence officers work in offices on land and aboard ships. They may work in the field on maneuvers and military exercises.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Intelligence Officers in the Military
14,183
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$116,572
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$25,417 - $294,189
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Bachelor's degree 73%
-
Master's degree 13%
-
High school 4%
-
Some college 4%
-
Post baccalaureate 4%
-
Doctoral degree 0%
-
Associate's degree 0%
-
Less than high school 0%
-
Post-doctoral training 0%
-
Post-master's certificate 0%
-
First professional degree 0%
-
Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for intelligence officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include: Air, ground, and sea intelligence operationsPhotograph interpretationUse of surveillance equipmentReconnaissance equipment and weapons systems
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Education and Training
Gain insights into your knowledge by using the ASVAB Career Exploration Program