Analyzing foreign communications and non-communications helps our military experts better plan our nation's defense. That's where a Signals Intelligence Analyst is most valuable. They perform analysis and reporting of foreign communications and non-communications and relay that information by producing combat, strategic and tactical intelligence reports.

Some of your duties as a Signals Intelligence Analyst may include:

• Gather, sort, and scan intercepted messages to isolate valid intelligence
• Perform initial analysis to establish target identification and operational patterns
• Identify, report, and maintain Signal Intelligence and Electronic Order of Battle information
• Maintain analytical working aids and databases to support target collection, identification, and location
• Use technical references to analyze communications and non-communications information
• Operate automated data processing equipment for Signal Intelligence collection, processing and reporting
• Perform operator maintenance on surveillance systems, organic communications equipment, light wheeled vehicles and power sources
• Assist in the emplacement, camouflage, and recovery of surveillance systems and/or associated equipment
• Prepare technical and tactical intelligence reports

Job training for a Signals Intelligence Analyst requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you learn basic Soldiering skills, and 24 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, which includes practice in operating radio equipment. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Establishing target identification and operational patterns
• Identifying Order of Battle
• Analyzing communications information using technical references
• Preparing technical and tactical intelligence reports

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with radio equipment
• Interest in finding clues that help answer questions
• Ability to remain alert while doing repetitive tasks

Advanced level Signal Intelligence Analysts provides guidance, supervises, and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Signal Intelligence Analyst, you may be involved in:

• Perform intermediate analysis of intercepted communications and non-communications information
• Prepare and maintain Signal Intelligence technical data and Electronic Order of Battle information
• Perform correlation and fusion of Signals Intelligence data and products
• Review intelligence reports
• Assist in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) process

The skills you gain as a Signals Intelligence Analyst will allow you to work for government agencies like the National Security Agency, the FBI and the CIA. There are also related jobs in private electronics and communications companies.

• Cryptologic Linguist (35P)
• Intelligence Analyst (35F)
• Signals Collector/Analyst (35S)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.