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I ship in 3 weeks for this MOS. I know what the job entails, such as producing intelligence products and briefings. I also know we get other duties in garrison such as PERSEC and PHYSEC. However, I often hear that "a 35f is a jack of all trades and could be doing pretty much anything." Could someone clue me in as to what that means? I understand that some answers will have to be vague due to OPSEC. I just want to know what to expect when I hit active side.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Posted in these groups: 
35F-Enlisted: Intelligence Analyst
Military Intelligence
Soldier
Fort Huachuca
35F-Enlisted: Intelligence Analyst Military Intelligence Soldier Fort Huachuca
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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You aren't really a jack of all trades - JOAT knows a bit of everything and can do a bit of everything. Instead, you are a jack who knows about all trades.
Essentially, you should be able to "speak the language" of all of the INTs, understand that Intel they are giving you, and be able to provide feedback to focus future collection. You won't actually go DO the collection (as a true JOAT would).
Once you have gathered all of the raw Intel, you create analyzed Intel and Intel products which are consumable by the combatant commander (another "language" you have to learn).
Think of it less as being skilled in lots of collection methods and more of being an Intel linguist - you speak grunt (combatant commander), SIGINT, HUMINT, CI, MASINT, GEOINT, and ELINT, fluently, can interpret between all of them, and can coordinate what they are all saying into a bigger picture.
Essentially, you should be able to "speak the language" of all of the INTs, understand that Intel they are giving you, and be able to provide feedback to focus future collection. You won't actually go DO the collection (as a true JOAT would).
Once you have gathered all of the raw Intel, you create analyzed Intel and Intel products which are consumable by the combatant commander (another "language" you have to learn).
Think of it less as being skilled in lots of collection methods and more of being an Intel linguist - you speak grunt (combatant commander), SIGINT, HUMINT, CI, MASINT, GEOINT, and ELINT, fluently, can interpret between all of them, and can coordinate what they are all saying into a bigger picture.
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SFC (Join to see)
SFC Casey O'Mally Perfect explanation!
SPC Ted Ronayne You will get teased by the INT collectors every now and then, but know that it's in good fun. Analysts are an important part of the intelligence cycle.
SPC Ted Ronayne You will get teased by the INT collectors every now and then, but know that it's in good fun. Analysts are an important part of the intelligence cycle.
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I’m not sure if this is what your looking for, but in my Bde, we have a ton 35fs working in the orderly room, doing paperwork and updating personel records, like paper pushers. They kind of just get stuck with any odd job that needs filling.
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SPC Ted Ronayne
Yeah I've heard I'm going to become a master of paperwork... Luckily I already have training in that regard going through MEPS
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SFC (Join to see)
You're in an EMIB, so 35-Series folks will always end up filling a lot of staff positions, because there is an abundance of MI folks.
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In basic terms, this just means that you will end up having a large collection of skills that will be a part of your MOS, skills that aren't a part of but related to your MOS, and skills that are not related to your MOS. That's the most basic description for that "jack of all trades" statement.
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SGT (Join to see)
SPC Ted Ronayne - 35F is essentially the entry level position in the MI world. It’s all-source, as opposed to single-source.
35F analysts don’t really analyze raw data. They take the intelligence from other single-source shops and consolidate it into nifty, shiny power point presentations. You will do more power points than you like.
By jack of all trades, they mean that you need to be familiar with the single source intelligence shops. (ie: Sigint, geoint, humint, CI). You won’t be an expert, but you need to have a basic understanding of them so you understand what you’re looking at. For example, when you’re reading a TACREP, it will benefit you greatly to know who to go see to get the TS version of the Report. (That will make sense in about 7 months).
While there are tactical opportunities, more likely than not, you’ll be in an office. Eventually, if it’s still something you’re interested in, Airborne is good first step. Down the road, keep the Great Skills program in mind. They do some neat stuff.
Good luck. Feel free with questions
35F analysts don’t really analyze raw data. They take the intelligence from other single-source shops and consolidate it into nifty, shiny power point presentations. You will do more power points than you like.
By jack of all trades, they mean that you need to be familiar with the single source intelligence shops. (ie: Sigint, geoint, humint, CI). You won’t be an expert, but you need to have a basic understanding of them so you understand what you’re looking at. For example, when you’re reading a TACREP, it will benefit you greatly to know who to go see to get the TS version of the Report. (That will make sense in about 7 months).
While there are tactical opportunities, more likely than not, you’ll be in an office. Eventually, if it’s still something you’re interested in, Airborne is good first step. Down the road, keep the Great Skills program in mind. They do some neat stuff.
Good luck. Feel free with questions
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SPC Ted Ronayne
SGT (Join to see) thank you for the heads up SGT. To be completely honest, I'm a little disappointed that I'll end up in an office most of the time. But someone has to do it, I'll just deal with it.
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SGT (Join to see)
SPC Ted Ronayne - it happens. There are certainly opportunities to get out and about for 35F, but not nearly as many as other jobs.
Also note, 35F can work in other jobs outside of analysis. Some much more boring. Every job is what you make of it.
Good luck.
Also note, 35F can work in other jobs outside of analysis. Some much more boring. Every job is what you make of it.
Good luck.
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