Lorenzo de Florida
Applying to be an Intel O
Hi everyone,
The threads on the intel officer lifestyle and "a day in the life" are old and refer to other threads with links that weren't working for me. So, I thought I would start a new thread on what can reasonably be expected of an intel officer career. Please feel free to answer any or all of the questions I have below:
1. From what I've gathered, the 30-month operational fleet tour seems to be when the intel officer is "thrown to the wolves," not ready to add a lot of value but to learn what you don't know in a difficult, stressful environment where you're not appreciated. Is that about right?
2. After the fleet tour, it seems like there will be interesting opportunities for someone interested in geopolitics, foreign naval intelligence, and analysis of irregular threats to U.S. interests all over the globe. Do people generally agree that intel officers have an interesting career that satisfies those who like studying geopolitics, regions of the world, and enemy weapons capabilities?
3. I hoped that as an intel officer, I could get some overseas assignments. From what I've read, the attaché and other overseas assignments will probably be more likely at the O3 and O4 second tour timeframe. Any chance after the fleet tour to get assigned Rota, Spain, or something similar? Could a junior intel officer reasonably get an assignment at ONI in MD or CENTCOM in Tampa, FL(also very cool, in my opinion)?
4. I see differing responses on different threads and boards, but I would appreciate any input people can provide on family life in this career path. Right now, I expect to be away for three months for OCS. I expect to live with my wife and kids at NIOBC in VA. I don't know what to expect during the 30-month tour or follow on assignments. From what I've read here, it seems to differ whether I get a squadron assignment or ships company. I know joining the Navy means significant time away from my family, but it would be great if I could minimize time away and still serve. Any advice or insight?
Thanks, everyone, for providing any insight you may have. I really appreciate it.
The threads on the intel officer lifestyle and "a day in the life" are old and refer to other threads with links that weren't working for me. So, I thought I would start a new thread on what can reasonably be expected of an intel officer career. Please feel free to answer any or all of the questions I have below:
1. From what I've gathered, the 30-month operational fleet tour seems to be when the intel officer is "thrown to the wolves," not ready to add a lot of value but to learn what you don't know in a difficult, stressful environment where you're not appreciated. Is that about right?
2. After the fleet tour, it seems like there will be interesting opportunities for someone interested in geopolitics, foreign naval intelligence, and analysis of irregular threats to U.S. interests all over the globe. Do people generally agree that intel officers have an interesting career that satisfies those who like studying geopolitics, regions of the world, and enemy weapons capabilities?
3. I hoped that as an intel officer, I could get some overseas assignments. From what I've read, the attaché and other overseas assignments will probably be more likely at the O3 and O4 second tour timeframe. Any chance after the fleet tour to get assigned Rota, Spain, or something similar? Could a junior intel officer reasonably get an assignment at ONI in MD or CENTCOM in Tampa, FL(also very cool, in my opinion)?
4. I see differing responses on different threads and boards, but I would appreciate any input people can provide on family life in this career path. Right now, I expect to be away for three months for OCS. I expect to live with my wife and kids at NIOBC in VA. I don't know what to expect during the 30-month tour or follow on assignments. From what I've read here, it seems to differ whether I get a squadron assignment or ships company. I know joining the Navy means significant time away from my family, but it would be great if I could minimize time away and still serve. Any advice or insight?
Thanks, everyone, for providing any insight you may have. I really appreciate it.