Should I join Air Force Intel or Army Intel?

C/Amn Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:01:43 -0400

I'm 21 and a college junior. Thought I'd be a journalist all my life (and have an impressive resume for it), but I want to make a bigger difference. And intel genuinely interests me.

But that gives you an idea of my skill set. I'm humanities/communication oriented, but I don't know any foreign languages [yet]. I'm an excellent student and want to pursue my Master's eventually. Much down the line, I think I want to apply to the Foreign Service. This would obviously be after my military career.

The Air Force has worked harder to recruit me, and my grandfather served. I have a preference for the Air Force, but I'm afraid a more technical job might not align with my skills or goals.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Jun 30 at 2018 2:15 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 14:15:22 -0400

In some HUMINT jobs you can not work as a journalist. So, maybe look at USAF, although Army also has a program for Public Affair Offices.

Response by Maj Robert Thornton made Jun 30 at 2018 3:46 PM

Maj Robert Thornton — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:46:28 -0400

If I were you I would heavily research both positions and pick the one that you think fits you best. I made my final choice of Air Force since the Air Force recruiter was the only one that was not trying to blow sunshine up my a__.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 3:51 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:51:05 -0400

If you are looking at enlisting full time, the Army is the only service that will guarantee you your job before you enlist.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 3:56 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 15:56:02 -0400

Try to find someone who is actually doing what you think you want to do and get the reality from them. You will not know what it is really like until it’s too late if you don’t.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jun 30 at 2018 4:12 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 16:12:30 -0400

C/Amn Private RallyPoint Member Come on Over to Ashla, the Light Side of the Force. Now Wouldn't You much rather play with the Cool Kids doing COMINT, SIGINT, ELINT "In the Navy, You can See the Seven Seas" I had a Lot of Fun being a Navy Spook for 21 Years.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 11:26 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 23:26:17 -0400

Air Force or the Navy. Then again I am biased towards them both. I have done intel in both branches.

I know the Navy(probably the Air Force also) has officers that specialize as military attaché’s and if being a foreign service officer is your goal that might be what you should go for.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 2 at 2018 9:13 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 21:13:33 -0400

This is a great question. One of the greatest opportunities in Signals Intelligence when I served, is that the schools were consolidated. So my first school after basic (AIT Advanced Individual Training), was located at Corry Station, a Naval Base in Pensacola. All service branches attended the same school, and the cadre were from all service branches. So we had some insight into the different branches. Then, when I reenlisted, I became an analyst and went to school at Goodfellow AFB and again had the opportunity to discuss all four service branches. IT was a great experience. I would make one suggestion to you: What mission do you want to do? Which type of intelligence interests you? SIGINT, HUMINT, ELINT, ...? Once you narrow down your career field, you will be able to narrow down which service is really right for you based on that mission. There is some over-lap within the services; however, each has a very unique mission. I am not sure who told you the Army is not technically oriented. I can tell you that since we all attended the same schools together, the skill set and requirements are the same. BTW: State Department does not require military service prior to serving in the Foreign Service.

EDIT 23FEB19 I wanted to also say that I had the opportunity to be assigned in other service mission areas. I was posted to Naval Security Group working a unique Army mission and many of the posting around the world are joint areas.

Please keep us updated to how you make out! Best of luck!

Response by SGT Tj Casiano made Jul 11 at 2018 2:17 PM

SGT Tj Casiano — Wed, 11 Jul 2018 14:17:28 -0400

In my experience in Army intelligence, as well as working with intelligence in other branches, the Army seems to have a more significant impact on defense in general. That's not to say that other branches don't play a significant role in intelligence given their specialties, but the ground fight is more heavily impacted by Army intelligence in my opinion. Of course, I'm a little biased, being a former Army intelligence Soldier.

Response by SGT James Murphy made Jun 19 at 2019 3:47 PM

SGT James Murphy — Wed, 19 Jun 2019 15:47:49 -0400

Do what you love and you'll never be unhappy in your "work"..

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 9 at 2019 11:41 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 09 Oct 2019 23:41:53 -0400

I agree that you should go where your interests lie. Intel in the Air Force can be technical if you choose it or it can be more general like pol/mil and situational awareness. As an officer, everyone goes through the same training to start and learn new skills as they move to different jobs. As Enlisted, each AFSC tells you where their focus is. If you’d like to be general to start, choose 1N0x1.

Air Force also has a PA program that is outstanding if you’d like to start there. Either way, you’ll do fine. Know that your career in any service is mostly what you make of it and how many opportunities you try to take along the way!

Good Luck!

Response by SMSgt Anil Heendeniya made Mar 11 at 2022 6:49 PM

SMSgt Anil Heendeniya — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 18:49:33 -0500

I'm biased, of course, so I'd say Air Force, but I understand you have a bit of trepidation. Don't sweat it--you'll do fine, and it's a great calling card to have had bluesuiter experience. Not to take away from the Army, but there are personnel decisions, etc., that I believe you'd find more amenable and helpful toward your long-term career goals. As for any trepidation toward any technical work, don't sell yourself short. There are countless people (my stepson included) who thought that way, but took the plunge (or should I write "took to the air"?) by becoming bluesuiters, and they flourished in successful careers. The training capabilities are top-notch, and there's a clear attitude of wanting you to succeed in school. I went through the Technical Training Instructor Course and Academic Instructor Course--they are excellent foundations for being able to impart knowledge, train skill sets, and create a successful outcome in your skill sets and the career success that will come as a result. Have faith that you will succeed as long as you maintain your focus on your goals!