INTELLIGENCE SPECIALIST (IS)


The intelligence specialist performs a wide range of duties associated with the collection, analysis, processing, and dissemination of intelligence in support of Coast Guard operational missions.

Types of Duty:

These specialists are stationed throughout the Coast Guard, with most typically located at the Intelligence Coordination Center, maritime intelligence fusion centers, cryptologic units and field intelligence support teams.

The duties performed by an IS include: identifying and producing intelligence from raw information; assembling and analyzing multi-source operational intelligence; collecting and analyzing communication signals using sophisticated computer technology; providing input to and receiving data from multiple computerized intelligence systems; preparing and presenting intelligence briefings; preparing planning materials for operational missions, conducting mission debriefings, analyzing results, and preparing reports; preparing graphics, overlays, and photo/map composites; plotting imagery data using maps and charts; and maintaining intelligence databases, libraries and files.

Training Available:

You'll start your career with approximately 10 weeks of specialized training at IS 'A' School in Yorktown, Va. Upon completion of 'A' School, many intelligence specialists will receive additional intelligence training through specialized 'C' schools. Advanced education intelligence programs also are available. You'll have the opportunity to compete for fully-funded programs such as the masters of science in strategic intelligence.

Qualifications:

To be an IS, you must be a U.S. citizen and are required to maintain a "Top Secret" clearance and sensitive compartmented information eligibility. You also must have normal color vision and hearing.

Related Civilian Jobs:

Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Manager
Intelligence Collector
Counterintelligence Specialist
Counterterrorism Specialist
Joint Ops Coordination Centers

---

Vr,
Chuck

These poor, plain men, dwellers upon the lonely sands of Hatteras, took their lives in their hands, and, at the most imminent risk crossed the most tumultuous sea…and all for what? That others might live to see home and friends. — Annual Report of the U.S. Life- Saving Service, 1885

Recruiting Website

Read here for answers to the most often asked questions about joining the Coast Guard!

I have already found a decent amount of general info about the IS rating. A couple of questions I still have: about how large are the class sizes for A school? Is the rating a 24 hour job that has multiple shifts (i.e. day shifts, night shifts, on call weekends, etc)?




wepprop
Yet Another Coastie Dad




Date Joined Nov 2007
Total Posts : 3188 Posted 1/3/2010 9:20 AM (GMT -5)
I would guess, based on nothing more than an appreciation of how an organization's daily management cycle works, that a fair number of IS work the night shift getting the next day's daily intelligence summary presentation ready for the start of the day shift.




chukles
Recruiter




Date Joined Nov 2008
Total Posts : 1169 Posted 1/3/2010 10:11 AM (GMT -5)
Class size is similar to other schools. Every Job in the Coast Guard is a 24/7 Job as we are always in a recall status. IS's can work any shift, or all shifts depending on the tasks at hand.
Vr,
Chuck

These poor, plain men, dwellers upon the lonely sands of Hatteras, took their lives in their hands, and, at the most imminent risk crossed the most tumultuous sea…and all for what? That others might live to see home and friends. — Annual Report of the U.S. Life- Saving Service, 1885

Recruiting Website

Read here for answers to the most often asked questions about joining the Coast Guard!




mochi
Registered Member


Date Joined Nov 2009
Total Posts : 47 Posted 1/4/2010 12:11 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for input :)




purposeo
Registered Member


Date Joined Jan 2010
Total Posts : 1 Posted 1/5/2010 11:18 AM (GMT -5)
I follow the companies at boot on http://www.uscgbootcamp.com and haven't seen anyone go directly to "A" School for IS (or other ratings). Why is that?




wepprop
Yet Another Coastie Dad




Date Joined Nov 2007
Total Posts : 3188 Posted 1/5/2010 11:42 AM (GMT -5)
Because IS, along with most other ratings these days, is not offered as a guaranteed 'A' school.

I think that reserves sometimes also go directly from boot to 'A' school but that may not be possible in the IS case.

The latter is just supposition on my part, however.
Last Edited : 1/5/2010 5:53:35 PM GMT





highsurf1982
Registered Member




Date Joined Dec 2009
Total Posts : 7 Posted 1/5/2010 12:45 PM (GMT -5)
Is the IS rating critical right now? I've read on some forums that it is, any idea?




wepprop
Yet Another Coastie Dad




Date Joined Nov 2007
Total Posts : 3188 Posted 1/5/2010 12:55 PM (GMT -5)
It appears to be, based on the December 'A' School List. However, that list is only updated monthly and changes to the list of critical ratings are never more than a message away.

However, simply because it's listed as critical does not mean that 'A' school can be guaranteed. Even if they wanted to, it might be hard to do in the IS case because of all of the background checks required.




highsurf1982
Registered Member




Date Joined Dec 2009
Total Posts : 7 Posted 1/5/2010 1:04 PM (GMT -5)
Probably a stupid question, but how much does a person's credit score affect their clearance level? I have a record that is clean as a wistle, and nothing outstanding credit-wise, but my credit score is low. I had to short-sell a house after divorce, woo-hoo!

---

Vr,
Chuck

These poor, plain men, dwellers upon the lonely sands of Hatteras, took their lives in their hands, and, at the most imminent risk crossed the most tumultuous sea…and all for what? That others might live to see home and friends. — Annual Report of the U.S. Life- Saving Service, 885

http://www.gocoastguard.com" target="_blank"> Recruiting Website

Read here for answers to the most often asked questions about joining the Coast Guard!

how many afloat IS billets are there?

not that many. the rating packet i was given in boot camp showed no afloat billets. there are, however, a small number of billets available on the larger cutters, such as the NSC (National Security Cutters). ive been told that the RFMC is wanting to add more afloat billets. So if that means I might be able to get to A school faster, so be it!!

---

USCGC Chandeleur
Miami Beach, FL

how long have you been waiting JBennett?

im still trying to get my pre-nomination interview done so i can get put on the list

---

USCGC Chandeleur
Miami Beach, FL

I'm in the same boat as you, JBennett. I called the SSO a week ago, but still no reply. I blame the snow in DC.

---

Parker, do you call them yourself or does your command? I wouldnt think they would take a call from a non-rate..

---

USCGC Chandeleur
Miami Beach, FL

I called them. With the help of my unit yeoman.

---

Hmm...ok. I'll try that

---

USCGC Chandeleur
Miami Beach, FL

can a reserve go to IS "A" school?

---

yes, that's actually one of the top reserve opportunities right now. along with mst and sk.

---

USCGC Chandeleur
Miami Beach, FL

Thanks for the info below.
Where would I find history on the Maritime Intelligence Fusion Center Atlantic?

Qbee,

I found this... it miht be a bit outdated but I just googled it really quickly. Someone else may have moer helpful information.

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/626575/...ION-CENTER

Best of luck!!

Thanks so much for your quick response.
Is there information on the history of the IS A School at York Town? How did it got started?

OOPS How did it get started?

I'm new to researching this rating, what would a typical day be like as an IS. Meaning are you sitting behind a desk and computer analyzing information or out in the field any? Any information would help.

IS' got started by ppl knowing the right ppl mostly the current master chiefs of the rate are to blame we already had officers in the intel field but didnt have a enlisted position that they could lead it just felt right and the people high up agreed and liked the idea

IS's do alot of things just depends on where u work most coasties dnt even know what we do is a good rate if you plan on getting out very nice jobs once you get out having a clearance, experience and a lil schooling will take u far

I was finally able to put my name to the "A" school list today! So I should be on the August list! Whoo! I'm so pumped!

So the August A School list came out the other day. I'm #105...I will wait the 2 years if I have to, but man oh man, thats a long time to be a nonrate...almost 3 years...thats half my enlistment!

You could always reenlist then it wont be half of your enlistment. lol

Just hang in there, keep in mind that some people will change their mind and switch to another list, get into trouble and get removed from the list. Also, there might be a few where the clearance won't get granted (won't be able to be an IS). So with these, it will help you advacne up the list slightly quicker. You should be around a year and a half away from going (best case scenario & around 2 years for the worst case scenario). Good luck to you!

Thanks for the encouragement Delta!

True that. But I still have to move about 70 more spots up the list for that to happen lol

I read in the latest IS Force Notes, from CG Portal, that a fourth class for the IS A school was approved for FY11. So that means, about 80 IS students will graduate next year. Definitely good news for us that are on this looooong wait.

Yes!! Mochi, what number are you on the list?

Posted By mochi on 26 Sep 2010 06:50 PM
I read in the latest IS Force Notes, from CG Portal, that a fourth class for the IS A school was approved for FY11. So that means, about 80 IS students will graduate next year. Definitely good news for us that are on this looooong wait.

The latest Force Notes I've seen are from April to June, and I've read that one. I don't recall seeing anything about a fourth class. I visited the portal today, and didn't see any newer ones.

Here is some insight from an AD IS... His identity will remain anonymous. However, he is an excellent source of info. If you have any questions post them here, and I will forward them to him.

"It's hard to say what the best and worst part of the job is. Because it really depends on what kind of things you are interested in. If you aren't interested in spending a lot of time inside in front of a computer this is a terrible job to consider. Depending on where an IS may be assigned they may never see the light of day until they get off from work. Some people might think that's a good thing."