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In the aftermath of 9/11 and other terrorist attacks
around the world, security and intelligence careers have dramatically increased
in quantity and importance. The
security industry is one of the fastest-growing.
Counter-terrorism intelligence is a specialty area within security.
It involves gathering, producing, and evaluating information that
political, military, and other government leaders can use in making decisions
about the scope and immediacy of terrorism.
As opposed to information gathered by other intelligence professionals,
counterterrorism analysts examine and assess the leadership, motivations, plans
and intentions of foreign terrorist groups and their sponsors. Career Paths and Entry Salaries
Employment paths in counter-terrorism intelligence
are numerous and span across all sectors.
Government agencies—such as the Department of Defense and the Central
Intelligence Agency in the United States as well as intelligence agencies in
other governments—demand a wide range of diverse career positions.
An intelligence officer or analyst conducts
investigations, performs research, analyzes information, and prepares clear and
concise reports on terrorist activities. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
intelligence experts often use sophisticated equipment to track criminals and
terrorists. But government agencies also
employ scientists, engineers, technologists, translators/interpreters,
technicians, information specialists (librarians, library technicians), and
financial and information technology specialists.
Private and non-profit organizations
employ a similar array of professionals in counterintelligence.
Contractors and grantees from consulting firms and non-profit
organizations typically have Junior and Senior-level analysts. A Junior-level
analyst does work similar to that of an intelligence officer within the
government. A
Senior-level analyst— someone with substantial experience in
intelligence—is likely to take on a leadership role by managing teams, editing
information, and briefing key policymakers on specific aspects of terrorist
activities.
Regarding salaries, those with advanced degrees are
hired at the GS-9 level in the US Government (roughly starting at $48,108 in
Washington, D.C.). Those with advanced degrees and related experience or federal
government experience may command a higher salary at the GS-11 or 12 pay rate.
The Central Intelligence Agency hires Counterterrorism Analysts at a range of
anywhere from $37,900 to $78,800, depending on the candidate’s experience and
qualifications. Qualifications and the Application Process
An advanced degree is always desirable and often
required. Virtually all
counter-terrorism intelligence jobs also require top secret security clearance.
Foreign language skills, international residency experience, and military
experience are advantageous to the candidate. Furthermore, employers often
request a minimum of three to five years intelligence experience. An
understanding of the Intelligence Cycle (collection, fusion, analysis and
production, and dissemination) is also desirable. As in other fields, strong
communication skills, both in speaking and writing, are a must.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other research programs are also
important. For US Government
careers, US citizenship is required and experience within the US Intelligence
Community is a plus.
In applying for a job, the firm or organization will
usually request that a resume and/or cover letter be sent directly to them.
An extensive security clearance process will follow, which may include a
thorough psychological and medical exam and a polygraph interview.
Additionally, for the CIA the candidate must not have taken illegal drugs
within 12 months of application for employment.
Applications and resumes are available to submit on-line (See “Sample
Employers” below). Sample Employers
Department of Homeland Security,
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?theme=40
Demand and Future Challenges of Profession
The demand for careers in Counterterrorism
intelligence is greater than ever.
However, the nature of intelligence operations requires that the industry
undergo constant change. Specialized
skills and expertise in one language or subject area may become less relevant as
policymakers focus counterterrorist activities on another region.
Another challenge in counterterrorism intelligence
is the difficulty in maintaining the efficient coordination of vast amounts of
resources and information.
Meanwhile, various countries fighting terrorism often have different values and
implement different policies among themselves, potentially creating conflict
even among counterterrorist state and non-state actors.
For these reasons, counterterrorism intelligence specialists may face
obstacles in consistently gathering and making use of intelligence information
in such a diverse and complex community. Resources for More Information
http://insct.syr.edu/Links/NationalSecurityCareers/default.htm.
The Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism (INSCT),
co-sponsored by The Syracuse University College of Law and the Maxwell School,
provides a comprehensive website for careers in National Security and Counter
Terrorism. The website provides
extensive information on counterintelligence careers.
http://www.intelligencecareers.com/ This is a valuable website for finding specific job-openings in
counterterrorism.
http://www.asisonline.org/careercenter/careers2005.pdf
This is an
insightful brochure in PDF format that provides a sweeping overview of careers
within security and counterterrorism.
http://www.cicentre.com/index.html The Counterintelligence Center provides daily and weekly news and
information on counterintelligence.
http://www.iicts.com/ The International Institute for Counterterrorism Studies (IICTS)
provides private education for professionals in counterintelligence.
www.Careerbuilders.com/ Type
“intelligence” as a search term to find specific job openings and descriptions
on counterterrorism intelligence. Publications
International Policy Institute for Counter-Terrorism,
http://www.ict.org.il/.
Click on “Articles” and look at Counterterrorism publications by topic.
INSCT Publications, http://insct.syr.edu/Publications.htm .
Center
for the Study of Intelligence,
Michael Warner and J. Kenneth McDonald “US
Intelligence Community Reform Studies Since 1947,”
<http://www.cia.gov/csi/monograph/US%20 Intelligence%20Reform%
20Studies/73531book.pdf.> April 2005.
Guide to
Homeland Security Careers, Donald B. Hutton and Anna Mydlarz, Barron’s
Education Series (2003) – in career library
John
Douglas’s Guide to Careers in the FBI, John E. Douglas, Kaplan (1998) – in career library
This page current as of:
April 24, 2008 |
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