Branching Military Intelligence

Sampaguita said:
What is it exactly that intrigues you about going the CI/HUMINT route? Do you know the difference between the two? What is your ST score? Can you get a clearance? If you have specific questions, that you can't find on a forum or online, you are probably better off going to an MI unit who can answer your questions one on one.

When I got asked to join the IC, I sat down with each specialty and got the down and dirty. There's definitely a difference between the two. There's also a difference in jobs between being an officer and being enlisted.

One thing I do agree on, is coming into the IC with a prior/different MOS.
Click to expand...

Ma'am,
Would you mind getting vetted, before you answer anymore question? It allows new people to the forum know that some idiot is not answering there question but someone that knows there shit.

Regards,
PB
 
Sampaguita said:
What is it exactly that intrigues you about going the CI/HUMINT route? Do you know the difference between the two? What is your ST score? Can you get a clearance? If you have specific questions, that you can't find on a forum or online, you are probably better off going to an MI unit who can answer your questions one on one.

When I got asked to join the IC, I sat down with each specialty and got the down and dirty. There's definitely a difference between the two. There's also a difference in jobs between being an officer and being enlisted.

One thing I do agree on, is coming into the IC with a prior/different MOS.
Click to expand...

Polar Bear said:
Ma'am,
Would you mind getting vetted, before you answer anymore question? It allows new people to the forum know that some idiot is not answering there question but someone that knows there shit.

Regards,
PB
Click to expand...

I agree with PB. For the record, I don't have a problem with anything you wrote. And while we can't force you to get vetted, at the same time we can't allow you to dispense wisdom as an expert in a certain field if we haven't done due diligence to ensure you're qualified to do so. There's a vetting tab at the top of the page, we can handle things quickly and discretely if you're interested. Thanks.

-mara
 
Sampaguita said:
What is it exactly that intrigues you about going the CI/HUMINT route? Do you know the difference between the two? What is your ST score? Can you get a clearance? If you have specific questions, that you can't find on a forum or online, you are probably better off going to an MI unit who can answer your questions one on one.

When I got asked to join the IC, I sat down with each specialty and got the down and dirty. There's definitely a difference between the two. There's also a difference in jobs between being an officer and being enlisted.

One thing I do agree on, is coming into the IC with a prior/different MOS.
Click to expand...
Sampaguita,

As you could imagine, I am envisioning the investigation/collection aspects of the two routes. From what I have found in MOS descriptions and a few other sources, I could not honestly say I know enough to separate the different qualities and mission specifics goals of each (CI/HUMINT).

I apologize as I am not sure what "ST score" refers too; if you are referring to the ASVAB I have not taken it, and don't believe I ever will unless deciding to enlist. I imagine I would be able to get a clearance, as I have a clean record and multiple members in my family have TS clearances as well. I have not thought about seeking out an intelligence unit to date, but it definitely seems like the obvious thing to do now that it is in the open; however I am kind of in the middle-of-nowhereville upper midwest. I will be in Ft. Knox, KY this summer and I am sure I could find some interesting people to talk to there.

V/R

-SmithCO
 
Viper1 said:
I can't say much about MI branch except for this: one of the best BN S-2's I ever worked with was a 2LT who was smart and well-read. He didn't conjuncture, rumor, or just believe. He analyzed and gave his assessments. Key words: analysis, assessments. The guys on the ground want to know those as soon as possible and by analyzing information correctly you can ensure accuracy, thus preventing what I call the "staff-commander spin-ex". That is when they go bonkers over some BS report from S-2 that is single source, un-vetted, and unverified.

Also, force the reporting to come to you correctly. A line of "an enemy attack is going to happen at an undetermined time at an undisclosed location" is not a good report. I've seen that line get briefed in a daily BUB and it doesn't end well. Ensure reports come to you in 5W format, SALT format, with as much information as possible so you can start calling to on-ground units to verify information. If it is unverified, state so in your brief to the staff and commanders. Let them know what units and agencies you passed the information on to. Give him realistic and accurate analysis. The final point: don't try to put an unconventional enemy into conventional "DOCTEMP" or "SITTEMP" boxes. Instead, get with the on-ground units and look at sources of instability. Where you find a source of instability, you'll find the enemy and you'll be able to analyze how that instability can be addressed.

Good luck with your endeavors. Marauder06 is an excellent MI officer and good POC. Mara, if I'm wrong on any of the above, let me know.
Click to expand...
Viper1,

Firstly, thank you for taking the time to reply to my thread; as well as everyone else, I greatly appreciate your responses.

Reading about your side/view of the intelligence realm definitely makes me feel the branch-detail program might be the most beneficial. It seems knowing how intelligence will be used in the field, prior to relaying intelligence to field units would give me the two fold view of the operation.

Your post is definitely informative and I have taken a lot away from it. I also believe a lot of it is over-my-head at this time; and feel I will gain additional insight from it in the future.

Thank you again,

V/R

-Smith
 
SmithCO said:
I apologize as I am not sure what "ST score" refers too; if you are referring to the ASVAB I have not taken it, and don't believe I ever will unless deciding to enlist.
Click to expand...

Go to a local recruiter and ask to do a practice ASVAB. It will at least give you a ball park idea of where you sit.
There are also ASVAB study guides to help you.

IIRC you need a 110 on all portions to be eligible for all MOS's.
 
Well over on the other side of the river(if you can still get over it lol) at MSUM my little bro is a commissioned officer(NG for now), though not branch qualifed yet, you can pm me and I will get you in touch with him. I will be up that way once the flood waters go down.8-)
 
dirtmover said:
Well over on the other side of the river(if you can still get over it lol) at MSUM my little bro is a commissioned officer(NG for now), though not branch qualifed yet, you can pm me and I will get you in touch with him. I will be up that way once the flood waters go down.8-)
Click to expand...
Very interesting! PM Sent.
 
SmithCO said:
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to reply to my thread; as well as everyone else, I greatly appreciate your responses.

Reading about your side/view of the intelligence realm definitely makes me feel the branch-detail program might be the most beneficial. It seems knowing how intelligence will be used in the field, prior to relaying intelligence to field units would give me the two fold view of the operation.

Your post is definitely informative and I have taken a lot away from it. I also believe a lot of it is over-my-head at this time; and feel I will gain additional insight from it in the future.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I probably went a bit overboard on terms. I've seen good MI officers, branch detailed and non-branch detailed. Good luck!
 
Marauder06 said:
I agree with PB. For the record, I don't have a problem with anything you wrote. And while we can't force you to get vetted, at the same time we can't allow you to dispense wisdom as an expert in a certain field if we haven't done due diligence to ensure you're qualified to do so. There's a vetting tab at the top of the page, we can handle things quickly and discretely if you're interested. Thanks.

-mara
Click to expand...

Polar Bear said:
Ma'am,
Would you mind getting vetted, before you answer anymore question? It allows new people to the forum know that some idiot is not answering there question but someone that knows there shit.

Regards,
PB
Click to expand...

Gentlemen... you should have something in your vetting inbox. If you need additional information or want me to provide anything else, please let me know. :-)
 
Honestly, I'd say 90% of MI officers are in a state of shock about how they aren't and will never get to do anything "cool" from the ranks of 2LT to CPT. By MAJ they finally acknowledge it, or a select few find a cool job. Most MI officers are basically staff officers from day one.

It really sucks when you have to work with/for the ones that resent the fact they don't get to do any "cool" stuff.

It's different than, say, an Infantry officer. They at least get to reminisce about when they were a PL and got the hang out with the troops.
 
SmithCO said:
I apologize as I am not sure what "ST score" refers too; if you are referring to the ASVAB I have not taken it, and don't believe I ever will unless deciding to enlist.
Click to expand...

SmithCO... ST stands for Skilled Technical. There are a couple of sites online where you can do a practice ASVAB. The one that I have used and has been successful in the past was http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/testprep/quiz.asp?id=1180&sponsor=1&path=ce.pft.asvab. When I was at Fort Benning, the testing examiner gave me a general user name and password... I'll see if I can find it and provide it for you. I got a GT and ST score of 121. The Peterson ASVAB guide was really good.

Another you can try that was recommended is http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=67. (Caveat... I haven't tried this, but was told it was helpful).

Taking the ASVAB would be the first step to see what you are qualified for.

Good luck.
 
Marauder06 said:
I agree with PB. For the record, I don't have a problem with anything you wrote. And while we can't force you to get vetted, at the same time we can't allow you to dispense wisdom as an expert in a certain field if we haven't done due diligence to ensure you're qualified to do so. There's a vetting tab at the top of the page, we can handle things quickly and discretely if you're interested. Thanks.

-mara
Click to expand...

All: As you can see from her new VER MIL tags, Sampaguita's intel creds checked out.
 
Sampaguita said:
SmithCO... ST stands for Skilled Technical. There are a couple of sites online where you can do a practice ASVAB. The one that I have used and has been successful in the past was http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/testprep/quiz.asp?id=1180&sponsor=1&path=ce.pft.asvab. When I was at Fort Benning, the testing examiner gave me a general user name and password... I'll see if I can find it and provide it for you. I got a GT and ST score of 121. The Peterson ASVAB guide was really good.

Another you can try that was recommended is http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=67. (Caveat... I haven't tried this, but was told it was helpful).

Taking the ASVAB would be the first step to see what you are qualified for.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
Sampaguita,

I am kind of confused, are Officers mandated to have a certain GT/ST score requirement before joining the IC?

V/R

-Smith
 
SmithCO said:
Sampaguita,

I am kind of confused, are Officers mandated to have a certain GT/ST score requirement before joining the IC?

V/R

-Smith
Click to expand...

Smith.... good follow up question :thumbsup: :sneaky:

No you do not. I've been enlisted my whole career. I would stay a squad leader for as long as I can if they let me. Most of the officers I worked with and respected were all enlisted before commissioning. Depending on what you want to do... be the chief or the indian... the jobs are completely different. Most of the MI officers I worked with were staffers in a typical army unit... attending meetings, powerpoint rangers, briefers, or the S2. I wouldn't discount going the enlisted side. I may be a little biased. Talk to an enlisted active duty soldier (hopefully not a douche) in the branch you want to join (ie. Infantry?) that can tell you about their own experiences as the backbone of the Army.

What are your expectations as your daily duties in the branch you're interested in, if you were to pursue going the officer or enlisted side? Maybe going officer is more suitable for you... or maybe enlisted is the way to go. :-) You should consider the enlisted side, only if you are willing to work for a living.;-)
 

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