What should I study to help get a job working for a three letter agency?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:31:18 -0500

Besides the military I've always wanted to be part of the CIA, NSA, etc. How should I get my foot in the door?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Dec 29 at 2016 12:36 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:36:20 -0500

Yes, of course you should be prepared (study) for any position you are looking at moving in to. I hope you took the time to learn what you were looking at joining the military? IF you are using military experience to get into one of those 'three letter agency' than that was a smart move BUT you also need to be pursuing civilian education too. Much of what education depends upon which agency you are looking at too?

Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 29 at 2016 12:59 PM

CSM Chuck Stafford — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 12:59:28 -0500

Complete your degree -- Not only STEM and Computer Science degrees for NSA, but also regional degrees, ie. Asian Studies, Latin American studies, African etc. But there are also non-technical/ non-math jobs at No Such Agency -- Main thing get your degree.

Obtain and sustain your clearance, the higher the better.

Make yourself competitive in the job force through experience, education and clearance

Response by SN Greg Wright made Dec 29 at 2016 8:16 PM

SN Greg Wright — Thu, 29 Dec 2016 20:16:27 -0500

Be mindful that you're going to need (although in your Army job you probably already have) a high-level security clearance. That means, mind your p's and q's when it comes to things like debt (of any kind, even credit cards), things you put out on social media, and who you associate with (ie if you have friends that are crooks, distance yourself.) If you are gay (no need to confirm or deny to me here), make sure you disclose that, or anything of the sort that people typically hide from families and loved ones. If they see you're trying to hide it, it becomes blackmail fodder. Common sense stuff, really.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 10:10 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 10:10:30 -0500

I've been a contractor supporting a three letter agency for seven years now. I've seen several of my coworkers transition to the govie side after a few years as a contractor. Many companies are looking for "entry level" employees/analysts. Maybe start with one of those companies, get some OJT and do your best to network and apply for every open position while you continue to learn.

Other posts are spot on with the languages. It does help. If you have any interest in cyber intelligence that would be a VERY good topic to study.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2017 11:22 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 23:22:14 -0500

If you are looking to work as an analyst. This mos gives 27 credits in intelligence studies and I believe a criminal justice degree is what you can follow up with .