Your military intelligence background — whether Army 35-series, Navy CT ratings, or Air Force 1N AFSCs — is among the most directly transferable skill sets in the entire veteran workforce. The IC wants you.
Translate Your MOSThe intelligence community (IC) and defense sector are the largest employers of military intelligence veterans, and for good reason: your training in analysis, collection, counterintelligence, SIGINT, HUMINT, and threat assessment is directly applicable to civilian roles at the CIA, DIA, NSA, FBI, and dozens of defense contractors. This guide has real links to real programs — agency career portals, contractor application pages, certification resources, and the cleared job board that veterans actually use. With an active TS/SCI clearance, you are one of the most in-demand candidates in the entire job market.
Your military intelligence specialty maps directly to civilian roles. Here is exactly how each MOS translates.
The most directly transferable MOS. 35Fs move into all-source intelligence analyst, threat analyst, and strategic intelligence roles at every IC agency and major defense contractor. Civilian title: Intelligence Analyst, All-Source Analyst, Threat Analyst.
Direct TranslationTranslates to counterintelligence agent, CI analyst, source operations officer, and intelligence operations specialist. CIA, FBI, and DIA actively recruit 35Ms. Civilian title: CI Agent, HUMINT Operations Officer, Source Handler.
Direct TranslationSignals intelligence experience maps directly to SIGINT analyst, technical intelligence analyst, and communications surveillance roles at NSA, defense contractors, and IC agencies. Civilian title: SIGINT Analyst, Signals Analyst, Technical Collection Specialist.
Direct TranslationAir Force intelligence AFSCs translate directly: 1N0 (Operations Intel) → all-source analyst, 1N1 (Geospatial) → GEOINT analyst at NGA, 1N2 (Signals) → SIGINT analyst at NSA, 1N4 (Fusion) → senior analyst roles. Civilian title: Intelligence Analyst, GEOINT Analyst, Fusion Analyst.
Direct TranslationNavy IS ratings and CT (Cryptologic Technician) ratings are among the most sought-after backgrounds. CTN (Networks) → cyber intelligence, CTI (Interpretive) → language analysis, CTR (Collection) → SIGINT collection management. Civilian title: Intelligence Analyst, Cyber Intel Analyst, Collection Manager.
Direct TranslationMarine intelligence specialists (0231) and CI/HUMINT operators (0211) transition to the same all-source and HUMINT roles as Army counterparts. The smaller community means tighter networks for referrals. Civilian title: Intelligence Analyst, CI Specialist, HUMINT Collector.
Direct TranslationNot sure how your specific MOS maps? Use the free MOS Career Translator to get your personalized civilian job matches with salary data and certification recommendations.
These are the actual career portals for the major intelligence agencies. Government IC positions use the GS/GG pay scale with full federal benefits. Allow 6-12 months for the hiring process — apply early.
Intelligence analyst, operations officer, and technical collection positions. Active veteran recruitment program. GS/GG pay scale + full federal benefits. The student & veteran programs page has dedicated military transition resources.
Government Benefits Apply DirectSIGINT, cyber intelligence, and cryptanalysis roles. Highest technical requirements but also highest technical pay. CTN, 35N/35S, and 1N2 veterans are particularly valued. Apply through IntelligenceCareers.gov/NSA.
Top Technical PayThe most natural transition for military intelligence veterans. Defense intelligence analysts, HUMINT operations, collection management. Military culture persists — you will feel at home here. Strong veteran preference in hiring.
Strong Veteran CultureGEOINT analyst, imagery analyst, and geospatial intelligence roles. Primary employer for 1N1 (Air Force) and 35G (Army) veterans. Growing demand for GIS and remote sensing skills. New HQ campus in St. Louis — lower cost of living than DC.
GEOINT SpecialtySatellite intelligence collection and technical operations. Smaller agency with competitive pay. Strong preference for veterans with SIGINT, IMINT, or MASINT backgrounds. Chantilly, VA headquarters.
Technical FocusThe FBI hires intelligence analysts separately from special agents. 35M (HUMINT) and CI-background veterans are prime candidates. Also recruits for cyber, counterterrorism, and WMD analysis. FBI field offices are nationwide — not just DC.
Nationwide LocationsPro Tip: Apply to all agencies simultaneously. IC hiring timelines are 6-12 months, and many applications go dormant. Casting a wide net across CIA, DIA, NSA, NGA, NRO, and FBI maximizes your chances. Also apply to USAJobs.gov for IC-adjacent positions at DHS, DOE, State Department (INR), and Treasury (OIA).
Defense contractors hire faster than government agencies (weeks, not months) and often pay more. These companies employ thousands of intelligence analysts at any given time. Many veterans use a contractor position to maintain their clearance while waiting for a government offer.
$80,000-$160,000. The largest intelligence contractor. Thousands of cleared analyst positions. Strong veteran hiring program — 30%+ of workforce are veterans. Extensive SkillBridge partnerships. Search open roles ↗
Top Veteran Employer SkillBridge Partner$75,000-$150,000. Major IC and DoD contractor. Intelligence analysis, systems engineering, and cyber operations. Dedicated military hiring program. Positions in DC metro, San Antonio, Colorado Springs, and more. Apply ↗
Veteran Hiring Program$78,000-$155,000. One of the largest defense and intelligence contractors. All-source analysis, SIGINT, cyber, and C4ISR roles. Won major IC contracts. Aggressive veteran recruitment. Search jobs ↗
Major IC Contracts$100,000-$200,000+. Data analytics platform used across IC and DoD. Forward Deployed Engineers and Defense analysts. Strong veteran culture — many employees are former military intel. Silicon Valley pay scale. Explore careers ↗
Highest Pay Range$75,000-$145,000. Intelligence analysis, SIGINT, electronic warfare, and cyber operations. Deep IC and DoD contract portfolio. Known for promoting veterans into leadership. Apply ↗
Veteran Leadership$72,000-$140,000. Cyber intelligence, SIGINT analysis, and intelligence operations support. Strong IC contract presence. Dedicated military hiring team. Search roles ↗
Cyber Intel FocusThese job boards specialize in security-cleared positions. If you have an active clearance, these are where the jobs are.
The largest job board for security-cleared professionals. Over 30,000 active listings. Filter by clearance level (Secret, TS, TS/SCI, CI Poly). Free for job seekers. This is the single most important job board for intelligence veterans. Create your profile ↗
Free for Job Seekers Start HereOfficial job portal for NSA, NGA, NRO, and other IC agencies. Government positions with federal benefits. Search by agency, location, and career field. Browse IC jobs ↗
Official IC PortalSearch for GS-0132 (Intelligence) and GS-1811 (Criminal Investigation) series positions. Use veterans' preference to boost your application. See our Veterans' Preference Guide for how to maximize your federal advantage.
Veterans' PreferenceIntelligence salaries vary dramatically based on clearance level, location, and employer type. The clearance premium is real and significant.
| Role | No Clearance | With TS/SCI | With CI Poly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Analyst (Entry) | $60,000-$75,000 | $75,000-$90,000 | $85,000-$100,000 |
| All-Source Analyst | $70,000-$90,000 | $90,000-$110,000 | $100,000-$125,000 |
| Counterintelligence Agent | $65,000-$85,000 | $85,000-$105,000 | $95,000-$120,000 |
| SIGINT Analyst | $72,000-$95,000 | $95,000-$120,000 | $110,000-$140,000 |
| Cyber Threat Intelligence | $80,000-$110,000 | $110,000-$145,000 | $130,000-$170,000 |
| Collection Manager | $85,000-$110,000 | $110,000-$140,000 | $130,000-$165,000 |
| Intel Manager / Senior Analyst | $90,000-$120,000 | $120,000-$155,000 | $140,000-$180,000+ |
Sources: ClearanceJobs Salary Survey, Bureau of Labor Statistics, industry data. DC metro area commands highest salaries; adjust -10-15% for other regions.
An active TS/SCI clearance adds $15,000-$30,000 to your base salary. A CI (counterintelligence) polygraph pushes the premium to $25,000-$40,000. Why? A new TS/SCI investigation costs employers $5,800+ and takes 12-18 months. Your existing clearance saves them that cost and wait time. Your clearance begins deactivation 24 months after separation — the clock is ticking.
These certifications boost your competitiveness and are often required by defense contractors. Many can be funded through GI Bill, VR&E, or employer tuition assistance.
$392 | 2-3 months study. DoD 8570/8140 baseline certification. Required for most IC contractor roles involving information systems. The single most important cert for intelligence veterans entering the contractor space. Exam details ↗
Most Important Cert$749 | 6-12 months + 5yr exp. Senior intelligence and cybersecurity roles. Demonstrates deep security knowledge. Required for many senior IC positions and significantly boosts salary. 5 years experience required (4 with degree). Learn more ↗
Senior Roles$599 | 3-6 months. Validates skills in authorizing and maintaining information systems within the Risk Management Framework (RMF). Required for many IC system authorization roles. DoD 8570 compliant.
RMF/ATO Roles$555 | 3-6 months + 36mo exp. Critical for intelligence program management and collection management roles. Military project/operations management experience often satisfies the experience requirement. Adds $10,000-$20,000 to salary.
Management TrackGI Bill for Certifications: The GI Bill covers certification exam fees and prep courses. VA certification reimbursement info ↗. VR&E (Chapter 31) can also cover certification costs if you have a service-connected disability.
These programs let you work at a civilian company during your last 6 months of active duty — while still receiving military pay and benefits. This is the best way to transition into intelligence and maintain your clearance with zero gap.
Official SkillBridge portal. Search for intelligence and defense contractor SkillBridge opportunities. Booz Allen, SAIC, Leidos, CACI, and ManTech all offer SkillBridge internships. Work at a defense contractor for up to 6 months while on active duty. Search opportunities ↗
Keep Military Pay Top Resource12-week fellowship at a partner company during your last 6 months of service. Includes defense and intelligence sector employers. No cost to participants. Over 55% conversion rate to full-time employment. Apply ↗
55%+ Hired Full-TimeOur complete guide to the SkillBridge program — eligibility requirements, how to apply, timeline, and how to pitch it to your commander. Includes list of SkillBridge-approved intelligence employers.
Free GuideCritical Clearance Warning: Your TS/SCI clearance is your single most valuable career asset after separation. It begins deactivating the day you leave service. Do NOT let it lapse by waiting for the "perfect" job. A lapsed TS/SCI costs $5,800+ and 12-18 months to reinvestigate — and you may not receive the same level of access. Accept any cleared position first, then keep looking.
Veteran Advantage: Military intelligence professionals are among the most sought-after veterans in the civilian job market. Your combination of analytical tradecraft, active clearance, operational experience, and discipline under pressure is virtually impossible to replicate through civilian education alone. The intelligence community was built by veterans, and the culture reflects it — you will find more former military colleagues than in almost any other civilian career field.
The MOS Translator maps your military intelligence specialty to specific civilian roles with salary data, clearance premiums, and required certifications.
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