I'm 19 years old, graduated High School with a diploma... I haven't gone to college yet... and I am probably going to join the Army, and whether or not I'm going to use that to go to college I haven't decided yet ... but what should I do to propel myself into a field agency one day?
2007-10-23 13:49:31 · 11 answers · asked by Aaron H 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Definitely get your college (bachelor's) degree. Also, if you join the Army (or any other military branch), try to work in intelligence, counterintelligence, or some similar field. If possible, learn a target foreign language (Arabic, Farsi, Russian, Korean, Chinese...). Extremely important--Keep yourself out of trouble...no financial problems, criminal problems, etc. :) Check out the CIA website (www.cia.gov) to find more information. Try to learn more about intelligence and working in the intelligence community (and not from tv/movies :) ). Good luck!
2007-10-23 14:34:01 · answer #1 · answered by qh_ponygirl 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is a "CIA field agent?" Do you mean a case officer? No, of course you don't need military experience for that. If you mean something else, you should probably say what you mean, and use the correct terminology so people know what you're talking about.
2016-04-10 00:59:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need a college degree to work as a CIA officer or paramilitary agent. No ifs, buts or maybes.
Previous military experience isn't a prerequisite for a paramilitary role, but you probably won't have a chance of success without some. Study hard and apply for ROTC officer training, you'll have a better chance with that under your belt. Study something relevant, like foreign languages or even history.
The CIA doesn't have much use for undereducated ex-enlisted men who only speak English.
2007-10-23 14:08:56 · answer #3 · answered by Gotta have more explosions! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Army training won't help much - people talk to people - you can tell when you're talking to a cop. CIA agents in the field usually are civilian.
If you're going into the Army, skip Intel. Demand to your recruiter that you want to be a translator and stationed in Afganistan. Look to do lingustics at Ft. Ord or the closest equivalent. Look to learn Arabic, Farsi, Pestu, Dari, Tagalog. Become fluent in at least one.
Look to do several hardship tours in Afganistan (18 to 36 months) - after 6 years look for application to the CIA and hope for the best. You'll be back in Afganistan or Pakistan soon enough.
2007-10-23 14:56:13 · answer #4 · answered by atg28 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Without a College Degree, you will difinately need some "Spec-Ops. experience, ie; Seals, Recon, Green Berets, P.J's. You can apply directly to the C.I.A. but from what I've heard, they won't even consider someone, unless they have one or the other. And I believe it must be Degree Specific, (Political Science, Foriegn Relations, etc.) You may be able to contact the C.I.A. recruiting to find out. I know for a fact they hire off the street, as I've seen it talked about on the news. Knowledge of Foriegn Languages, especially Arabic (Farsi) would be an in for translation of intercepted messages. But that probably wouldn't fall under the "Field Agent" job.
2007-10-23 14:09:06 · answer #5 · answered by b.douglaswyatt 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your hoping to join the CIA and are going into the Army, then I would recommend going into Army intelligence or Army Special Ops (Green Berets, Rangers). Foreign language skills would help.
Check out the CIA's website. Also, there are plenty of books out there by CIA operatives and analysts, who can give you an idea of what it's like.
https://www.cia.gov/careers/index.html
2007-10-23 13:58:06 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Join the reserve and go to college at the same time by the time u r done with school you shoudl be done with the military already. That is the best resume for gorvenment job with 4-6 years of time period
2007-10-23 15:14:30 · answer #7 · answered by Peter K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After your military tour and depending on your MOS will depend on what you can apply for in the CIA. Just check the CIA and FBI website for what jobs are open and what the qualifications are for each job.
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2007-10-23 14:41:51 · answer #8 · answered by Shel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The C.I.A. traditionally recruit from universities especially people with high qualification in their courses, they will find you, and train you, if they deem you to be good enough.
2007-10-23 20:48:50 · answer #9 · answered by conranger1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to college, get a law degree and be careful what you wish for!
2007-10-23 13:57:53 · answer #10 · answered by Chris B 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋