The Army's intelligence enterprise. MI Soldiers collect, analyze, and disseminate critical information to give commanders the decisive edge on every battlefield and beyond.
The 35-Series is the Army's premier intelligence force. From all-source analysis to human intelligence and cryptologic linguistics, MI Soldiers provide the commander with intelligence overmatch at every echelon.
Leading the Army's intelligence effort. Officers plan and lead missions to collect and analyze information on enemy forces.
The backbone of MI. Analysts integrate data from diverse sources to produce actionable intelligence products.
Collecting intelligence through direct interaction with people. Specialists conduct interrogation and source operations.
Translate and analyze foreign communications to identify enemy intentions and activities.
Intercept and analyze enemy communications and electronic signals to identify unit activities.
Detect and neutralize enemy intelligence threats through investigation and counter-espionage operations.
The pinnacle of enlisted MI leadership. 35Zs manage intelligence operations at large units.
Junior enlisted MI Soldiers begin their career in their assigned intelligence discipline, working under the supervision of experienced NCOs in tactical or strategic intelligence environments. Obtaining and maintaining a TS/SCI clearance is the immediate priority after AIT graduation.
This is the time to build technical proficiency in your MOS, pursue additional schools, and develop the analytical foundation for future NCO leadership in intelligence operations.
MI NCOs lead intelligence sections and teams, directly supervising intelligence production and collection operations. Sergeants (E-5) lead small analytical or collection teams, while Staff Sergeants (E-6) manage larger sections and serve as shift leaders in intelligence operations centers.
Completion of BLC is required for E-5, and ALC for E-6. Advanced MI courses and joint intelligence training significantly improve promotion potential and open doors to special operations support and agency assignments.
Senior MI NCOs represent the most experienced intelligence leaders in the enlisted force. Sergeants First Class (E-7) serve as intelligence section NCOICs, Master Sergeants/First Sergeants (E-8) lead at company level or serve as S-2 NCOICs at battalion, and Sergeants Major (E-9) serve at brigade and higher.
These positions are highly competitive and board-selected. A record of excellence across multiple intelligence assignments, advanced training, and consistent top-block evaluations are essential for selection.
Enlisted MI Soldiers with leadership potential can pursue commissioning through OCS, Green-to-Gold, or the Warrant Officer path. MI Warrant Officers (350-series) are technical intelligence experts who provide continuity and deep expertise in intelligence operations. Commissioned officers lead intelligence organizations at platoon through brigade level.
Former enlisted MI soldiers who commission bring invaluable technical intelligence experience that sets them apart. Many of the Army's best S-2s and intelligence company commanders came up through the enlisted MI ranks.
| Installation | Location | Unit / Mission | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Huachuca | AZ | USAICoE / TRADOC | TRADOC |
| Fort Liberty | NC | XVIII ABC / JSOC Support | FORSCOM |
| Fort Meade | MD | NSA / INSCOM | Strategic |
| Fort Belvoir | VA | DIA / NGA / Intelligence Community | Strategic |
| Fort Campbell | KY/TN | 101st Airborne / 160th SOAR Support | Air Assault |
| DLI Monterey | CA | Defense Language Institute | Language Training |
| Camp Humphreys | South Korea | 2nd Infantry Division / 501st MI BDE | OCONUS |
| Various SCIF Locations | Worldwide | Classified Intelligence Operations | OCONUS |
MI Soldiers serve at tactical units, strategic agencies, and classified locations worldwide. Duty station assignment depends on MOS, clearance level, language qualification, and unit needs.
From Fort Huachuca to forward-deployed SCIFs, MI Soldiers are always out front — providing the intelligence overmatch that wins battles before the first shot is fired.
Explore Training CoursesNearly every 35-Series MOS requires a Top Secret/SCI clearance. The investigation process begins during AIT and can take 6-12 months. A clean background and financial responsibility are essential.
Intelligence analysis is a learned skill. Master the IPB process, practice structured analytical techniques, and learn to write concise intelligence products. Critical thinking is your most important weapon.
35P Cryptologic Linguists attend the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. Language categories range from 36 to 64 weeks. DLAB scores determine which languages you qualify for.
35P has the longest training pipeline in the MI career field — 36-52+ weeks between DLI language training and Goodfellow AFB SIGINT school. Plan for a year or more in training status.
HUMINT (35M) collects intelligence through people — interrogation, source operations, tactical questioning. SIGINT (35P/35N) collects through electronic signals. Both are critical and highly transferable to civilian careers.
MI experience and a TS/SCI clearance are among the most valuable assets in the civilian job market. Three-letter agencies, defense contractors, and tech companies actively recruit former 35-Series soldiers.
Military Intelligence is one of the most intellectually demanding and career-transferable MOS fields in the Army. If you want to provide commanders with the intelligence overmatch that wins battles, earn a TS/SCI clearance, and build skills that translate directly to civilian intelligence and tech careers, the 35-Series is the path. Study hard, maintain a clean record, and stay curious.
Start MI PrepAlways Out Front.
We are the eyes and ears of the commander.
We provide the intelligence overmatch
that enables decisive action.
From the tactical edge to the strategic level,
we collect, analyze, and disseminate
the intelligence that wins.We are Military Intelligence.
We see first, understand first,
and act first —
so the commander can decide first.
Our discipline is knowledge.
Our weapon is information.
Our mission is victory.Always Out Front!