Path to Becoming an Enlisted Military Analyst

I've been considering a career as a military analyst after enlisting. Can anyone share how realistic this path is and what steps I should take to prepare? Are there specific skills or education required?

First off, it's absolutely realistic to become a military analyst (depending on the branch, this could be categorized under roles such as Intelligence Specialist, Intelligence Analyst, or Cryptologic Analyst) after enlisting. The U.S. Military branches do provide the training and experience required for such specialized roles.

Here are some general steps you could follow:

1. Education: Complete your high school education. Some roles might need further postsecondary education, but most enlisted positions don't require more than a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. ASVAB: All potential enlistees take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test. This will assess your knowledge across several subject areas. High scores in the General Technical (GT) and Skilled Technical (ST) sections could make you eligible for intelligence positions.

3. Physical Fitness: Much like any military position, good physical condition is vital. Regular training can help you pass the Physical Fitness Test.

4. Enlistment: Once your ASVAB scores qualify, enlist in the military branch of your choice, e.g., Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.

5. Basic Training: After enlisting, all personnel go through Basic Training (or "Boot Camp"). This is typically an 8-10 weeks physically demanding training program to equip you with basic combat skills.

6. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) selection: At the end of basic training, you'll be assigned a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) based on your skills and the needs of the service. If you qualify, you could receive an intelligence-related MOS.

7. Advanced Individual Training (AIT): This is where you'll be trained for your specific MOS. For intelligence roles, this could include learning data analysis, critical thinking, driving specialized military intelligence systems, and even learning foreign languages.

Remember, though, that each branch will have different processes and requirements. Additionally, it's not uncommon to experience career trajectory changes in the military. Be open to adjustments in your plan and always continue learning. Veterans of intelligence roles in the military often find work in defense contracting or government agencies after their service because of the skills they honed during their military careers.