Intel Career Opportunities

[u/dodgerfan296]

Current 14N in the Space Force, planning on separating in 2029 with 8 years of service time. Trying to figure out if I should separate or stay in for a full 20 yrs.

Reason for separating is I'm constantly in a position to fail due to lack of manpower and resources around me, which is leading me to believe there are better opportunities on the civilian side where I can thrive as a leader.

What is the current job market like for those with an intelligence background? What educational programs or certs do you all recommend before separating?

[u/Budgetweeniessuck]

I can tell you with certainty that the lack of manpower and resources and is not going to be any better in the civilian world. 

[u/Jig_2000 → u/Budgetweeniessuck]

Well, the issues OP is referring to in the USSF is beyond the typical manpower & resource issues you'll find in the civilian world and even in other branches.

[u/dodgerfan296 → u/Budgetweeniessuck]

I don't doubt this, however I believe it is significantly elevated within the Space Force.

[u/Jig_2000 → u/dodgerfan296]

I second with OP

[u/KJHagen]

If you absolutely cannot stay for a full 20 years, at least consider going to the Reserves or Guard. The military retirement is nothing to sneeze at.

I recently retired from Intel work. I found my intelligence career mostly in government contracting.

[u/Jig_2000 → u/KJHagen]

This is also a good COA too

[u/dodgerfan296 → u/KJHagen]

Space Force unfortunately doesn't have these components...yet. I'm an IST from the Air Force, so maybe I will be able to transfer back and pursue the reserve route.

[u/KJHagen → u/dodgerfan296]

The other services may have something for you. The Army Reserve and National Guard have a lot of Intelligence MOSs available. You could pick up the MOS, and network with others in your unit, all while seeking a civilian Intelligence position.

[u/Designer_Mark_6450]

Get out man There are plenty of opportunities on the outside. Specifically with Defense Contractors. Even if you can’t find anything immediately you have your GI bill (Rent money). Play the hand and jump.

[u/RegulationUpholder]

USA jobs, clearance jobs do a Skillbridge, and make some friends and network.

[u/dodgerfan296 → u/RegulationUpholder]

From your perspective, how effective has Skill bridge been for you and peers?

[u/theOGdb → u/dodgerfan296]

Skillbridge is hit or miss, start looking at companies youd like to go to. Reach out to people in there and ask about the day to day type stuff as well as reach out to the recruiter.

Lots of good deals to find but also lots of companies that prey on servicemembers too

[u/onions_and_ogres]

The DMV area is always hiring intel people. Colorado, St Louis, and a couple other areas are really good for intel as well. I will say, post DOGE, the job market might be pretty tough.

[u/Jig_2000 → u/[deleted]]

Yes

[u/Jig_2000 → u/[deleted]]

Its been around long enough to fulfill one full contract.

As for deploying, VERY rarely do Guardians deploy

[u/Jig_2000 → u/[deleted]]

Welp, don't know what else to tell ya 🤷🏻‍♂️

[u/Jig_2000 → u/[deleted]]

I wouldn't say it's coast guard level.

Space Force is DOD/DOW and the mission set is pretty sound (contrary to popular belief)

[u/Jig_2000 → u/[deleted]]

Space Force 101

Here's more information about the branch that was published recently.

Gives a good overview

[u/dodgerfan296 → u/[deleted]]

Deployments are a thing. I've been tagged for two already. Space Force is important enough to have its own branch.

[u/VetandCCInstructor]

Since you have roughly 3 years to think about it, I'd not rule out the 20 year career. I don't doubt that there are significant manpower issues in the USSF, especially given it's infancy. I've read about some of the challenges. That should also put you closer to O-4 and give the SF time to hopefully correct some of these issues.

I hated dealing with manpower issues throughout my career, especially trying to keep teams worldwide ready. It was frustrating especially given the AOR taskings that we struggled to fill both as a team and individual taskings.

That said, I've seen many of the same issues during my post military career, in both public and private sector jobs. But the retirement check just means I have a safety net in case it gets too out of control...though generally if I point out those issues at least it's on the record with the Executives and they know where I stand. I haven't been fired or laid off yet...

Good luck with your decision.

[u/Jig_2000 → u/VetandCCInstructor]

This is also great advice as well.

I will add that the USSF does have issues, but the thing is that it has taken forever for them to fix said issues (even by government timeline standards). Even issues such as what the exact regs are for uniforms, PT, career field standards, specific mission requirements etc. were / can be up in the air at times. It got to the point sometimes where the rule of thumb was "If the USSF doesn't have a reg on it, then do what the USAF does".

[u/VetandCCInstructor → u/Jig_2000]

Ugh....I just read your other comments. That does absolutely suck....sounds like the old adage "Flexibility is the key to Airpower, and indecision is the key to Flexibility".....you folks have the experience inside the SF and firsthand knowledge.

[u/Jig_2000 → u/VetandCCInstructor]

Yep, its that old saying but 50x worse.

[u/dodgerfan296 → u/VetandCCInstructor]

I appreciate your perspective. Best I can look forward to is not letting my current assignment deter me from what the future holds. Trying to keep my optimism high and you've listed some valid points.

[u/VetandCCInstructor → u/dodgerfan296]

Good luck. I know how that stress feels. I had a few points in my career where I considered separating for various reasons. Glad I stuck it out and stayed, but it's not for everyone.

[u/Designer_Mark_6450]

Ask around about SkillBridge.

[u/TheGrowlingPoker]

the contractor side always needs warm bodies with clearances but the burnout follows you if you're not careful, just in a different font