Home / Military to civilian jobs / Coast Guard / IS
That is Coast Guard Rating IS. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Produced weekly maritime threat assessments for WMSL commanding officer, analyzing counter-narcotics intelligence from 12 sources to recommend patrol positioning for 90-day Caribbean deployment
How a hiring manager reads it
Delivered weekly executive analytical reports to senior leadership, synthesizing data from 12 sources to provide actionable recommendations for resource allocation across a $15M quarterly operations budget, directly influencing strategic positioning decisions
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
Build a resume for a real jobYou pick the job. We write it from your IS experience. Free to start.
Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 71,892 resumes built so far.
One page, built in our template, with the military experience translated into the civilian terms hiring managers and screening software read. Use it as a reference for your own. Leave an email and the download link comes to you.
Free. Occasional job-search tips come with it. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coast Guard Intelligence Specialists (IS) collect, analyze, and disseminate intelligence that directly supports Coast Guard operations — counter-narcotics, counter-terrorism, migrant interdiction, fisheries enforcement, and maritime domain awareness (MDA). ISs work at CGIS field offices, Intelligence Coordination Centers (ICCs), Sector intelligence divisions, and national-level organizations like Coast Guard Intelligence (CG-2) at headquarters and the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center (MIFC) in Dam Neck, VA.
The IS rating covers the full intelligence cycle: collection management, analysis and production, dissemination, and counterintelligence awareness. ISs produce tactical intelligence products for cutter commanding officers deploying on counter-drug patrols, strategic assessments for senior leadership, and maritime threat briefings for interagency partners. They work with classified databases (JWICS, SIPRNet), imagery analysis tools, and geospatial intelligence platforms.
What distinguishes CG ISs from other military intelligence specialties is the law enforcement nexus. Coast Guard intelligence directly supports federal law enforcement operations — drug seizures, migrant interdictions, and fisheries violations that result in prosecutions. ISs must understand rules of evidence, intelligence oversight regulations (EO 12333), and the distinction between intelligence and law enforcement information. This dual intelligence/law enforcement perspective is relatively rare and highly valued by agencies that operate at that intersection.
BMR data shows CG ISs convert at strong rates into federal cleared analyst positions — DHS, CIA, DoD components, and major defense contractors all actively recruit former CG intel. The maritime intel and counterdrug experience is rare in the civilian workforce and the clearance opens hiring lanes faster than most rates. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Coast Guard mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Intelligence Specialist
$75K to $125K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 33% higher on average
Civilian roles for Intelligence Specialists pay about $23K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The intelligence and analysis field has expanded significantly beyond traditional government roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), intelligence analysts earn a median annual wage of $101,190 (O*NET 33-3021.06 — a subcategory of detectives and criminal investigators), while information security analysts earn a median of $124,910 (O*NET 15-1212.00). Management analysts — which captures many of the private-sector roles ISs target — earn a median of $101,190 (O*NET 13-1111.00).
Defense contractors and consulting firms represent the most direct private-sector path. Companies like Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, and Leidos hold contracts supporting DHS, USCG, and the broader intelligence community — and they need analysts with existing clearances and domain expertise. An active TS/SCI clearance combined with CG intelligence experience is a strong hiring combination.
Outside of defense, the growing corporate intelligence and risk analysis sector offers opportunities. Financial institutions maintain fraud analysis and anti-money laundering (AML) teams. Shipping and logistics companies need maritime risk analysts. Technology companies hire threat intelligence analysts to protect against cyber threats. The analytical tradecraft ISs learn — structured analysis, source evaluation, briefing production — transfers to any data-driven decision-making role.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence AnalystO*NET 33-3021.06 | Government / Defense / Intelligence | $101,190 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Information Security AnalystO*NET 15-1212.00 | IT / Defense / Government | $124,910 | Much faster than average (33%) | strong |
| Management AnalystO*NET 13-1111.00 | Government / Consulting | $101,190 | Faster than average (10%) | strong |
| Detective / Criminal InvestigatorO*NET 33-3021.00 | Government / Law Enforcement | $77,270 | Slower than average (3%) | moderate |
| Market Research AnalystO*NET 13-1161.00 | Corporate / Consulting | $74,680 | Much faster than average (13%) | moderate |
| Compliance OfficerO*NET 13-1041.00 | Financial Services / Government / Corporate | $78,420 | About as fast as average (4%) | moderate |
| Operations Research AnalystO*NET 15-2031.00 | Government / Defense / Consulting | $85,720 | Faster than average (23%) | moderate |
| Security Manager / DirectorO*NET 33-3021.00 | Corporate / Government | $101,190 | About as fast as average | moderate |
One of the largest intelligence community contractors. Supports DHS, USCG, and IC agencies with analytical and cybersecurity services. Active SkillBridge participant. CG IS experience directly relevant.
Major IC contractor supporting intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and cybersecurity missions. Holds contracts with DHS and DOD. Hires cleared intelligence analysts aggressively.
Defense and intelligence services contractor supporting DHS, DOD, and IC. Hires for intelligence analysis, cybersecurity, and program management. One of the largest defense employers.
Specializes in intelligence, cyber, and mission solutions for the IC. Strong presence in the DC Metro area. Hires ISs with TS/SCI for analytical and technical positions.
Supports intelligence, space, and cybersecurity missions. Formed from DXC Technology government business and Northrop Grumman IT services. Strong IC contractor presence.
DHS intelligence component that ISs work with directly during CG service. GS-0132 positions analyzing threats to the homeland. CG ISs with DHS domain expertise are competitive candidates.
FBI hires intelligence analysts (GS-0132) and special agents (GS-1811). ISs with law enforcement intelligence experience and TS/SCI clearance are strong applicants. Separate from FBI special agent hiring.
CBP intelligence analysts support border security and counter-narcotics operations — directly adjacent to CG counter-drug intelligence. GS-0132 and GS-1811 positions. Direct Hire Authority for veterans.
Global corporate investigation, risk consulting, and due diligence firm. Hires analysts with government intelligence backgrounds for corporate investigations, cyber threat intelligence, and geopolitical risk assessment.
Global risk consulting firm providing political risk, security risk, and integrity risk advisory. Hires analysts with government intelligence experience for geopolitical analysis and corporate intelligence roles.
ICE HSI investigates transnational crime including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and financial crimes. ISs with counter-narcotics or maritime interdiction intelligence experience align well. GS-0132 and GS-1811 positions.
ISs with imagery or geospatial analysis experience should look at NGA. GS-0132 and GS-0150 (Geography) positions. NGA is expanding and hiring aggressively. Requires TS/SCI.
BMR rewrites your IS experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
Free to start. 2 tailored resumes included.
Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the IS lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow and what to write instead. No account.
Free. Your file is never stored.
“I used the resume your site built for me to apply for my first-ever position on USAJOBS, and I was selected for a GS-13 position writing policy for the same type of work I did while on active duty. First pitch- Home Run!”
Christopher · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Coast Guard · Federal Policy
The intelligence community is the most natural federal career path for ISs, and the GS-0132 (Intelligence) series is the direct match. DIA, CIA, NSA, FBI Intelligence Branch, DHS I&A, and USCG civilian intelligence positions all hire GS-0132 analysts. ISs with maritime domain expertise are particularly competitive for DHS Intelligence & Analysis and CBP positions where counter-narcotics and border security intelligence are mission-critical.
Beyond the intelligence community, ISs qualify for GS-0343 (Management and Program Analyst) positions — the analytical thinking, report writing, and briefing skills are identical. GS-1811 (Criminal Investigator) is available for ISs who want to transition from analysis into investigation, particularly at CGIS, CBP, ICE HSI, or FBI. The GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration) series is the broadest entry point for ISs seeking general federal careers where analytical and communication skills are valued.
ISs with geospatial analysis experience should explore GS-0150 (Geography) and related positions at NGA, NOAA, and USACE. Those with cyber threat experience may target GS-2210 (IT Management) positions focused on cybersecurity and threat analysis. The GS-0080 (Security Administration) series covers positions managing security programs, clearance adjudications, and facility security — all areas where IS background applies. Veterans' Preference and existing clearances give ISs a significant competitive advantage in the federal hiring process.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0130 | Foreign Affairs | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1811 | Criminal Investigator | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1560 | Data Science | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1515 | Operations Research | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Examining a bank for compliance is the same analytic muscle an IS uses to fuse fragmentary reporting into an assessment, just pointed at financial records and regulatory thresholds instead of threat data.
Transfers: Multi-source data fusion and pattern detection, Spotting anomalies in large transaction sets, Structured analytic techniques and assessment writing, Findings reports for senior decision-makers.
How to get there: Most roles require a bachelor degree in finance, accounting, or economics. Federal regulators like the FDIC and OCC hire and train entry examiners; veterans preference applies.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 17% (Much faster than average)
Underwriting is risk forecasting under uncertainty, the exact judgment an IS makes when estimating the likelihood and impact of a threat from partial reporting.
Transfers: Risk assessment and threat forecasting, Weighing incomplete information to a decision, Probability and likelihood estimation, Clear written justification of conclusions.
How to get there: No specific degree required to start; carriers train new underwriters in-house. The CPCU designation (The Institutes) accelerates advancement and is GI Bill reimbursable.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -5% (Decline)
Planners read geography, demographics, and mapped data to recommend where things should go, which is the civilian version of the geospatial domain analysis an IS does over a maritime operating area.
Transfers: Geospatial analysis and mapping, Interpreting demographic and geographic data, Synthesizing data into recommendations, Briefing options to boards and officials.
How to get there: Entry requires a bachelor degree, with a masters in urban planning preferred for advancement. AICP certification (American Planning Association) is the professional standard and is GI Bill eligible.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 4% (As fast as average)
Meteorology is pattern recognition and forecasting over geospatial data with operational stakes, the same workflow an IS uses to predict adversary activity, and maritime IS work already touches weather and environment.
Transfers: Forecasting outcomes from time-series data, Geospatial and environmental data interpretation, Producing decision-grade forecast products, Briefing time-sensitive conditions to operators.
How to get there: Requires a bachelor degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. NOAA and the National Weather Service hire entry forecasters; veterans preference applies and GI Bill covers the degree.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 6% (Faster than average)
Holding a live picture of many moving contacts and deconflicting them in real time is exactly the maritime domain-awareness work an IS does on a watch floor, retargeted to airspace.
Transfers: Real-time tracking of multiple moving contacts, Geospatial deconfliction and prioritization, Decision-making under time pressure, Clear voice communication of a developing picture.
How to get there: Hiring is through the FAA Academy with strict age and medical limits; prior military controller or radar experience helps. Veterans preference applies and the training is paid.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)
Building and defending a budget is the same prioritization and assessment work an IS does ranking threats against finite collection assets, just measured in dollars instead of risk.
Transfers: Structured analysis of competing requirements, Defending estimates to leadership, Synthesizing data into a recommended course of action, Tracking execution against a plan.
How to get there: Most positions require a bachelor degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Federal agencies fill the GS-0560 series with veterans preference and train analysts on internal systems.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (As fast as average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are heading to an intelligence community contractor or a three-letter agency, your terminology is understood. They know what MDA means. They know what an IIR is.
But if you are targeting careers outside of government intelligence — corporate risk analysis, financial compliance, data analytics, or management consulting — the hiring manager does not know what "MIFC" stands for or why producing a Commander's Intelligence Prep of the Operating Environment makes you qualified to analyze their market competitors. Below are translations that reframe your IS experience into language that resonates in non-intelligence, non-government industries.
Before, in service
Produced weekly maritime threat assessments for WMSL commanding officer, analyzing counter-narcotics intelligence from 12 sources to recommend patrol positioning for 90-day Caribbean deployment
After, on the resume
Delivered weekly executive analytical reports to senior leadership, synthesizing data from 12 sources to provide actionable recommendations for resource allocation across a $15M quarterly operations budget, directly influencing strategic positioning decisions
Before, in service
Managed intelligence collection plan for District 7 counter-narcotics operations, tasking 8 collection assets, prioritizing requirements across 15 active targets, and coordinating with DEA and CBP intelligence partners
After, on the resume
Directed multi-source research program covering 15 active priority accounts, managing 8 data collection channels, coordinating with 3 external partner organizations, and continuously reprioritizing research focus based on emerging findings and stakeholder requirements
Before, in service
Conducted all-source analysis on Eastern Pacific drug trafficking networks, integrating HUMINT, SIGINT, and OSINT to produce 25 analytical products supporting 8 successful interdictions totaling $450M in seized narcotics
After, on the resume
Performed multi-source data analysis integrating human intelligence, technical data, and open-source research to produce 25 comprehensive analytical reports, directly supporting 8 high-impact business decisions with quantified outcomes exceeding $450M in value
Before, in service
Briefed weekly at Sector Miami ICC to representatives from CBP, DEA, FBI, and Navy, presenting maritime threat updates and coordinating intelligence sharing across 6 federal agencies
After, on the resume
Presented weekly analytical briefings to cross-functional stakeholder groups from 6 partner organizations, facilitating information sharing, aligning priorities, and coordinating collaborative response strategies across organizational boundaries
Before, in service
Maintained real-time MDA picture for Pacific Area AOR, monitoring 500+ vessel tracks daily, identifying anomalies, and alerting operational commanders to potential threats or vessels of interest
After, on the resume
Managed real-time operational monitoring program tracking 500+ daily data points, identifying anomalies through pattern analysis, and escalating actionable intelligence to operations leadership within defined response timelines, maintaining 24/7 situational awareness
Before, in service
Produced 40+ Intelligence Information Reports per quarter, disseminated across the IC via JWICS, with zero quality deficiencies noted during annual USCG Intelligence Quality Control review
After, on the resume
Authored 40+ formal analytical reports per quarter following standardized methodology, disseminated to senior stakeholders across 6 partner organizations, achieving zero quality deficiencies during annual external audit review
Before, in service
Performed link analysis on 5 drug trafficking organizations using Analyst Notebook and Palantir, identifying 35 previously unknown network connections that led to 3 successful interdictions
After, on the resume
Conducted network analysis across 5 priority accounts using advanced analytics platforms, mapping relationships between 200+ entities, identifying 35 previously unknown connections, and producing actionable findings that directly contributed to 3 high-value outcomes
Before, in service
Managed classified databases on JWICS and SIPRNet for 25-person intelligence division, maintaining access controls, conducting quarterly security reviews, and ensuring compliance with IC data handling standards
After, on the resume
Administered secure information management platforms for a 25-person analytical department, managing role-based access controls for 4 data classification levels, conducting quarterly security compliance audits, and maintaining zero unauthorized access incidents
BMR turns your IS duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RecommendedCost $1,250 - $1,695Time 2-4 months prepStandard credential for anti-money laundering compliance careers. ISs with financial intelligence or sanctions enforcement experience are strong candidates. Financial institutions actively recruit CAMS-certified analysts.
RecommendedCost $450 - $750Time 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligibleValued for investigation and compliance roles in financial services, corporate investigations, and government audit. ISs with investigative support or financial analysis experience align well. GI Bill covers some prep programs.
RecommendedCost $350 - $400 (military discount available)Time 1-3 months prepGI Bill eligibleEntry-level cybersecurity certification. Required for DOD 8570 compliance. ISs targeting cyber threat intelligence positions need this as a minimum. CompTIA offers military discounts.
RecommendedCost $749 exam feeTime 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligibleGold standard for senior cybersecurity and security management roles. Requires 5 years experience — military service counts. ISs targeting cybersecurity management should pursue this after Security+.
RecommendedCost $2,499 (exam) / $7,000+ (with SANS course)Time 1-2 weeks course + prepGI Bill eligibleSpecialty certification for cyber threat intelligence. Directly bridges intelligence analysis tradecraft to cyber domain. SANS courses are GI Bill-eligible at many locations. Best cert for ISs pivoting into cyber threat intel.
RecommendedCost $49/month (Coursera subscription)Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleLow-cost entry into data analytics for ISs targeting private-sector analytical roles outside of intelligence. Covers SQL, Tableau, R, and analytical methodology. Available on Coursera with GI Bill at some institutions.
RecommendedCost $100 exam feeTime 1-2 months prepData visualization is increasingly expected for analytical roles. ISs who learn to create dashboards and visual presentations of data add a marketable skill. Free training available through Tableau Public.
RecommendedCost $50 - $100Time 1 daySome ISs earned this during service. Less critical for intelligence career paths than for operational ratings, but maintain it as a general professional credential.
RecommendedCost ~$555 (PMI member)Time 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligibleValuable for ISs who managed collection plans, analytical projects, or interagency coordination efforts. Those hours count toward PMP eligibility. Strong for defense contractor program office roles.
RecommendedCost $400 - $650Time 3-6 months prepGold standard for corporate security management. ISs with counterintelligence, physical security, or information security experience are well-positioned. Requires experience in security management.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
SkillBridge Programs: Intelligence community contractors (Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos, ManTech) participate in DOD SkillBridge. This allows you to work at a contractor supporting IC missions during your last 180 days of active duty. Search the SkillBridge database for current intelligence analyst openings.
INSA (Intelligence & National Security Alliance): INSA is the premier professional association for the intelligence community. Join for networking events, job postings, and professional development — this is where IC hiring happens outside of USAJobs.
AFCEA and IAFIE: AFCEA hosts events connecting intelligence and technology professionals. The International Association for Intelligence Education (IAFIE) supports intelligence studies and career development.
Clearance Continuity: Your TS/SCI clearance is your most valuable asset. It remains active for up to 24 months after separation. Start your job search early and secure a cleared position before it lapses — a TS/SCI reinvestigation costs the employer $5,000-15,000+ and takes 6-12 months.
Data Analytics / Business Intelligence: The analytical tradecraft you learned — collecting data, evaluating sources, identifying patterns, producing reports — is business intelligence. Tools like Tableau, Power BI, and SQL are worth learning. Many bootcamps and online programs accept GI Bill.
Corporate Risk / Due Diligence: Companies like Kroll, Control Risks, and Stroz Friedberg hire analysts to conduct corporate investigations, due diligence, and geopolitical risk assessments. Your intelligence production skills transfer directly.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is valued if you managed intelligence collection plans, analytical projects, or interagency coordination efforts. Cost: ~$555 for the exam (PMI member).
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies: DIA, CIA, NSA, FBI, DHS I&A, CBP, ICE HSI, and USCG civilian intelligence. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. For intelligence professionals, ask to be matched with someone in consulting, risk management, or financial services.
GI Bill Strategy: Consider a master's degree in intelligence studies, data analytics, cybersecurity, or international relations if targeting senior analytical roles. Georgetown, Johns Hopkins SAIS, and Mercyhurst offer strong intelligence programs. Many accept GI Bill. For faster ROI, data analytics certifications (Google, IBM, SAS) can open doors to business intelligence roles without a graduate degree.
Coast Guard Resume Guide | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
According to BLS May 2024 data, intelligence analysts (classified under detectives and criminal investigators, O*NET 33-3021.06) earn a median of $101,190. Management analysts (O*NET 13-1111.00), which captures many private-sector analytical roles, also earn a median of $101,190. Information security analysts earn a median of $124,910 (O*NET 15-1212.00). Compensation varies significantly based on clearance level, geographic location, and whether you work government or contractor.
Extremely valuable. A TS/SCI clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ in investigation costs and 6-12 months of processing time. It is the single biggest differentiator for ISs entering the civilian job market. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and cleared consulting firms actively recruit TS/SCI holders. Your clearance remains active for up to 24 months after separation — secure a cleared position before it lapses.
Many ISs pivot successfully into data analytics (varies by role), management consulting ($101,190 median for management analysts), corporate risk analysis, financial compliance, or cybersecurity ($124,910 median). Your core transferable skills — structured analysis, source evaluation, written and verbal briefing, and critical thinking under uncertainty — are valued across industries. See the Career Change Paths section for specific entry paths.
For government GS-0132 positions, a bachelor's degree is typically required (or equivalent experience). Many intelligence community contractors also prefer a degree. However, some contractor positions and most corporate analytical roles will accept military intelligence experience with relevant certifications. A master's degree becomes important for advancement into senior analytical or management positions. International relations, intelligence studies, data analytics, or cybersecurity are the strongest graduate fields.
Depends on your target career. For intelligence community contractor roles: your clearance IS your certification — focus on maintaining it and networking. For cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+ at minimum, CISSP for senior roles. For data analytics: learn SQL, Tableau, and Python — free/low-cost resources abound. For project management: PMP if you managed collection plans or analytical projects. For corporate risk: Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) is valued in financial investigations.
The key differentiator is the law enforcement nexus. CG ISs produce intelligence that directly supports federal law enforcement operations — drug seizures, migrant interdictions, fisheries violations that end in prosecution. ISs understand rules of evidence, intelligence oversight (EO 12333), and the intelligence/law enforcement information wall. This dual perspective is rare and valued by agencies operating at that intersection, including CBP, ICE HSI, FBI, and DEA.
Veterans' Preference applies to competitive service positions (most GS jobs on USAJobs). However, many IC agencies (CIA, NSA, DIA) are excepted service and do not use traditional Veterans' Preference. Instead, they have separate veteran hiring authorities. DHS I&A and FBI do use competitive service hiring where Veterans' Preference applies. Your TS/SCI clearance is often more impactful than Veterans' Preference in the IC hiring process.
Yes, and it is a strong pivot. ISs with cyber threat analysis experience, classified network access, or SIGINT support already work adjacent to cybersecurity. The intelligence cycle (collection, analysis, dissemination) maps directly to cyber threat intelligence. CompTIA Security+ is the entry credential, followed by GIAC certifications for cyber threat intelligence specifically. BLS reports 33% growth for information security analysts — demand is strong.
For intelligence community roles: DC Metro (Northern Virginia, Maryland) dominates — the majority of IC contractor and government positions are concentrated here. Other IC hubs include San Antonio (NSA Texas), Fort Meade (NSA), and Tampa (SOCOM/CENTCOM). For corporate risk and consulting: New York, DC, and London are the major hubs. Remote work is increasingly available for analytical roles, especially in cybersecurity and data analytics.
Yes — start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may qualify for SkillBridge at an IC contractor. At minimum: update your LinkedIn (remove classified details) 9 months out, network through INSA and AFCEA 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (IC hiring is slow and clearance transfer takes time), and have your resume ready 6 months out. Be mindful of security obligations — do not discuss classified information during interviews. Use terminal leave as your transition runway.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.
Tailored resumes
Rewritten for each job posting
Cover letters
Matched to the role
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
Company research reports
Know who you are applying to
Job tracker
Every application in one place