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MarinesMOS: 0211
Counterintelligence/HUMINT
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Marines Counterintelligence/HUMINTs — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every 0211 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 Marines in the first place.
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$53K–$120K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
10
Federal GS Series
6
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
Marine Corps Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence (CI/HUMINT) specialists (MOS 0211) are trained to detect, identify, and neutralize threats from foreign intelligence services, insider threats, and terrorist networks. They conduct source operations, debriefings, screenings, and full-scope counterintelligence investigations in support of Marine Corps and joint force operations worldwide.
The 0211 pipeline starts at the Navy and Marine Corps Intelligence Training Center (NMITC) at Dam Neck, Virginia, where students spend roughly 20 weeks learning CI fundamentals: source handling, elicitation techniques, surveillance and counter-surveillance, interrogation, and intelligence report writing. After the schoolhouse, 0211s are assigned to counterintelligence teams organic to Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs), Marine Corps Intelligence Activity (MCIA), or MARSOC elements. Some receive follow-on training in strategic debriefing, CI functional services, or advanced HUMINT operations.
What makes 0211s valuable in the civilian job market goes beyond the obvious intelligence skills. These Marines develop expertise in interviewing, behavioral analysis, investigative methodology, evidence handling, and written intelligence reporting — all conducted under strict legal and regulatory frameworks. They hold TS/SCI clearances (and often additional accesses), which represent significant market value for defense and intelligence-sector employers.
0211s carry one of the most underrepresented backgrounds in cleared federal hiring — credentialed CI experience and HUMINT operations training. From the federal hiring side, the 0132 Intelligence Specialist series at FBI, DCSA, NCIS, and DoD components actively recruits former CI Marines. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceTS/SCI (minimum)
ASVAB RequirementGT 110+
TrainingMOS school at NMITC Dam Neck, VA (~20 weeks) covering CI fundamentals, source operations, elicitation, interrogation, surveillance, and report writing. Follow-on assignments may include advanced HUMINT courses, Strategic Debriefing, or CI Functional Services training.
Certs Earned in ServiceSecurity+ (depending on billet), CI Badge/Credentialing, 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?
Marines mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Counterintelligence/HUMINT
$53K–$120K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
10 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+17% on average
Civilian roles for Counterintelligence/HUMINTs pay ~$12K 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 CI/HUMINT backgrounds has expanded well beyond traditional defense contracting. Corporate security, insider threat programs, due diligence investigations, and risk consulting firms actively recruit people with source operations and investigative experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), intelligence analysts earn a median annual wage of $99,710 (O*NET 33-3021.06). Private investigators and examiners earn a median of $53,320 (O*NET 33-9021.00), though senior corporate investigators at major firms often exceed this figure. Information security analysts — a growing field for CI professionals who pivot toward cyber threat intelligence — earn a median of $120,360 (O*NET 15-1212.00).
The TS/SCI clearance is the single biggest differentiator in this job market. Cleared positions with defense contractors and intelligence community support firms typically offer 20-40% salary premiums over comparable uncleared roles. That clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed — start your job search well before it lapses.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Intelligence Analyst O*NET: 33-3021.06 | Government / Defense / Intelligence | $99,710 | Much faster than average (8%) | strong |
Private Investigator / Corporate Investigator O*NET: 33-9021.00 | Professional Services / Corporate Security | $53,320 | About as fast as average (6%) | strong |
Information Security Analyst O*NET: 15-1212.00 | Cybersecurity / IT | $120,360 | Much faster than average (33%) | moderate |
Compliance Officer O*NET: 13-1041.00 | Finance / Healthcare / Government | $75,670 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
Security Management Specialist O*NET: 33-9032.00 | Corporate Security / Government | $65,080 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
Fraud Examiner / Financial Investigator O*NET: 13-2099.00 | Finance / Insurance / Government | $77,630 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Forensic Science Technician O*NET: 19-4092.00 | Law Enforcement / Government | $64,940 | Faster than average (14%) | moderate |
Management Analyst / Consultant O*NET: 13-1111.00 | Consulting / Government / Corporate | $99,410 | Faster than average (10%) | moderate |
Intelligence Analyst
Government / Defense / Intelligence
$99,710median
Much faster than average (8%)
O*NET: 33-3021.06
Private Investigator / Corporate Investigator
Professional Services / Corporate Security
$53,320median
About as fast as average (6%)
O*NET: 33-9021.00
Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity / IT
$120,360median
Much faster than average (33%)
O*NET: 15-1212.00
Compliance Officer
Finance / Healthcare / Government
$75,670median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 13-1041.00
Security Management Specialist
Corporate Security / Government
$65,080median
About as fast as average (3%)
O*NET: 33-9032.00
Fraud Examiner / Financial Investigator
Finance / Insurance / Government
$77,630median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 13-2099.00
Forensic Science Technician
Law Enforcement / Government
$64,940median
Faster than average (14%)
O*NET: 19-4092.00
Management Analyst / Consultant
Consulting / Government / Corporate
$99,410median
Faster than average (10%)
O*NET: 13-1111.00
Companies That Hire This Background
Major IC support contractor. Hires cleared CI/HUMINT professionals for intelligence analysis, counterintelligence, and advisory roles across DIA, CIA, and combatant commands.
Large-scale intelligence support contracts across the IC. HUMINT collection management, CI analysis, and all-source intelligence positions.
Intelligence analysis, cyber operations, and CI support contracts with DIA, NSA, and combatant commands. SkillBridge partner.
Specializes in intelligence community support. CI, HUMINT, and insider threat program positions. Strong presence in the DC metro area.
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems and support. CI and HUMINT analyst positions supporting military and IC customers.
Global leader in corporate investigations, due diligence, and risk consulting. Hires investigators with source handling and interviewing backgrounds.
Global business advisory firm with forensic investigation, corporate intelligence, and litigation consulting practices. Values investigative methodology experience.
Intelligence community contracts across multiple agencies. CI, HUMINT, and all-source intelligence analyst positions. SkillBridge participant.
Government advisory and risk consulting practices. Hires cleared professionals for federal consulting, cybersecurity advisory, and investigation support roles.
Direct federal employer. NCIS actively recruits former Marine CI professionals as special agents. Interview and CI investigation skills transfer directly.
CI/HUMINT experience is directly relevant to both special agent and intelligence analyst career tracks. Language skills and overseas experience add value.
Multiple components hire former CI/HUMINT professionals. CBP for border intelligence, ICE HSI for criminal investigations, Secret Service for protective intelligence.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
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Real Marines success story
“Hey Brad, Just wanted to send out a quick thank you. You've created something amazing with BMR and your continued advocacy for transitioning service members does not go unnoticed. It was the most effective resource I used in my transition and I know it played a key role in landing a six figure…”
Dominic· Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)· Marines
→ Project ManagerFederal Career Paths
Federal agencies are the largest employer of CI/HUMINT professionals outside the military. The intelligence community, federal law enforcement, and security organizations all have direct-match positions for 0211s. Veterans' Preference gives you an edge, but in the intelligence and law enforcement world, your clearance, polygraph history, and operational experience often matter more than preference points.
The GS-0132 (Intelligence) series is the most direct match — covering intelligence analyst, collection manager, and CI analyst positions across DIA, CIA, NSA, FBI, and the service intelligence agencies. GS-1811 (Criminal Investigator) is another strong fit, particularly with agencies like NCIS, DCIS, FBI, and DEA where interview and investigation skills translate directly. GS-0080 (Security Administration) covers insider threat analysts, security specialists, and special security officers — all roles that leverage CI training.
Beyond the obvious matches: GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration) captures program analyst and operations specialist billets within intelligence agencies. GS-1801 (General Inspection) and GS-1810 (General Investigation) cover inspector general and compliance investigation roles. GS-0343 (Management Analyst) positions exist at every federal agency and value the analytical rigor CI professionals bring. GS-1896 (Border Patrol Agent) and GS-1801 roles with CBP recruit heavily from military intelligence backgrounds.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-1810 | General Investigating | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1811 | Criminal Investigator | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1801 | General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1896 | Border Patrol Agent | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0083 | Police | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 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.
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
$59,190
Healthcare / Behavioral Health(O*NET: 21-1011.00)BLS OEWS May 202417% (Much faster than average)
Structured clinical interviewingBuilding rapport with guarded, distrustful subjectsReading nonverbal cues and behavioral baselinesMotivational, non-confrontational questioning
The same elicitation and rapport skills used to draw out a reluctant HUMINT source translate directly to drawing out clients in recovery, where trust and reading nonverbal cues decide whether someone opens up.
How to get there: Earn an associate or bachelor's in counseling or psychology, then complete state-required supervised hours and a licensing exam (LCDC, CADC, or equivalent by state).
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist
$76,950
Market Research / Marketing(O*NET: 13-1161.00)BLS OEWS May 20248% (Faster than average)
Designing and conducting structured interviewsDetecting evasion and inconsistency in responsesSynthesizing fragmented inputs into an assessmentCross-cultural and demographic communication
Counterintelligence work is professional human research: framing questions, running interviews, and turning scattered signals into a confident read. That is exactly what qualitative market research demands.
How to get there: A bachelor's in marketing, business, statistics, or social science gets you in; a certificate in market research or analytics tools (SPSS, Qualtrics) accelerates the move.
Arbitrator, Mediator, and Conciliator
$67,710
Legal / Dispute Resolution(O*NET: 23-1022.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Neutral, non-leading questioningDetecting deception and hidden agendasDe-escalation and rapport under tensionReading competing parties for true interests
Mediation lives on the ability to read what people actually want behind what they say and to keep guarded parties talking, the core craft of HUMINT interviewing applied to civil disputes.
How to get there: Most mediators hold a bachelor's and complete a 30-40 hour state-approved mediation training; court rosters and community programs are common entry points without a law degree.
News Analyst, Reporter, and Journalist
$60,280
Media / Journalism(O*NET: 27-3023.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-3% (Decline)
Source cultivation and relationship buildingInterviewing reluctant or hostile subjectsVerifying claims and spotting fabricationSynthesizing raw information into a clear account
Investigative reporting is built on cultivating sources, conducting hard interviews, and separating fact from spin, the same disciplines that define collection and reporting in the HUMINT cycle.
How to get there: A degree in journalism or communications helps, but a portfolio of published work and freelance clips often matters more; many start with local outlets or a beat.
Insurance Sales Agent
$60,370
Insurance / Sales(O*NET: 41-3021.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Needs-based elicitation and questioningBuilding trust quickly with strangersReading hesitation and unspoken objectionsLong-term relationship cultivation
Selling protection products is needs elicitation under another name: getting a guarded prospect to reveal real concerns, reading what they will not say, and earning trust fast, all native to HUMINT work.
How to get there: Pass your state's licensing exam (life, health, or property and casualty) after a short pre-licensing course; most agencies provide on-the-job sales training.
Fundraiser
$66,490
Nonprofit / Higher Education(O*NET: 13-1131.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Cultivating long-term, trust-based relationshipsReading donor motivation and intentTailored, persuasive one-on-one communicationIdentifying and developing prospects
Major-gift fundraising is source cultivation in the philanthropic world: identifying a prospect, building a real relationship over time, and reading their true motivation before the ask, a direct parallel to developing a HUMINT source.
How to get there: A bachelor's in communications, nonprofit management, or any field plus relationship-building experience opens the door; the CFRE credential boosts advancement.
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're targeting intelligence community contractors, federal law enforcement, or security-sector jobs, your terminology largely carries over — recruiters in those spaces know what HUMINT means. This section is for 0211s targeting careers outside the intelligence and security world: corporate roles, consulting, project management, or any position where the hiring manager has no frame of reference for CI operations.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Conducted source operations in support of MEF counterintelligence requirements, producing 35+ intelligence reports over a 12-month deployment
After (Civilian)
Managed a portfolio of 15+ external stakeholder relationships, producing 35 analytical reports that directly informed executive-level strategic decisions over a 12-month period
Before (Military)
Led 8 CI investigations involving personnel security concerns, foreign contact reporting, and potential insider threats per AR 381-20 requirements
After (Civilian)
Led 8 complex internal investigations involving policy compliance, personnel security assessments, and risk mitigation, adhering to federal regulatory requirements and delivering findings to senior leadership
Before (Military)
Delivered weekly intelligence briefings to MEF commanding general on CI threats, force protection concerns, and operational security posture
After (Civilian)
Delivered weekly executive briefings to senior leadership on organizational risk assessments, security posture, and recommended mitigation strategies, directly influencing operational decisions
Before (Military)
Authored 50+ IIRs disseminated across the intelligence community, maintaining 98% first-pass quality rate per DIA standards
After (Civilian)
Authored 50+ analytical reports distributed to multiple business units and external partners, maintaining 98% first-submission acceptance rate through rigorous quality control and editorial standards
Before (Military)
Conducted 200+ screenings and debriefings of foreign nationals, detainees, and U.S. personnel, extracting actionable intelligence per HUMINT methodology
After (Civilian)
Conducted 200+ structured interviews and personnel assessments, utilizing proven methodology to evaluate credibility, extract relevant information, and produce written evaluation summaries for organizational decision-making
Before (Military)
Maintained TS/SCI information security protocols for a 12-person CI team, including safe combinations, access rosters, and destruction logs with zero security violations
After (Civilian)
Managed information security protocols for a 12-person team handling sensitive proprietary data, maintaining access control rosters, audit logs, and compliance documentation with zero security incidents
Before (Military)
Produced quarterly threat assessments for base commander covering foreign intelligence threats, insider threat indicators, and force protection vulnerabilities across a 5,000-person installation
After (Civilian)
Developed quarterly organizational risk assessments covering external threats, internal vulnerabilities, and security gaps across a 5,000-person facility, recommending countermeasures that reduced identified risks by 40%
Before (Military)
Served as CI team leader for a 6-person HUMINT collection team during deployment, managing all source operations, training, and intelligence production
After (Civilian)
Led a 6-person specialized investigation and analysis team, managing personnel development, work prioritization, quality assurance, and client deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Compliance & Regulatory
Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
BeneficialSCCE
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 2-4 months study
For corporate compliance career paths. CI regulatory compliance experience (AR 381-20, DoDD 5240.01) demonstrates compliance program understanding.
Cybersecurity
Security+ (CompTIA)
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
DoD 8570 baseline certification for IAT Level II. Required for many government IT/cyber positions. Some 0211s earn this in service depending on billet.
CISSP
BeneficialISC2
Cost: $750 - $800 examTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Gold standard for cybersecurity management. Requires 5 years experience (military CI/cyber work counts). Opens doors to CISO-track and senior security roles.
Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
BeneficialISACA
Cost: $575 - $760Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Focuses on information security program management rather than technical implementation. CI program management experience is directly relevant. Good for management-track cyber roles.
Human Resources
Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
BeneficialHRCI
Cost: $400 - $500Time: 3-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
For 0211s targeting HR career paths. Interview skills, background screening experience, and personnel management translate to HR functions.
SHRM-CP
BeneficialSHRM
Cost: $300 - $475Time: 3-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Alternative to PHR for HR career paths. Broader scope covering strategic HR competencies. Interviewing and personnel assessment skills from CI are directly relevant.
Investigations
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
RecommendedACFE
Cost: $450 - $550Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Industry standard for corporate investigations and fraud examination. CI investigation experience counts toward the experience requirement. Strong for private sector investigation roles.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
BeneficialPMI
Cost: $400 - $555Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Gold standard for project management. CI operational planning hours likely count toward the 36-month experience requirement. Opens doors across all industries.
Security Management
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
RecommendedASIS International
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 3-6 months study
Premier certification for security management professionals. CI background covers many exam domains: investigations, personnel security, threat assessment, and information protection.
ASIS Physical Security Professional (PSP)
BeneficialASIS International
Cost: $350 - $500Time: 2-4 months study
For 0211s targeting physical security management. Covers threat assessment, vulnerability analysis, and security countermeasures — all part of CI training.
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.
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Transition Resources
For Staying in Intelligence & Security
SkillBridge Programs: Several intelligence community support contractors participate in DOD SkillBridge, including Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, and Leidos. Check the SkillBridge database for current openings — positions fill quickly for cleared personnel.
Intelligence Community Careers: Apply directly through IntelligenceCareers.gov for CIA, NSA, DIA, NGA, and NRO positions. Start applications 6-9 months before separation — the federal hiring process is slow, and TS/SCI transfers can add time.
NCIS & Federal Law Enforcement: NCIS actively recruits former 0211s. Also check FBI, DEA, CBP, and Secret Service — your interview skills and investigative methodology are directly relevant. Age cutoff for most federal 1811 positions is 37.
Industry Associations: The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) hosts events connecting cleared professionals with employers. AFCEA International runs intelligence-focused chapters and job fairs.
For Careers Outside Intelligence
Corporate Investigations & Compliance: Companies like Kroll, FTI Consulting, and the Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, EY, PwC, KPMG) hire investigators for fraud, compliance, and due diligence roles. Your source handling and report writing translate directly to corporate investigation methodology.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard. CI operations involve planning, coordination, resource management, and multi-stakeholder reporting — that is project management. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member). GI Bill covers some prep courses.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies beyond the IC: Department of Energy (counterintelligence), DHS (multiple CI billets), Department of State (Diplomatic Security), and inspector general offices across every federal agency. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You'll get paired with someone in your target industry — invaluable for breaking into non-intelligence careers.
Clearance Leverage: Your TS/SCI is worth real money — defense contractors pay premiums for cleared hires because the investigation costs $5,000-15,000+ and takes months. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Don't let yours lapse during transition.
Education Benefits: GI Bill covers professional certifications and degree programs. For intelligence careers, consider a master's in intelligence studies, security studies, or data analytics. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
BMR Career Resources
Marine Infantry Resume Guide | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
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 0211 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 is the median salary for intelligence analysts?
According to BLS May 2024 data, intelligence analysts earn a median annual wage of $99,710 (O*NET 33-3021.06). Salaries vary significantly by employer — intelligence community contractors in the DC metro area typically offer higher compensation than private sector analytical roles in other markets. Information security analysts, a related field, earn a median of $120,360.
How valuable is my TS/SCI clearance after separation?
Extremely valuable. An active TS/SCI clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and 6-18 months of investigation time. Defense contractors and intelligence community support firms pay 20-40% salary premiums for cleared hires. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed, so start your job search before it lapses. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions specifically requiring active clearances.
What if I want to leave the intelligence field entirely?
Many 0211s successfully transition to careers with no intelligence connection. Your transferable skills — structured interviewing, analytical writing, project coordination, risk assessment, and stakeholder management — apply to corporate consulting, human resources, compliance, and program management roles. The Career Change Paths section above covers specific non-intelligence careers with BLS salary data and entry paths.
Do I need a degree to work in civilian intelligence?
For federal intelligence positions (GS-0132), a bachelor's degree is generally required at GS-7 and above, though extensive specialized experience can substitute. For defense contractor positions, requirements vary — some accept equivalent military experience in lieu of a degree. For corporate investigation and security roles, experience often matters more than education. The GI Bill is worth considering for a degree in intelligence studies, security studies, international relations, or data analytics if your target employers require one.
How do I explain CI/HUMINT experience in a non-intelligence job interview?
Focus on methodology, not missions. Instead of 'I ran source operations in a denied area,' say 'I managed long-term stakeholder relationships to gather critical business intelligence, producing written assessments that informed executive-level decisions.' Instead of 'I conducted CI investigations,' say 'I led complex, multi-month investigations involving interviews, evidence analysis, and regulatory compliance, delivering findings to senior leadership.' Quantify everything — number of reports produced, team sizes, project durations.
Which federal agencies hire the most former 0211s?
DIA, CIA, NSA, NCIS, and FBI are the largest direct employers. DHS (CBP, ICE HSI, Secret Service) recruits heavily from military CI/HUMINT backgrounds. Department of Energy has its own counterintelligence division. Every federal agency has an inspector general office that values investigative skills. Don't overlook Department of State Diplomatic Security — they need CI-trained people for overseas security programs.
How does Veterans' Preference work for intelligence positions?
Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments (10 for disabled veterans). For competitive service positions on USAJobs, this is significant. However, many intelligence positions are in the excepted service (CIA, NSA, DIA), where Veterans' Preference is applied differently — it's a consideration factor rather than a point system. Either way, your military intelligence experience is the primary qualifier. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector.
What certifications should I get before separating?
Depends on your target career. For cybersecurity/insider threat: Security+ or CISSP (your CI investigations background counts toward experience requirements). For corporate investigations: CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) from ACFE. For project management: start PMP prep — your operational planning hours likely count. For federal law enforcement: fitness and polygraph readiness matter more than certifications. Universal: keep your First Aid/CPR current and get your LinkedIn profile built.
Is the HUMINT Collector (35M Army) the same as 0211?
Similar but not identical. Army 35M focuses primarily on HUMINT collection, while Marine 0211 combines both counterintelligence and HUMINT into one MOS. 0211s typically receive training in both CI investigations and source operations, giving them a broader skill set. Both qualify for the same civilian intelligence and investigation roles. Check the cross-branch comparison on this page for related MOSes.
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian employer while still receiving military pay. For federal positions, apply 6-9 months out — the federal hiring process is slow, especially for cleared positions requiring TS/SCI transfers. Get your resume ready 6 months out, build your LinkedIn network, and attend cleared job fairs (they happen regularly in the DC metro area, San Diego, and Hampton Roads).
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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