Overview

Air Force Intelligence Officers are officers that coordinate any and all intelligence activities of those persons under their command or rank. They are commonly compared to CIA intelligence or logistic officers.

They can resolve threats using the intelligence that they gather in order to provide answers to other commanders to provide protection to their personnel.

Air Force Intelligence Officers do things such as:

• They direct, manage, plan out and then conduct activities
• This is done to collect, exploit, analyze and product intelligence information
• They can detect information from humans, through signals, imagery and even measurements
• They are able to assess technological, industrial and geographical information to collect this intelligence
• They use and share the intelligence with other commanders and their own personnel

Requirements and Qualifications

In order to become an Air Force Intelligence Officer, you have to meet certain requirements and qualifications.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be a member of the U.S. Air Force
• Must be between the ages of 18 and 39
• Have to hold a bachelor’s degree in one or more of these fields: social sciences, science, humanities, engineering, mathematics or structured analysis

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of training courses
• Completion of the 12 months of commissioned services after completion of the Intelligence Officer Initial Skills course
• Completion of having a current Single Scope Background Investigation performed
• Completion of an Officer Training School, the Air Force Academy or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps

Training to Become an Air Force Intelligence Officer

In order to do this profession, those that want to enter into it have to meet certain training requirements.

Every individual that is entering into the Air Force must complete their basic training, or BMT in order to be accepted into the program. This is 8.5 weeks long and it is completed at the Lackland Air Force Base located in San Antonio, TX.

If you qualify to become an Air Force Intelligence Officer, then you will have to complete the Intelligence Officer initial skills course, as well as 12 months of commissioned services.

During these training sessions, those that are in the program will learn things like:

• How to lead and perform numerous intelligence activities
• Oversee the analysis and merging of intelligence
• Develop plans and policies for intelligence-based projects
• Learn how to develop and produce an accurate intelligence analysis
• Learn how to integrate both intelligence with combat operations
• Learn more about intelligence policies

Officer training school lasts for 9.5 weeks, then you will have to pass your necessary skills tests and they will then grant you your officer status.

How Much Are Air Force Intelligence Officers Paid?

Just like with the other branches of the military, everyone is paid based on their rank and how long of service you have put in.

For those that are just out of the Air Force basic training, you are given the rank of E-1 (Airman Basic) up through an E-3 (Airman First Class).

Entry level pay starts at $1,680.90 per month for the E-1 class, while E-3’s make $1,981.20 per month. As your rank becomes higher, your pay will also become higher along with it.

Here is a chart that provides a detailed look into the monthly pay that comes with each rank according to 2019 information:

What’s Life Like As An Intelligence Officer In The Air Force?

Those that have become or are Air Force Intelligence Officers have left very good reviews regarding the position and how they feel about it.

Many stated that being an Air Force Intelligence Officer had many benefits that include:

• The opportunity to travel
• Great benefits
• Control over your career
• Great opportunities
• Work hours and weekends off
• Good work environment

Civilian Career Opportunities

Upon completion of your services in the Air Force, there are opportunities for you to enjoy after you leave using your Intelligence officer background.

You’re able to work with police forces, other military branches as a civilian employee, private corporations, customs agencies and other intelligence agencies.

With hundreds of job openings throughout the year and the need for this specific type of specialty on the rise, there are many opportunities that you can take advantage of upon completion of your time in the military.

According to PayScale, the average salary for an Intelligence Officer is $85,361.

The amount you make does depend on where you’re working, the specific location and company, the size of the company and your overall background.

If you’re considering the Air Force, becoming an Intelligence Officer might be the most interesting way to go as a fulfilling career!