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ArmyMOS: 35L
Counterintelligence Agent
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Army Counterintelligence Agents — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every 35L has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Army in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$60K–$120K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
14
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
4
Federal GS Series
5
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
Army Counterintelligence Agents (35L) detect, identify, and neutralize threats to the U.S. Army. They run investigations into espionage, sabotage, treason, and subversion. They conduct threat assessments for installations and deployed forces. They develop and manage human sources. They support force protection across every type of Army unit.
The 35L MOS is one of the most selective in the Army. Entry requires a TS/SCI clearance, a clean background, and strong analytical skills. Many 35L agents hold college degrees before enlisting. Training at Fort Huachuca covers investigation techniques, interview and interrogation, surveillance, source operations, and report writing. Some agents go on to become polygraph examiners or technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) specialists.
What makes 35L veterans valuable in the civilian workforce is not just the clearance. It is the combination of investigative skills, analytical thinking, report writing, and the ability to work complex cases from start to finish. These skills translate to careers in corporate security, federal law enforcement, fraud investigation, compliance, and cybersecurity. The TS/SCI clearance is a major asset, but the real value is the training and mindset behind it.
35Ls bring the most underrepresented background in cleared federal hiring — credentialed CI experience that civilian-side analysts almost never have. I've worked across federal hiring and the 0132 Intelligence Specialist series at FBI, DCSA, and DoD components actively recruits former CI agents. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceTS/SCI (required)
ASVAB RequirementST=101
TrainingBasic Combat Training, then AIT at Fort Huachuca, AZ. Graduates attend the Counterintelligence Special Agent Course (CISAC). Additional training may include polygraph examiner school, advanced source operations, and technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM).
Certs Earned in ServiceCounterintelligence Special Agent (CISAC graduate), Polygraph Examiner (select agents), Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), Force Protection / Antiterrorism Level II, First Aid/CPR/AED
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Army mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Counterintelligence Agent
$60K–$120K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
4 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+32% on average
Civilian roles for Counterintelligence Agents pay ~$22K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
The private sector demand for counterintelligence skills has grown fast. Insider threat programs, corporate espionage prevention, and due diligence investigations are now standard at large companies. Defense contractors need CI professionals who already hold clearances. Financial institutions need fraud investigators. Tech companies need people who can protect intellectual property.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), information security analysts earn a median salary of $120,360 per year. Private investigators and detectives earn a median of $59,780, though corporate investigation roles at major firms pay well above that. Management analysts earn a median of $99,410, and compliance officers earn $75,670.
Defense and intelligence contractors are the most direct path. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC, Leidos, CACI, and Northrop Grumman hire former 35L agents for roles in counterintelligence analysis, insider threat programs, and security consulting. These positions often require an active TS/SCI and pay $85,000 to $140,000+ depending on location and experience. The DC Metro area, San Antonio, and Tampa are the biggest hubs for this work.
Corporate security is another strong path. Banks, tech companies, and pharmaceutical firms run internal investigation teams. Former CI agents bring interview skills, case management experience, and a structured approach to evidence collection. These roles may not require a clearance, which means your salary comes from your skills rather than your access.
If you want to stay close to the mission, consulting firms hire former CI agents to advise foreign governments, train partner nation security forces, or support ongoing intelligence programs. This work often involves travel and may require maintaining your clearance through the contracting company.
Security Clearance Jobs: Salary by Clearance Level breaks down what your TS/SCI is worth in different industries.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Counterintelligence Analyst O*NET: 13-1111.00 | Defense / Intelligence | $99,410 | Faster than average (10%) | strong |
Information Security Analyst O*NET: 15-1212.00 | Technology / Defense / Finance | $120,360 | Much faster than average (33%) | strong |
Criminal Investigator (Federal) O*NET: 33-3021.03 | Government / Law Enforcement | $99,410 | About as fast as average | strong |
Compliance Officer O*NET: 13-1041.00 | Finance / Healthcare / Energy | $75,670 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
Private Detective / Corporate Investigator O*NET: 33-9021.00 | Professional Services / Corporate | $59,780 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
Security Consultant O*NET: 13-1111.00 | Consulting / Defense | $99,410 | Faster than average (10%) | moderate |
Financial Examiner / Fraud Investigator O*NET: 13-2061.00 | Finance / Government | $86,280 | Faster than average (11%) | moderate |
Intelligence Analyst (Private Sector) O*NET: 13-1199.00 | Defense / Corporate / Consulting | $99,410 | Faster than average (10%) | strong |
Counterintelligence Analyst
Defense / Intelligence
$99,410median
Faster than average (10%)
O*NET: 13-1111.00
Information Security Analyst
Technology / Defense / Finance
$120,360median
Much faster than average (33%)
O*NET: 15-1212.00
Criminal Investigator (Federal)
Government / Law Enforcement
$99,410median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 33-3021.03
Compliance Officer
Finance / Healthcare / Energy
$75,670median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 13-1041.00
Private Detective / Corporate Investigator
Professional Services / Corporate
$59,780median
Faster than average (6%)
O*NET: 33-9021.00
Security Consultant
Consulting / Defense
$99,410median
Faster than average (10%)
O*NET: 13-1111.00
Financial Examiner / Fraud Investigator
Finance / Government
$86,280median
Faster than average (11%)
O*NET: 13-2061.00
Intelligence Analyst (Private Sector)
Defense / Corporate / Consulting
$99,410median
Faster than average (10%)
O*NET: 13-1199.00
Companies That Hire This Background
Booz Allen Hamilton
Military Hiring Program
One of the largest employers of former intelligence professionals. CI analysis, insider threat, and security consulting roles. Active TS/SCI typically required.
SAIC
Military Veteran Program
Major defense contractor with intelligence and cybersecurity divisions. Counterintelligence, threat analysis, and security operations roles.
Leidos
Military Skills Translator
Intelligence analysis, insider threat program management, and security consulting. Strong presence in DC Metro and San Antonio.
CACI International
Military Transition Program
CI support, HUMINT operations, and intelligence analysis roles. Known for supporting Army and IC programs directly.
Northrop Grumman
Operation IMPACT
Insider threat, counterintelligence, and security roles across classified programs. Strong benefits and veteran support.
ManTech International
Intelligence operations support, cyber threat analysis, and CI program management. Heavily focused on IC mission support.
L3Harris Technologies
Veterans Employee Network
ISR systems, intelligence analysis, and electronic warfare. CI agents with TSCM experience are a strong fit.
FBI
Veterans Recruitment
Special Agent and Intelligence Analyst positions. CISAC training and CI experience count toward qualification. Long application timeline but strong career path.
CIA
Operations officers, analysts, and support staff. Former 35L agents with source handling experience are valued. Apply through cia.gov careers.
DIA
Defense intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and threat assessment. Direct mission alignment with 35L skills. GS positions.
NSA
Cybersecurity, signals intelligence, and counterintelligence roles. Fort Meade is the primary location. CI agents with cyber experience are in demand.
DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency)
Background investigations, industrial security, and CI support. DCSA is the largest employer of background investigators in the federal government. Remote work available.
DHS / ICE Homeland Security Investigations
HSI Special Agents investigate national security threats, financial crimes, and cyber crimes. CI background is directly applicable. 1811 series positions.
Deloitte
Military Veteran Network
Risk advisory, forensic investigations, and security consulting. Former CI agents bring investigation and analytical skills valued in the advisory practice.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your 35L experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
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Real Army success story
“I am still getting compliments on my resume. Still getting interviews left and right, and now I have to say no. Very grateful to have so many options suddenly.”
Taranjeet· Sergeant (E-5)· Army
→ Program ManagementFederal Career Paths
Federal careers are a natural fit for 35L veterans. The skills you built in the Army map directly to federal job series, and your TS/SCI clearance gives you access to positions that many civilian applicants cannot touch.
The strongest federal matches include:
- GS-0132 Intelligence - Intelligence analysis and collection management at DIA, CIA, NSA, and service-level intelligence agencies. Your CI background qualifies you for counterintelligence analyst positions across the IC.
- GS-1811 Criminal Investigator - FBI Special Agent, NCIS Agent, Army CID (as a civilian), ICE HSI, Secret Service, DEA. Your CISAC training and investigation experience count toward the qualification requirements. FBI and other agencies actively recruit former military CI agents.
- GS-0080 Security Specialist - Security specialist positions at DoD, DOE, and other agencies. Industrial security, personnel security, information security. Your CI background is a direct match.
- GS-1801 General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement - Inspector General offices, compliance and oversight roles across federal agencies.
- GS-0301 Miscellaneous Administration - Program analyst and management analyst roles in intelligence community agencies. Many CI agents move into program management.
- GS-0343 Management and Program Analysis - Policy development, program evaluation, and organizational analysis. Your experience writing threat assessments and briefing commanders translates to this work.
- GS-1810 General Investigation - Background investigators for DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency). High demand, remote work available, and your investigation skills transfer directly.
- GS-0201 Human Resources Management - Personnel security and suitability adjudication. Less obvious, but CI agents who handled personnel security investigations often qualify.
- GS-2210 IT Management - IT specialist roles with a security focus. Cybersecurity analysts and information assurance positions in the IC.
- GS-1805 Investigative Analysis - Analytical positions supporting law enforcement and intelligence investigations. Report writing and evidence analysis are core to this series.
Federal resumes are 2 pages max. They need specific details like hours per week, supervisor name, and exact employment dates. Build yours with the BMR Federal Resume Builder to get the format right.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Some agencies use Direct Hire Authority for intelligence and security positions, which can speed up the process. Start applying on USAJobs at least 6 months before your ETS date. Federal hiring is slow.
How to Land a GS-12 Federal Job After Military Service covers the application strategy in detail.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1810 | General Investigating | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1811 | Criminal Investigator | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Information Security Analyst
$120,360
Technology / Finance / Defense(O*NET: 15-1212.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Much faster than average (33%)
Threat assessmentInsider threat detectionRisk analysisSecurity program managementIncident investigation
CI agents already think like threat analysts. You assess vulnerabilities, evaluate adversary capabilities, and recommend mitigations. Cyber threat analysis is this same process applied to digital infrastructure. The 33% growth rate means strong demand through 2033.
How to get there: CompTIA Security+ is the entry point. CISSP for senior roles. CI agents with any exposure to cyber threats or digital forensics have a head start. Many employers accept military experience in place of a degree for mid-level positions.
Compliance Officer
$75,670
Finance / Healthcare / Energy(O*NET: 13-1041.00)BLS OEWS May 2024About as fast as average (5%)
Regulatory knowledgeInvestigation skillsReport writingAudit experienceAttention to detail
Compliance is about identifying violations, investigating them, documenting findings, and recommending corrective action. That is exactly what CI agents do, just in a different regulatory framework. Banking (BSA/AML) and healthcare compliance roles value investigation backgrounds.
How to get there: CCEP or CAMS certification depending on the industry. Many compliance roles accept investigation experience in place of industry-specific background. Entry-level positions are available at banks, insurance companies, and healthcare systems.
Fraud Examiner / Financial Investigator
$86,280
Finance / Insurance / Consulting(O*NET: 13-2061.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (11%)
Interview techniquesEvidence collectionCase managementAnalytical reportingPattern recognition
Financial investigations use the same skills as CI investigations: interviewing witnesses, collecting and preserving evidence, analyzing patterns, and writing reports. The CFE certification from ACFE is the industry standard and your CI experience counts toward the experience requirement.
How to get there: CFE certification from ACFE. Big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) hire for forensic investigation teams. Banks and insurance companies have internal investigation units. No finance degree required for many positions.
Management Analyst / Consultant
$99,410
Consulting / Government / Corporate(O*NET: 13-1111.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (10%)
Analytical thinkingReport writingProcess evaluationStakeholder briefingsData-driven recommendations
CI agents analyze complex problems, evaluate multiple sources of information, and deliver clear recommendations to decision-makers. Management consulting requires the same analytical process applied to business operations. Defense consulting firms value your clearance and domain knowledge.
How to get there: PMP certification strengthens candidacy. Defense consulting firms (Booz Allen, Deloitte, SAIC) are the most direct path. Big 4 firms also hire veterans for their government and risk advisory practices. MBA not required but helpful for civilian consulting firms.
Corporate Security Manager
$102,950
Corporate / Technology / Finance(O*NET: 11-9199.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (5%)
Threat assessmentSecurity program designInvestigation oversightCrisis managementExecutive communication
Corporate security departments protect companies from insider threats, competitive intelligence, executive protection needs, and physical security risks. Former CI agents bring a structured approach to threat evaluation and investigation management that corporate security teams value.
How to get there: CPP (Certified Protection Professional) from ASIS International. Start in a security analyst or investigator role and move into management. Tech companies, financial institutions, and pharmaceutical firms have large corporate security teams.
Background Investigator (DCSA)
$75,670
Federal Government(O*NET: 33-3021.04)BLS OEWS May 2024About as fast as average
Interview techniquesReport writingInvestigation managementSource developmentRecord analysis
DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) is the largest employer of background investigators in the federal government. Your CI investigation skills transfer directly. Many positions allow remote work. GS-1810 series positions.
How to get there: Apply through USAJobs for GS-1810 positions at DCSA. Your CISAC training and investigation experience qualify you. No additional certification required. Remote work is common. Federal benefits and stability.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
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Skills Translation Guide
If you are applying to counterintelligence or intelligence positions at defense contractors, they already know what a 35L does. You probably do not need this section for those jobs.
But if you are applying outside of intelligence (corporate security, compliance, consulting, financial crime, or any non-defense role), the hiring manager will not know what "CISAC graduate" or "conducted source operations" means. The translations below reframe your 35L experience for non-intelligence industries. These are not just word swaps. They show how to present your work in a way that connects with hiring managers who have never held a clearance.
For your full resume translation, use the BMR Military Resume Builder. It handles the heavy lifting for every section.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Conducted 15+ counterintelligence investigations involving potential insider threats, producing classified reports for command review
After (Civilian)
Led 15+ internal investigations involving policy violations and security risks, conducting witness interviews, collecting digital and physical evidence, and delivering detailed investigative reports to senior leadership
Before (Military)
Developed and managed a network of human sources, producing actionable intelligence that supported force protection decisions
After (Civilian)
Built and maintained a network of confidential contacts across multiple organizations, gathering competitive intelligence and early-warning indicators that informed executive risk decisions
Before (Military)
Conducted threat assessments for 3 installations covering physical security, personnel vulnerabilities, and information security gaps
After (Civilian)
Performed comprehensive risk assessments for 3 facilities, evaluating physical security controls, personnel vulnerabilities, and information protection gaps, then recommended prioritized mitigation strategies to senior management
Before (Military)
Briefed battalion and brigade commanders on counterintelligence threats, providing actionable recommendations that shaped force protection posture
After (Civilian)
Presented investigative findings and risk analyses to C-suite executives, translating complex threat data into clear recommendations that informed security investment decisions and organizational policy changes
Before (Military)
Conducted over 50 interviews and interrogations in support of counterintelligence investigations, obtaining critical admissions and corroborating evidence
After (Civilian)
Conducted over 50 structured investigative interviews, using rapport-building and behavioral analysis techniques to obtain truthful disclosures, document findings, and support case resolution
Before (Military)
Managed SCIF operations including access control for 40+ personnel, security audits, and compliance with ICD 705 physical security standards
After (Civilian)
Managed secure facility operations for 40+ personnel, enforcing access control policies, conducting quarterly security audits, and maintaining compliance with federal data protection standards
Before (Military)
Authored 30+ intelligence information reports and CI assessments disseminated to theater-level intelligence consumers
After (Civilian)
Authored 30+ detailed analytical reports for multi-stakeholder distribution, evaluating source reliability, assessing confidence levels, and providing prioritized recommendations that influenced organizational security strategy
Before (Military)
Supported force protection programs for a 5,000-person installation, conducting vulnerability assessments and coordinating with local law enforcement on threat information
After (Civilian)
Managed enterprise security programs for a 5,000-person campus, conducting vulnerability assessments, coordinating with external law enforcement agencies, and implementing physical protection improvements that reduced security incidents by 30%
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your 35L duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
Free · No credit card · Tailored to each job posting
Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Compliance & Regulatory
CCEP (Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional)
BeneficialSCCE
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 2-3 months study
CAMS (Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist)
BeneficialACAMS
Cost: $1,500 - $2,000Time: 2-3 months study
Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $350 - $400Time: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
BeneficialISC2
Cost: $750 - $800Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control)
BeneficialISACA
Cost: $575 - $760Time: 3-6 months study
CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
BeneficialEC-Council
Cost: $1,200 - $1,500Time: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Investigations
CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner)
RecommendedACFE
Cost: $400 - $500Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
PCI (Professional Certified Investigator)
RecommendedASIS International
Cost: $350 - $500Time: 2-4 months study
ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) + PCI Combo
RecommendedASIS International
Cost: $700 - $1,100 combinedTime: 4-8 months study
Project Management
PMP (Project Management Professional)
BeneficialPMI
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Security Management
CPP (Certified Protection Professional)
RecommendedASIS International
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 3-6 months study
PSP (Physical Security Professional)
BeneficialASIS International
Cost: $350 - $500Time: 2-4 months study
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
For Staying in Intelligence and Security
Defense Contractors: Booz Allen, SAIC, Leidos, CACI, Northrop Grumman, ManTech, and L3Harris all hire former 35L agents. Many have dedicated military hiring programs. Apply directly through their veteran career pages and mention your MOS and clearance status. Your TS/SCI is the ticket in the door.
Federal Law Enforcement: FBI, NCIS, Army CID (civilian), ICE HSI, and Secret Service actively recruit veterans with CI backgrounds. Application timelines are long (6-18 months), so start early. The FBI has a specific military veteran hiring page.
SkillBridge: Some defense contractors and federal agencies participate in DOD SkillBridge, letting you work civilian jobs during your last 180 days of service while still earning military pay. Search the SkillBridge database for intelligence and security openings. SkillBridge 2026 guide has the full breakdown.
Clearance Maintenance: Your TS/SCI stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed. Do not let it lapse. A lapsed TS/SCI costs employers $5,000-$15,000+ and months to reinstate. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions that require active clearances. Security Clearance After Separation covers the timelines.
For Careers Outside of Intelligence
Corporate Investigations: The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) is the main professional body for corporate investigators. The CFE certification is the gold standard. Your CI investigation skills (interviewing, evidence analysis, report writing) apply directly.
Compliance and Risk: Industries like banking, healthcare, and energy all need compliance officers. Start with industry-specific certifications: CAMS (anti-money laundering), CCEP (compliance and ethics), or CRISC (risk and information systems control). Your background in identifying threats and conducting assessments translates well.
Cybersecurity: If you worked cyber-related CI cases or supported cyber threat assessments, consider CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH certifications. The cybersecurity field has strong demand and values the analytical mindset CI agents bring. Cybersecurity Jobs Veterans Can Land Without a Degree has the roadmap.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile now. Do not wait until you separate. Use the Veterans filter. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You will get paired with someone in your target industry. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans. Informational Interviews for Veterans shows you how to network effectively.
Education Benefits: Do not sleep on your GI Bill for professional certifications. Many certification exam fees and prep courses are covered. Check the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
SFL-TAP: Start the Soldier for Life - Transition Assistance Program as early as possible. The career skills track and individual counseling are worth your time.
BMR Career Resources
Jobs for Veterans by MOS | Translate Military Experience to a Civilian Resume | Top Companies Hiring Veterans 2026 | Build Your Resume Free
Related Career Guides
Army 35F Intelligence Analyst | Army 35M HUMINT Collector | Army 31D CID Special Agent | Marine Corps 0211 CI/HUMINT | Navy CTN Cryptologic Technician Networks | Air Force 1N0X1 All Source Intelligence Analyst | Coast Guard IS Intelligence Specialist
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored 35L resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs can a 35L Counterintelligence Agent get?
The strongest matches are counterintelligence analyst at defense contractors (Booz Allen, SAIC, Leidos), corporate security investigator, compliance officer, fraud examiner, cybersecurity analyst, and federal law enforcement (FBI, NCIS, ICE HSI). Your TS/SCI clearance opens doors at defense and intelligence contractors. Without a clearance requirement, your investigation and analytical skills transfer to corporate investigations, risk management, and financial crime roles.
How much do former 35L agents make in the civilian world?
It depends on the career path. According to BLS May 2024 data, information security analysts earn a median of $120,360. Management analysts earn $99,410. Compliance officers earn $75,670. Private investigators earn $59,780, though corporate investigation roles at large firms pay more. Defense contractor CI positions typically range from $85,000 to $140,000+ depending on location, clearance status, and experience level.
Is my TS/SCI clearance valuable after the Army?
Yes. A TS/SCI clearance saves employers $5,000 to $15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and some financial institutions require clearances for specific roles. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed. Do not let it lapse. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions that require active clearances.
What federal jobs hire former 35L agents?
The strongest federal matches are GS-0132 Intelligence, GS-1811 Criminal Investigator (FBI, NCIS, CID civilian, ICE HSI), GS-0080 Security Specialist, GS-1810 General Investigation (DCSA background investigators), and GS-1801 Inspection/Investigation/Enforcement. Many IC agencies use Direct Hire Authority for intelligence positions, which can speed up the hiring process. Apply on USAJobs at least 6 months before your ETS date.
Do I need a degree to get hired as a civilian CI analyst?
Not always. Defense contractors often accept military CI experience in place of a degree, especially with an active TS/SCI. Federal GS positions allow you to qualify based on specialized experience. However, some agencies (like the FBI for Special Agent positions) require a four-year degree. A degree in criminal justice, intelligence studies, or cybersecurity strengthens your resume for competitive positions, but your CISAC training and field experience carry real weight.
How do I write a resume for counterintelligence jobs after the Army?
For defense contractor and IC positions, use your military terminology. They know what CISAC, source operations, and threat assessments mean. For jobs outside of intelligence, translate your skills into business language. Focus on investigation management, risk assessment, analytical reporting, and team leadership. Federal resumes are 2 pages max and need specific details like hours per week and supervisor contact info. Use the BMR Military Resume Builder to handle the translation automatically.
What certifications help 35L agents in the civilian job market?
For cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH. For investigations: CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) from ACFE. For compliance: CCEP or CAMS. For project management: PMP. For federal law enforcement: your CISAC training counts as specialized experience, but FLETC Basic Criminal Investigator Training may be required. Many of these certifications are covered by the GI Bill.
How does Veterans Preference work for federal intelligence jobs?
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans get 10 points. Some intelligence positions use excepted service hiring (not competitive service), where Veterans Preference applies differently. Direct Hire Authority positions may not apply Veterans Preference at all. Create your USAJobs profile, upload your DD-214 (Member 4 copy), and use the Veterans filter when searching. Start 6 months before separation because federal hiring moves slowly.
Can I do SkillBridge as a 35L?
Yes. Some defense contractors and consulting firms participate in DOD SkillBridge, which lets you work a civilian job during your last 180 days of service while still earning military pay. Search the SkillBridge database for intelligence, security, and investigation openings. Your command must approve participation, and you need to start the paperwork early. SkillBridge is one of the best transition tools available.
What is the job market like for counterintelligence professionals?
Demand is strong in 2026. Insider threat programs are now required at defense contractors and many large corporations. Cybersecurity threats have increased demand for professionals who understand both human and technical intelligence. The intelligence community continues to hire. BLS projects information security analyst jobs to grow 33% through 2033, much faster than average. The biggest hiring markets are the DC Metro area, San Antonio, Tampa, and Huntsville.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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