How to Become an Army Intelligence Analyst

The intelligence analyst, which the Army designates as Military Occupational Specialty 35F, is responsible for processing incoming reports and messages, determining the accuracy and credibility of the intelligence, organizing records and files, and conducting intelligence preparation of the battlefield -- the continual analysis of threats, the terrain and the environment on the battlefield [source: GoArmy.com]. Intelligence analysts identify threats, potential targets and social elements that might affect an operation, and they distribute their findings manually and electronically to commanding officers. In addition to these duties, intelligence analysts also perform fundamental tasks like guard duty, administrative work and all of the other basics required of soldiers [source: Linton].

Within the Army, several jobs require skill sets similar to that of the intelligence analyst.

The Army is one of 17 member agencies in the United States intelligence community, which also includes the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, as well as other military branches [source: Office of the Director of National Intelligence]. The skills and experience acquired by Army intelligence analysts make them natural candidates for positions within these agencies. Civilian jobs for former intelligence analysts could include database administrators, detectives, business planners and other occupations that require creative thinking to draw conclusions from a set of facts.

Next, some things to keep in mind if you want to pursue a career as an Army intelligence analyst.

Before you consider working toward a career as an Army intelligence analyst, make sure you meet all of the basic requirements. New intelligence analysts must have:

Army intelligence analysts must complete 83 total days of specialized instruction at the United States Army Intelligence Center and School at Fort Huachuca in Arizona (in addition to nine weeks of basic training). The specific skills covered in the curriculum include using automated intelligence systems and software, analytical writing, assessing the effects of weather and terrain on operations, analyzing threats, developing courses of action and creating reconnaissance and surveillance plans [source: Linton]. Entry-level intelligence analysts should have a talent for gathering and organizing information, an interest in reading and interpreting charts and maps, and strong written and verbal communications skills [source: GoArmy.com]. More experienced analysts should also possess extensive knowledge of the culture, geography, and history of the region in which they are operating. They should also be competent speaking the language of the region in which they're working [source: Lewis].

In terms of personality, successful intelligence analysts are self-motivated people with a natural curiosity. They have a natural ability to solve complex problems, an aptitude for learning new computer software programs and an ability to think critically without bias.

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