Army Signals Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35N)

Army Signals Intelligence Analysts (MOS 35N) study foreign communications and activity.

Then they relay that information by producing combat, strategic, and tactical intelligence reports.

Learn more about the position of an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35N) including necessary education, training, job duties, salary, civilian job outlook, and job reviews.

Related Article – See a complete list of careers in the US Army here

Education, Qualifications, Training and Duty Stations

35n mos army — Army Signals Intelligence Analysts have more requirements and training compared to most Military Occupational Specialties (MOS). Image: Army.com

Everyone who serves in the U.S. Army has a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

Each MOS requires different education, requirements, and training.

Education

The first step is to receive a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

The U.S. Army will not enlist you until you turn 17 with parental consent or 18 years of age.

An Army recruiter will help you walk through the necessary education guidelines.

You will need to complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).

The ASVAB is a combination of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army MOS is right for your needs.

In order to become an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35N) you will need to score Skilled Technical (ST): 112 on the ASVAB.

After completing the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery you will need to focus on other MOS requirements.

Qualifications

Those who are interested in becoming an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst (35N MOS) must receive Top Secret security clearance.

The Department of Defense does not take security clearances lightly.

You will undergo a thorough background check that will not only examine criminal activity but also financial irregularities.

Additionally, previous alcohol or drug abuse may prevent you from becoming MOS 35N.

Related Article: Can You Join The Military With A DUI?

Army Signals Intelligence Analysts must also have normal color vision (no color blindness).

Another strange stipulation for Army Signals Intelligence Analysts is that soldiers and their spouses “may not have immediate family members living in a country where physical or mental coercion is considered a common practice”.

Basically, the U.S. Army does not want you (or your spouse) to have conflicted interests with another country.

Additionally, former members of the Peace Corps are not eligible to become MOS 35N.

The peculiar restriction is basically put in place because the federal government does not want a perception that Peace Corps volunteers work, or could work for intelligence agencies.

Lastly, you will not receive consideration for 35N MOS if you’ve ever been convicted by a court-martial.

The same is true of a conviction in a civil court (aside from minor traffic violations).

Training

The final step in the preparation process of an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35N) is training.

After completing Basic Combat Training (BCT) for 10 weeks you will progress to Advanced Individual Training (AIT).

Advanced Individual Training in the Army is dedicated to your MOS, in this case – 35N MOS.

Job training is a combination of classroom learning and practical experience in the field.

It lasts 24 weeks, depending on the specialty, as Army Signals Intelligence Analysts (MOS 35N) are very similar to Army Cryptologic Linguists (MOS 35P).

The primary difference is those in MOS 35N do not need to know a second language.

You will learn a lot about target identification and operational patterns.

The Army will also teach training 35N MOS how to analyze communications information using technical references.

Lastly, you will learn how to prepare technical and tactical intelligence reports.

Duty Stations

Those serving in the Army as an MOS 35M can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:

Inside the Continental US (CONUS)

Buckley SFB, CO
Fort Belvoir, VA
Fort Bliss, TX
Fort Campbell, KY
Fort Carson, CO
Fort Cavazos, TX
Fort Drum, NY
Fort Gordon, GA
Fort Hunter Liggett, CA
Fort Irwin, CA
Fort Johnson, LA
Fort Liberty, NC
Fort Meade, MD
Fort Moore, GA
Fort Riley, KS
Fort Stewart, GA
Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Joint Base San Antonio, TX
MacDill AFB, FL
The Pentagon, Washington D.C.
USAG Miami, FL

Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)

Al Udeid AB, Doha, Qatar
Fort Wainwright, AK
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, AK
USAG Bavaria, Germany
USAG Hawaii
USAG Humphreys, South Korea
USAG Italy, Vicenza
USAG Okinawa, Japan
USAG Wiesbaden, Germany
USAG Yongsan-Casey, South Korea

What does an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst Do?

Army Signals Intelligence Analysts (MOS 35N) spend a great deal of time in training with several prerequisites for eligibility for a reason.

They are the “ears of the Army,” as they listen to foreign communications and produce intelligence reports based on what they discover.

The information you gather as a Signals Intelligence Analyst could significantly impact strategy and tactical decisions related to the Army.

Related Article – Army Ranks and Pay

Those who are interested in MOS 35N generally have an interest in working with radio equipment.

They also have a “detective mind” and cherish the opportunity to find clues and help piece together a puzzle to help answer broader questions.

Though it may sound thrilling as an Army spy, you also need to be aware a good portion of your time involves doing repetitive tasks. Therefore, the ability to keep focus is important.

Job Duties of 35N MOS

Soldiers who work as MOS 35N gather, sort, and intercept messages to identify valid intelligence and counterintelligence.

You will identify targets, maintain databases, work on recovery and camouflage surveillance systems, as well as prepare intelligence reports.

An Army Signals Intelligence Analyst will organize intercepted messages and isolate valid intelligence.

What does an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst make?

35n army — There are opportunities to move up from MOS 35N, including working for the NSA following your time in the U.S. Army. Image: Army.com

Pay in the U.S. Army is determined by years of service and rank.

Your monthly salary also includes food, housing, and medical.

However, base pay is outlined in the chart below and doesn’t include any housing or food allowance you’ll receive if authorized to live off base.

Pay Grade	Rank	Abbreviation	Minimum Monthly Pay
E-1 +4 months	Private	PVT	$1,917.60
E-2	Private Second Class	PV2	$2,149.20
E-3	Private First Class	PFC	$2,259.90
E-4	Specialist	SPC	$2,503.50
E-4	Corporal	CPL	$2,503.50
E-5	Sergeant	SGT	$2,730.30
E-6	Staff Sergeant	SSG	$2,980.50
E-7	Sergeant First Class	SFC	$3,445.80
E-8	Master Sergeant	MSG	$4,957.20
E-8	First Sergeant	1SG	$4,957.20
E-9	Sergeant Major	SGM	$6,055.50
E-9	Command Sergeant Major	CSM	$6,055.50
E-9	Sergeant Major of the Army	SMA	$6,055.50

Benefits

Your benefits package with the U.S. Army includes:

Medical Insurance
Retirement
Vacation Time
Special Pay
Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Education: Army members can earn full tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.

Job Reviews

The role of an Army Signals Intelligence Analyst (35N MOS) is so secretive that you can’t find a lot about the position through job reviews.

General reviews of the U.S. Army highlight the pros and cons of the lifestyle.

Though the Army is considered an ‘Alpha Male’ society where more deep-thinkers may not feel like they fit in one observer reported it is worth every drop of sweat and blood:

Expect long work hours and time away from your family serving in the U.S. Army.

Related Article – Army Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F): Career Details

Civilian Job Opportunities

Army Signals Intelligence Analysts usually transition into post-military careers with the U.S. government.

Branches like the National Security Agency (NSA) serve well for Army Signals Intelligence Analysts since they have already dealt with classified information and intelligence.

If you elect to leave the U.S. government you can find a career working as a radio operator or interpreter.

Summary

Army Signals Intelligence Analysts (MOS 35N) complete intelligence reports based on the activity and communications of foreign countries.

It is a challenging yet rewarding career that also requires stiff MOS training, prerequisites, and education.

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Rob V.

Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics.

Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.

Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.