Hi All--
I am very new here so apologies in advance if I misstate anything. I am very interested in the Navy Reserves DCO program, specifically for an intel role (Designator 1835).
I reached out to a local recruiter and sent my resume to him. Although I don't have a background in intelligence, I do possess a Bachelor's Degree in government (my school's equivalent to political science), a 3.5 college GPA, and significant coursework in college concerning global affairs, including a trip to Israel to study Middle East culture/religion. Since college I have received a master's degree in education (I was a teacher for 3 years) and a law degree from a well-regarded school. I am now a practicing attorney at a well-known law firm in the DC area. Without getting into specifics, I also have a number of activities on my resume that generally suggest strong leadership skills.
I mention all of this to say I was surprised when the recruiter emailed me back indicating I did not possess the minimum program requirements for any of the DCO roles. I understand I don't have the work experience "in the field" that would make me especially competitive for such a position, but I have seen several individuals on here (and elsewhere) with similar backgrounds that have worked with recruiters that at least have allowed them to apply for an intel position. I would like to be able to at least apply and put my best foot forward, even if I am ultimately unsuccessful.
1. Have qualifications changed such that I can't even apply without 5 years of intel work?
2. Could I potentially have better luck with a different recruiter? Am I allowed to reach out to a different recruiter outside of the DC area?
I am very new here so apologies in advance if I misstate anything. I am very interested in the Navy Reserves DCO program, specifically for an intel role (Designator 1835).
I reached out to a local recruiter and sent my resume to him. Although I don't have a background in intelligence, I do possess a Bachelor's Degree in government (my school's equivalent to political science), a 3.5 college GPA, and significant coursework in college concerning global affairs, including a trip to Israel to study Middle East culture/religion. Since college I have received a master's degree in education (I was a teacher for 3 years) and a law degree from a well-regarded school. I am now a practicing attorney at a well-known law firm in the DC area. Without getting into specifics, I also have a number of activities on my resume that generally suggest strong leadership skills.
I mention all of this to say I was surprised when the recruiter emailed me back indicating I did not possess the minimum program requirements for any of the DCO roles. I understand I don't have the work experience "in the field" that would make me especially competitive for such a position, but I have seen several individuals on here (and elsewhere) with similar backgrounds that have worked with recruiters that at least have allowed them to apply for an intel position. I would like to be able to at least apply and put my best foot forward, even if I am ultimately unsuccessful.
1. Have qualifications changed such that I can't even apply without 5 years of intel work?
2. Could I potentially have better luck with a different recruiter? Am I allowed to reach out to a different recruiter outside of the DC area?