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That is Marines MOS 0231. 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
Conducted all-source intelligence analysis fusing GEOINT, SIGINT, HUMINT, and OSINT to produce threat assessments for MEF operational planning
How a hiring manager reads it
Synthesized data from multiple internal and external sources to produce comprehensive analytical reports, directly informing executive-level strategic planning and resource allocation decisions
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Marine Corps Intelligence Specialists (MOS 0231) are the analytical backbone of Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) intelligence operations. They collect, process, analyze, and disseminate intelligence from multiple sources — imagery (GEOINT), signals (SIGINT), human intelligence (HUMINT), and open sources (OSINT) — to produce all-source intelligence products that drive operational decisions from the battalion to the MEF level.
The 0231 pipeline begins at NMITC Dam Neck, Virginia, with approximately 13 weeks of foundational training covering intelligence analysis methodology, collection management, threat assessment, and intelligence product creation. After the schoolhouse, 0231s are assigned to intelligence sections (S-2/G-2) within infantry battalions, regiments, MEFs, or specialized intelligence units. Many receive follow-on training in GEOINT exploitation, SIGINT analysis, targeting, or advanced analytical tools depending on their assignment.
What distinguishes 0231s in the civilian job market is the breadth of their analytical training. Unlike specialists focused on a single intelligence discipline, 0231s are trained to synthesize information from multiple sources into coherent assessments. They produce intelligence summaries, threat briefings, target packages, and operational products under real-world time pressure — the same analytical rigor that civilian employers in intelligence, cybersecurity, data analysis, and consulting need.
BMR data shows 0231s land cleared analyst offers at NCIS, DIA, and major defense contractors faster than almost any other Marine intel MOS — provided the resume actually translates the all-source workflow into civilian language. The clearance opens the door; analytical structure lands the offer. — 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?
Marines mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Intelligence Specialist
$65K to $120K
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 29% higher on average
Civilian roles for Intelligence Specialists pay about $20K 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 private sector demand for all-source intelligence analysis skills extends well beyond traditional defense contracting. Data analytics, threat intelligence, corporate risk assessment, and cybersecurity firms all recruit people who can take disparate data, analyze it critically, and produce actionable recommendations.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), intelligence analysts earn a median annual wage of $99,710 (O*NET 33-3021.06). Information security analysts earn a median of $120,360 (O*NET 15-1212.00) with projected growth of 33% — one of the fastest-growing occupations. Market research analysts earn a median of $74,680 (O*NET 13-1161.00), and operations research analysts earn $83,640 (O*NET 15-2031.00).
The TS/SCI clearance is a major asset. Defense contractors and intelligence community support firms pay significant premiums for cleared analysts. But even without leveraging the clearance, the analytical methodology — hypothesis testing, source evaluation, confidence-level assessments — translates to any data-driven role.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligence AnalystO*NET 33-3021.06 | Government / Defense / Intelligence | $99,710 | Much faster than average (8%) | strong |
| Information Security AnalystO*NET 15-1212.00 | Cybersecurity / IT | $120,360 | Much faster than average (33%) | strong |
| Operations Research AnalystO*NET 15-2031.00 | Government / Consulting / Finance | $83,640 | Much faster than average (23%) | moderate |
| Market Research AnalystO*NET 13-1161.00 | Marketing / Consulting / Corporate | $74,680 | Much faster than average (13%) | moderate |
| Management Analyst / ConsultantO*NET 13-1111.00 | Consulting / Government / Corporate | $99,410 | Faster than average (10%) | moderate |
| Geospatial Intelligence AnalystO*NET 15-1299.02 | Government / Defense / Geospatial | $96,620 | Faster than average (7%) | strong |
| Data AnalystO*NET 15-2051.00 | Technology / Finance / Healthcare | $83,640 | Much faster than average (23%) | moderate |
| Security Management SpecialistO*NET 33-9032.00 | Corporate Security / Government | $65,080 | About as fast as average (3%) | moderate |
One of the largest IC support contractors. All-source analysts, GEOINT analysts, collection managers, and intelligence production roles across DIA, CIA, and combatant commands.
Large intelligence support portfolio. All-source, SIGINT, GEOINT, and multi-discipline intelligence analyst positions. Strong presence at DIA and combatant commands.
Intelligence analysis, cyber operations, and data analytics contracts with IC agencies. SkillBridge participant.
Leading provider of satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence. GEOINT-trained 0231s have direct skill matches for imagery analyst and geospatial product roles.
Intelligence support contracts, electronic warfare, and SIGINT systems. Analyst and technical positions for cleared intelligence professionals.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency — direct federal employer for GEOINT analysts. 0231s with imagery analysis training are priority hires.
Defense Intelligence Agency — primary all-source analysis employer in DoD. GS-0132 positions at multiple locations.
Builds intelligence analysis platforms used by the IC and DoD. Hires former intelligence analysts as forward-deployed engineers and product specialists who understand the operational environment.
IC support contracts, data analytics, and intelligence production roles. SkillBridge participant.
ISR systems, signals intelligence, and intelligence analysis support contracts. Cleared analyst positions across multiple agencies.
Leading cybersecurity firm with dedicated threat intelligence teams. Intelligence analysis methodology translates directly to cyber threat analysis.
Government advisory practice hires cleared analysts for federal consulting, risk advisory, and cyber intelligence roles.
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Eli · Colonel (O-6) · Marines · Operations and Intelligence
The federal government is the single largest employer of intelligence analysts in the country. Every intelligence community agency, military service, and many non-IC agencies (DHS, DOE, Treasury, State) employ GS-0132 intelligence analysts. For 0231s with GEOINT experience, GS-1550 (Computer Science) and imagery-specific positions at NGA are strong matches. SIGINT-experienced 0231s have natural pathways to NSA and service cryptologic elements.
Beyond the GS-0132 series, 0231s qualify for GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration) positions as program analysts and operations specialists across every federal agency. GS-2210 (IT Specialist) roles in cyber threat intelligence are accessible for 0231s with technical aptitude. GS-0343 (Management Analyst) positions value the analytical methodology and briefing skills that 0231s develop. GS-0340 (Program Management) roles are realistic for senior 0231s who managed collection requirements or intelligence production teams.
Don't overlook non-IC federal positions either. Every major federal agency has an intelligence or analytical function — Treasury (financial intelligence), DOE (counterintelligence), CBP (border intelligence), and Coast Guard Intelligence all employ analysts with military all-source backgrounds.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 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-0080 | Security Administration | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0346 | Logistics Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1550 | Computer Science | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1811 | Criminal Investigator | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0201 | Human Resources Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 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.
The same analytic discipline that spots a threat pattern in fragmented reporting spots fraud and risk in financial records. Examiners live on anomaly detection and documented findings.
Transfers: Detecting anomalies and patterns across disparate source data, Structured analytic tradecraft and source vetting, Building a defensible finding from incomplete information, Writing decision-grade reports for senior decision-makers.
How to get there: A bachelor's in accounting, finance, or economics is the standard requirement. On-the-job training under a senior examiner builds the regulatory specialty; the cleared, analytic background transfers strongly.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 21% (Much faster than average)
All-source intelligence work is investigation by another name: pull from every source, corroborate, and build a case. Federal investigative agencies actively recruit cleared 0231 backgrounds.
Transfers: All-source collection and synthesis into a single assessment, Source evaluation and corroboration, TS/SCI-level handling of sensitive information, Producing factual reports that withstand scrutiny.
How to get there: Federal investigator roles usually require a bachelor's degree and a background investigation; a TS/SCI clearance is a major advantage. Some agencies run their own academy after hire.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 0% (Little or no change)
Tracking how a disease spreads is the same pattern-and-network analysis a 0231 runs on a threat. Epidemiology is all-source analysis applied to public health.
Transfers: Pattern and anomaly detection across large, messy datasets, Hypothesis testing and structured analytic methodology, Synthesizing multiple data streams into a single assessment, Briefing findings to decision-makers under time pressure.
How to get there: A master's in public health (MPH) with an epidemiology concentration is the standard entry credential. The analytic methodology overlaps heavily, but the degree is the gate.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 19% (Much faster than average)
Producing an intelligence summary and producing a news report use the same skill: gather from many sources, verify, and write it clearly under a deadline. Investigative and national-security journalism value that rigor.
Transfers: Synthesizing multiple sources into a clear, accurate product, Source vetting and corroboration before publishing, Writing tight, decision-grade summaries on deadline, Distinguishing verified fact from unconfirmed reporting.
How to get there: A bachelor's in journalism, communications, or political science helps. Many enter through freelancing, a portfolio, or a junior reporting role; the writing and source-vetting transfer directly.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -3% (Decline)
Investigating an insurance claim, vetting the story, spotting fraud signals, and writing it up is investigative tradecraft on a civilian problem set. The analytic and reporting skills carry over directly.
Transfers: Investigating a claim by collecting and corroborating sources, Weighing evidence against a standard to reach a judgment, Detecting inconsistencies that signal fraud, Documenting a defensible conclusion.
How to get there: Most insurers train on the job and license in-state (40-90 hours of coursework plus an exam). Special-investigation-unit roles favor candidates with an investigative or analytic background.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -3% (Decline)
Assessing a foreign actor's intentions and capabilities is exactly what a 0231 does on a target and what a political scientist does for a think tank or government research office. The regional-analysis skill is the same.
Transfers: Foreign and regional threat assessment, Analyzing political and military developments for decision-makers, Structured research and source evaluation, Writing analytic products that drive policy decisions.
How to get there: A master's or PhD in political science or international relations is the standard requirement. The applied regional-analysis experience is a strong differentiator once the degree is in hand.
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're applying to intelligence community contractors, defense firms, or federal analyst positions, your terminology carries over — recruiters know what all-source intelligence production means. This section is for 0231s targeting careers outside the intelligence world: corporate analytics, business consulting, data science, or any role where the hiring manager doesn't know what an IPB is.
Before, in service
Conducted all-source intelligence analysis fusing GEOINT, SIGINT, HUMINT, and OSINT to produce threat assessments for MEF operational planning
After, on the resume
Synthesized data from multiple internal and external sources to produce comprehensive analytical reports, directly informing executive-level strategic planning and resource allocation decisions
Before, in service
Led the IPB process for a MEU deployment, analyzing terrain, weather, civil considerations, and threat capabilities to develop 3 courses of action for the commanding officer
After, on the resume
Led comprehensive market and competitive analysis for 3 strategic initiatives, evaluating environmental factors, competitor capabilities, and organizational strengths to develop actionable recommendations for senior leadership
Before, in service
Managed 150+ active collection requirements across 4 intelligence disciplines, prioritizing assets and tracking fulfillment rates for the battalion intelligence section
After, on the resume
Managed a portfolio of 150+ active data requirements across 4 business units, prioritizing resource allocation, tracking fulfillment metrics, and reporting status to program leadership with 95% on-time delivery
Before, in service
Produced 40+ IIRs and daily INTSUMs disseminated across the intelligence community, maintaining DIA quality standards
After, on the resume
Authored 40+ analytical reports and daily executive summaries distributed to multiple stakeholders across the organization, maintaining rigorous quality standards with 98% first-submission acceptance rate
Before, in service
Delivered daily intelligence briefings to the battalion commander and staff, covering threat assessment, terrain analysis, and recommended courses of action
After, on the resume
Delivered daily analytical briefings to C-suite leadership, presenting data-driven assessments of organizational risks, market conditions, and recommended strategic actions
Before, in service
Managed a 12-Marine intelligence section during a 7-month deployment, overseeing analytical production, personnel training, and 24/7 watch operations
After, on the resume
Directed a 12-person analytical operations team for 7 months, managing workflow, quality assurance, staff development, and continuous operations to meet client deliverables across multiple concurrent projects
Before, in service
Conducted GEOINT exploitation using SOCET GXP and RemoteView to analyze satellite imagery, identifying changes in adversary force disposition and infrastructure development
After, on the resume
Conducted geospatial data analysis using specialized software tools to identify trends, changes, and anomalies in spatial datasets, producing visual products and written assessments for organizational decision-making
Before, in service
Developed target nominations and target intelligence packages for 25+ objectives, coordinating with operations, fires, and collection management
After, on the resume
Developed strategic action plans for 25+ organizational priorities, coordinating with operations, resource allocation, and data collection teams to ensure aligned execution and measurable outcomes
BMR turns your 0231 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 $400 - $600Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleDoD 8570 baseline certification for IAT Level II. Required for many government IT and cyber positions. Some 0231s earn this in service depending on billet.
BeneficialCost $750 - $800 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for cybersecurity management. Requires 5 years experience (military intel work counts). Opens doors to senior security and threat intelligence roles.
RecommendedCost $400 - $500Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleCybersecurity analyst certification — threat detection, analysis, and response. Natural progression for intelligence analysts moving to cyber threat intelligence roles.
BeneficialCost $100 - $300Time 1-2 months studyGI Bill eligibleEntry-level cloud certification. IC agencies and contractors increasingly use cloud-based intelligence platforms (AWS GovCloud). Demonstrates technical adaptability.
RecommendedCost $300 - $500Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleEntry-level data analytics credential covering SQL, Tableau, R, and analytical methodology. Strong bridge between intelligence analysis and civilian data analytics.
RecommendedCost $100 - $250Time 1-2 months studyData visualization is a critical skill for translating intelligence analysis to civilian analytics. Demonstrates technical tool proficiency to civilian employers.
BeneficialCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyFor transitioning to operations research and advanced analytics. Demonstrates analytical methodology competency beyond domain-specific intelligence analysis.
BeneficialCost $250 - $400Time Portfolio-basedFor 0231s with GEOINT experience targeting geospatial careers. Demonstrates GIS competency to civilian employers including NGA contractors and commercial satellite firms.
BeneficialCost $400 - $555Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for project management. Intelligence production and collection management hours count toward experience requirements. Valued across all industries.
BeneficialCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyFor 0231s targeting security management. Intelligence analysis and threat assessment experience covers many exam domains.
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: Major intelligence contractors (Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, Leidos, SAIC) participate in DOD SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database for cleared analyst positions. These fill fast — apply early.
Intelligence Community Careers: Apply through IntelligenceCareers.gov for positions across CIA, NSA, DIA, NGA, and NRO. Start 6-9 months before your EAS. DIA and NGA in particular hire large numbers of all-source and GEOINT analysts.
Professional Development: The Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) and AFCEA International offer networking events and conferences where hiring happens. The Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) connects transitioning intel professionals with mentors.
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence: Your all-source methodology is data analytics performed in a classified environment. Consider certifications in Tableau, Power BI, SQL, or Python to translate your analytical skills into business analytics language. Many bootcamps accept GI Bill.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard. Intelligence production management — tasking analysts, managing collection requirements, coordinating multi-source products — is project management. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member). GI Bill covers prep courses.
Cybersecurity: Information security analyst is one of the fastest-growing fields (33% projected growth). Security+ is the entry point. For 0231s with SIGINT or cyber experience, CISSP opens senior roles. BLS median: $120,360.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Beyond IC agencies, check DHS, Treasury, DOE, and every inspector general office. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. Invaluable for breaking into non-intelligence careers where you need industry connections.
Clearance Leverage: TS/SCI saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of investigation time. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Don't let yours lapse.
Education Benefits: GI Bill covers degrees and certifications. For analytical careers, consider data science, cybersecurity, or MBA programs. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval.
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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 earn a median annual wage of $99,710 (O*NET 33-3021.06). Information security analysts earn $120,360 median. Salaries vary significantly by location — the DC metro area, where most intelligence positions are concentrated, typically offers higher compensation. Defense contractor positions for cleared analysts often pay above the BLS median.
Very valuable. An active TS/SCI saves employers the cost and time of a new investigation ($5,000-15,000+ and 6-18 months). Cleared positions typically offer 20-40% salary premiums over comparable uncleared roles. Your clearance remains active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed. Start your job search well before it lapses — ClearanceJobs.com lists thousands of positions requiring active clearances.
Many 0231s transition into non-intelligence careers successfully. Your transferable skills — data analysis, critical thinking, written communication, presentation skills, and pattern recognition — are valued in business analytics, consulting, project management, and corporate strategy roles. The Career Change Paths section above covers specific non-intelligence careers with BLS salary data and entry paths.
For federal GS-0132 positions at GS-7 and above, a bachelor's degree is generally required, though extensive specialized military experience can substitute under OPM qualification standards. Defense contractors vary — some require degrees, others accept equivalent military experience. For non-intelligence analytical roles (data analyst, business analyst), certifications and demonstrated skills sometimes outweigh formal education. Consider using GI Bill strategically.
0231s are trained in all-source intelligence analysis — synthesizing GEOINT, SIGINT, HUMINT, and OSINT into analytical products. 0211s specialize in counterintelligence investigations and HUMINT operations. In the civilian market, 0231s have broader analytical career options (data analysis, business intelligence, research), while 0211s align more with investigation and security management roles. Both qualify for GS-0132 intelligence analyst positions and defense contractor roles.
Focus on the methodology, not the content. Instead of 'I produced all-source intelligence products for the MEF G-2,' say 'I synthesized data from multiple sources to produce analytical assessments that informed senior leadership decisions, working under tight deadlines with incomplete information.' Instead of 'I managed collection requirements,' say 'I identified data gaps, tasked collection resources, and tracked fulfillment to ensure comprehensive analysis.' Quantify: number of products, team size, stakeholder count.
Depends on your target career. For cybersecurity: Security+ is the minimum (DoD 8570 baseline). For data analytics: SQL, Python, Tableau, or Power BI certifications. For project management: start PMP prep — your intelligence production management experience counts toward the experience requirement. For federal employment: your military experience is the primary qualifier. Universal: keep First Aid/CPR current and build your LinkedIn profile.
Veterans' Preference gives 5 or 10 extra points on federal competitive service assessments. Many IC positions (CIA, NSA, DIA) are excepted service, where VP is a consideration factor rather than a point system. On USAJobs, always select the 'Veterans' filter and claim your preference. Your military intelligence experience and clearance are typically more important than preference points for intel positions. Build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com.
The DC metro area (Northern Virginia, Maryland) dominates, with the highest concentration of intelligence agencies, defense contractors, and cleared positions in the country. San Antonio (NSA Texas, DIA Joint Base San Antonio) is a growing hub. San Diego and Tampa (SOCOM) have strong markets. Augusta, GA (NSA Georgia/Army Cyber) is expanding. For non-intelligence careers, any major metro area works — analytical skills are universally valued.
Yes — start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge. For federal positions, apply 6-9 months early — hiring is slow. For defense contractors, 3-6 months is typical. Build your resume and LinkedIn profile 6 months out. Attend cleared job fairs — they happen regularly in DC metro, San Diego, and Tampa. 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.
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