Differences in the opportunities of a 35N vs 35P in a SOF capacity?

2019-12-10T13:36:36-05:00

Good afternoon everyone,

I am researching coming into the Army as Prior Service and would like to get into the Intel Community, specifically SIGINT, with the ultimate goal of working in some sort of a SOF capacity whether it is a SOT-A with Group or the Ranger Regt equivalent. I really have no desire to hangout in an S/G-2 at this point in my life or career, if I can avoid it.
I have been doing as much research as I can on the two prominent SIGINT MOS's within the Army and would just like some input from people who have been in those MOS's to guide any further decisions.

A quick background on myself to possibly cover any questions about my prior service.
- Originally in the Marine Corps as an 0621 Radio Operator for 7.5 years, spent most of that time as a Team Communicator with the Marine Special Operations Command.
-EAS'd from the Marine Corps in 2018 and then enlisted in the Navy Reserves as a Medic with 4th Recon, thinking that staying with a Marine unit in a medical capacity would scratch any itches I had left over from my time in the Marine Corps. That has not been the case and the politics of the Navy combined with the low promotion rates has quickly turned me off.
-I am already Airborne qualified and have attended multiple other SOCOM required courses to deploy/work in that type of unit.
- Current civilian employment is with the Marine Special Operations Command as a contractor conducting predeployment training for communicators and other enabler MOS's to include Intel, so I still have my foot in the door with what is going within the SOF world.

I am very interested in getting into this line of work having seen firsthand the job opportunities in and out of the military. I'm also already familiar with the processes of getting out of one branch and in to the other so the biggest questions I have are on the MOS's themselves. I would hate to pick the wrong one, you only get so many second or third chances on a career!

Thanks for your time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2019 3:40 PM

2019-12-10T15:40:30-05:00

I’ve seen multiple 35P with SOCOM combat patches in the couple months I’ve been outside tradoc petty officer. You would have to take the dlab if you want 35P

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 12:38 AM

2019-12-11T00:38:30-05:00

There are available assignments for both MOSs in USASOC.

That being said, the Army doesn't actually care about your previous SOCOM courses and they aren't required to deploy with any USASOC unit. Your current employment is irrelevant as well. SF Command is just another assignment for an Intel MOS, and you will be expected to work in an S2 and Intel units as part of your career progression. Anyone who meets the requirements of a Secret Clearance, 100 GT and willing to accept an Airborne assignment can reenlist for a spot there or be placed on assignment by their branch manager.

There is no such thing as a SOF Support MOS, your conventional skill support is what makes you an asset to a SOF unit. You can go to a unit like the 75th or 160th that has its own selection and stay for several years. But eventually you have to leave. Even if you go to JSOC you will be expected to return to the regular army to develop your conventional skill set for career progression.

The other option you have is to go in as an 18X and after you become an E7 as a green Beret switch to MOS 18F which is an Intel SF Sergeant.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 7:43 AM

2019-12-11T07:43:29-05:00

Typically your Novembers are going to be SOT-Bs, the analysts, and Papas are the SOT-As, the collectors. Both MOSs can do the others work, the difference between the two is that the Papas are language dependent, so getting where you want is going to take longer vs coming back as a November.
I'll pm you my email, feel free to ask any follow up questions there.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2019 9:11 AM

2019-12-14T09:11:28-05:00

They are always trying to recruit us SIGINTers for special missions. SOF, SFAB and USAPAB to be specific. You will have no problems getting what you want as a 35N granted you can meet all the requirements. I recommend looking on HRC on the 35N career page. Also check the MILPER messages. Lots of opportunity specially if you can get a language.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 16 at 2019 3:12 AM

2019-12-16T03:12:21-05:00

Easiest transition would be 35N given your prior experience. Practice and terminology are very similar. Methods of collection and analysis will differ in accordance with unit equipment/capabilities. 35N’s are signals analysts whom are heavily relied upon for their technical expertise. Due to that fact, they’re afforded opportunities to gain a much deeper understanding of their profession paid for by SOF funds. Damn near limitless. If it benefits the team, then it’s green light go. I’ve found the most job satisfaction as a 35P (Arabic) during my years with 5th SFG(A) as a SOT-A Team Leader. As a SOT-A, you’re the “go to” for the ODA you and your team support whether it’s SIGINT (like a 35N), your language ability, or as an added gun. You’ll be afforded the same opportunities for training since your team will be working directly with the ODA’s. The language pay and airborne pay ain’t bad either. Loved my time at Group and would kill to head back. However, as it was previously mentioned, nothing lasts forever. I’m now a Drill Sergeant at DLIFLC and may be headed to Ft. Belvoir, Meade, or Sam Houston for an INSCOM/Strategic assignment. Grey opportunities await in either realm. Hope this helps. God Speed!