As an intelligence analyst, your job is collect all forms of intelligence a put together
the bigger picture. In the intelligence world analysts are often called "the jack
of all trades, but the master of none". Analysts are familiar with all forms of intelligence
gathering, but rarely collect the intelligence themselves.
Career Profile
Name: Major Ruben Chavez, United States Marine Corps
Position: Intelligence Officer, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines Education:BA English, BA Political Science, Juris Doctor
Career Bio: Signals Intelligence Platoon Commander, 3rd Radio Battalion, 3rd Marine Division;
Intelligence Analyst, Marine Corps Intelligence Association; Battalion Intelligence
Officer (S-2) 1st Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment.
Advantages: Major Chavez joined the Marine Corps because he enjoys working with the Marines.
Working in the intelligence field, you often find yourself on the cutting edge. Intelligence
analysts often work on missions that you find on the front pages of newspapers and
sometimes never make it to the paper at all.
Disadvantages: Being in the military in general can be very tough on the family life. Major Chavez
has often seen young military families struggle with the stress of constant deployments.
Advice: Go to the different intelligence agencies websites and see what the requirements
are. If you are interested in a career in the military stay in good shape and talk
to a recruiter.
How a background in Political Science will help: Major Chavez's political science background, especially international relations helped
put many situations in context when analyzing intelligence material. Political Science
also gave him an edge in understanding different cultures when deployed overseas.
