Crypto/Intel/NFO ??

[dbd72]

Hi everyone.

I just took the ASTB and scored an OAR of 65 (AQR 8, FAR 7, FAR 7). The recruiter seemed very pleased and suggested that I would have a good shot at being selected for any community I'm interested in. Prior to the test, I had really only considered joining either Intel or Cryptology, but the recruiter said that my FAR score was high enough to probably be selected for an NFO as well. I have a Master's Degree in International Affairs (3.9 GPA) and have spent the past seven years working overseas in Thailand. During that time, I'd often see Marines and Navy personnel come over for R&R or for joint exercises with the Thai military, and I was always very envious of them for their service to America, so I finally decided that after spending so much time overseas that it was time that I go back home and serve my own country. I can speak one foreign language fluently (Thai) and another one (French) conversantly. Thus, I originally thought about cryptology, since I thought it would utilize my language skills, but now the more I read about it, cryptology seems more like IT work than linguistics. Could someone please shed some more light about this? Thanks. Where would I most likely be stationed ? I really want to choose the Navy as my career and retire after 20+ years of service. What kind of positions could I get after I retire from the Navy if I choose cryptology?

Also, considering my background, what do you all think about Intel? Do you think a career in Navy Intel would land me a better position after retirement than if I chose cryptology? Is it more marketable? It seems to me that a career in Navy intelligence could lead to a position with the CIA/FBI/NSA after retirement, which would be great. Does cryptology also have such a positive career outlook? Is the actual daily work of an Intel officer more interesting than cryptology? I think some other posters have complained that cryptology was mostly a lot of data entry.

Finally, I have to say that when the recruiter talked to me about being an NFO, that probably excited me the most. I had always wanted to get into aviation since I was a kid and even applied for the AF Academy after high school (unfortunately Ididn't get in.

) It would really be a dream come true to be a Navy aviator, even though I wouldn't get to be a pilot (the recruiter said my scores were high enough for SNA but I am too old.) The recruiter did mention, however, that if I were to be an NFO, after retirement with the Navy there's a good chance that I could get a job with a civilian airline as a navigator or even a pilot. Is that true? If not, what kinds of positions could an NFO likely get after retirement from the Navy?

All things being equal, which community do you all think is the most highly coveted and prestigious? Which has the most opportunities for advancement? Which career path could I have the best chance at an overseas assignment (particularly SE Asia, since that's my area of expertise)? I have a wife and a 2 year-old daughter, and spending time with my family is important to me. Which community would allow me to spend the most time with my family? Which one would you choose if you were in my shoes?

I would really like to thank any of you who have taken the time to read all I've written here. I know it's a lot, but this is probably the most important decision I am going to make in my life, and I want to make sure I make the right one based on all the information I can gather.

Thank you so much for any information and advice you could give me. I really appreciate it.

Dan

 

[JKD]

Right now Intel is hot, both in the military and civilian sector. With either Crypto or Intel, you will have a security Clearance that will open some opportunities. After the Navy Crypto would most likely look towards NSA work. Intel would have more options.
In either case, as an officer you would be managing others.

I'm an enlisted Intelligence Specialist in the reserves. My first love has always been aviation, so NFO was my first choice. Intel was second because of my experience in the reserves. I didn't list crypto because I'm not the up on the community, and I'm a little burnt out in the computer field (I'm a computer systems administrator, and just finishing my degree in information technology - I can use a break from the day to day computer techie position).

 

[dbd72]

Well my decision may have just been made a lot easier for me. My recruiter just informed me that he believes that I may not be eligible for Intel or Cryptology because I am married to a foreign national. (She has a green card but not US citizinship yet). My recruiter said he's not 100% sure of this though and will look into it some more. Does anyone know for sure either way about this? If it is true, is there any chance for a waiver?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[spsiratt]

That question always comes up because of the security clearance you would be required to attain. Don't be too concerned about it, you're still eligible. I've worked in intel for almost 10 years and I've known folks married to Brits, Spaniards, Brazilians, and Koreans. Hell, my wife is Canadian (she just got her dual citizenship a couple of years ago). It doesn't disqualify you, but expect to fill out a lot more papers and answer a lot more questions.

 

[dbd72]

Thank you very much for your responses, spsiratt and JKD. It's a huge relief knowing that I won't be disqualified for Intel or Crypto because of my foreign-born spouse, because I was just told that I am going to be ineligible for NFO, because I am 31 and the cut-off age is 30. So I am thinking of ranking my preferences in the following order: Intel, Crypto, Supply.

 

[spsiratt]

No problem. Best of luck with your application.

 

[04Hopeful]

Food for thought: I was just received word that I was not Pro'reced for Intel and Crypto because my parents are not US citizens.