More Information

Responsibilities

As an Intelligence Specialist, you will be a critical part of the operational decision-making process. Working with potentially classified material, your duties may include:

  • Analyzing intelligence information
  • Preparing and presenting briefings and reports
  • Preparing graphics and overlays
  • Plotting imagery data using maps and charts
  • Planning photographic reconnaissance missions
  • Providing input to and receiving data from computerized networks ashore and afloat
  • Using intelligence databases, libraries and files
  • Working under the oversight of Intelligence Officers (four-year degree required) who serve as managers of intelligence-related activities

As an Intelligence Specialist, you will be a critical part of the operational decision-making process. Working with potentially classified material, your duties may include:

  • Analyzing intelligence information
  • Preparing and presenting briefings and reports
  • Preparing graphics and overlays
  • Plotting imagery data using maps and charts
  • Planning photographic reconnaissance missions
  • Providing input to and receiving data from computerized networks ashore and afloat
  • Using intelligence databases, libraries and files
  • Working under the oversight of Intelligence Officers (four-year degree required) who serve as managers of intelligence-related activities

Work Environment

Intelligence Specialists serve on large ships, with aircraft squadrons and at various intelligence production centers located in the U.S. or overseas, generally dividing time equally between assignments ashore and afloat. The work is mostly analytical, as it supports the Navy's intelligence mission on all fronts. Typically, duties are performed in an office or watch environment and involve working closely with others, though the capability to operate without supervision is also required.

Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Intelligence Specialists in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

For Annual Training, Intelligence Specialists may serve anywhere in the world, whether on a ship at sea or at bases and installations on shore.

Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.

Training & Advancement

Upon completion of initial 7–9 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing an Intelligence Specialist role report to Dam Neck, VA, where they receive formal Navy technical training at “A” School for approximately 13 weeks followed by advanced training at “C” School for 5–13 weeks. Through this schooling, they develop the working knowledge it takes to be Navy Intelligence Specialists in preparation for their first assignment.

Skills continue to be enhanced through on-the-job training and experience. Advanced training in intelligence procedures and equipment go along with career progression. Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent.

Intelligence Specialists in the Navy Reserve serve in an Enlisted role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met.

For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers: Prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement – so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again.

For those without prior military experience: You will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp for 7-9 weeks in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.

Education Opportunities

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of intelligence can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of intelligence can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education. You may also continue your education through opportunities like the following:

Qualifications & Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the intelligence field in the Navy. Those seeking an Intelligence Specialist position must be U.S. citizens who can meet eligibility requirements for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. You should have good speaking, writing and record-keeping skills; a good working aptitude of math; and the capability to do highly detail-oriented work.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor in the intelligence field in the Navy. Those seeking an Intelligence Specialist position must be U.S. citizens who can meet eligibility requirements for a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance. You should have good speaking, writing and record-keeping skills; a good working aptitude of math; and the capability to do highly detail-oriented work.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.