Job Description

Classified data may be collected from satellite images, Internet chatter, and military and spy reports. Imagine coding and decoding classified information, maintaining Combat Information Center displays or even operating an Identification Friend or Foe system on a ship. When it comes to communications networks, you’ll be working within one of the largest and most important networks on the globe.

Specific Responsibilities

Both Enlisted Sailors and Officers working in Navy Intelligence handle classified documents and transform raw data into vital intelligence. If you are able to meet all security clearance requirements, then you’re on a path to take on the responsibility of handling high-tech classified information.

As part of this occupational specialty, you may:

• Track targets
• Operate underwater communications equipment
• Defend ships against inbound threats including antiship missiles
• Analyze intelligence
• Maintain Combat Information Center (CIC) displays
• Operate and maintain global satellite telecommunications systems
• Work with classified material
• Provide technical support to deployed units
• Operate electronic radio receivers
• Operate state-of-the-art computer equipment

Work Environment

As an Enlisted Sailor or Officer working in the field of Navy Intelligence, you will have opportunities to serve in a variety of sea and shore assignments worldwide. Your typical assignments could place you with an aviation squadron or air wing staff or aboard an aircraft carrier or amphibious command ship.

Training & Advancement

Those pursuing Officer positions in the intelligence field are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon completion, they must attend a five-month basic course of instruction at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center at Dam Neck, Virginia. There, they receive training in electronic, anti-submarine, antisurface, antiair, amphibious, and strike warfare; counterintelligence; strategic intelligence; air defense analysis; and combat mission planning.

After graduating from basic intelligence training, graduates then go on a 30-month operational fleet tour. Typically, these on-the-job training assignments allow them to lead Sailors and supervise the collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence critical to their command’s mission.
 

Education Opportunities

Sailors working in the intelligence field receive training that could directly translate to credit at colleges and universities. They may have the opportunity to continue their education through various college programs and with tuition assistance. Advanced training may be available in computers, electronics and air traffic control. Other incentives in the intelligence and communications field for qualified individuals may include receiving pay and benefits while attending college full-time.

Pay Range

Like most positions, your increase in rate and rank is earned. Promotions depend upon your performance and time in service.

Navy Officers are rewarded with an excellent salary. Officers can earn additional pay for sea duty or special pay for serving on a submarine.

Qualifications

No degree is required to work in the intelligence community; however, there are Officer opportunities available to those with a four-year degree.

After the Navy

From learning highly technical database design and computer networking to decoding classified information, your training will be extensive. With these skills, you will be more than equipped for countless jobs in the high-tech industry.

Your training may also prepare you for the following civilian careers:

• Intelligence Specialist
• Cryptographic Machine Operator
• Photographic Interpreter
• Computer Programmer
• Data Communications Analyst
• Electronic Intelligence Operations Specialist
• Computer Systems Hardware Analyst
• Air Traffic Controller

Whether in the civilian community or in the Navy, the experience and responsibility you will receive with a job in intelligence and communications is invaluable.