WHAT DOES AN ARMY COUNTERINTELLIGENCE AGENT DO?

Those working within the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) and US Army Counterintelligence Command (USACIC) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, serve our country in a very unique way. It’s easy to think about espionage and spies taking the form of deadly situations and high-flying stents, but the truth is, preventing such acts is exactly what Army Counterintelligence is about. Everything from treason to sabotage is involved and the Soldiers serving in this capacity are helping keep the United States and others safer by preventing evil events before they can even occur and seeking justice for those who work to make the world unsafe.

What Is Counterintelligence in the Army?

Army Counterintelligence is part of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. The purpose of the group is to conduct counterintelligence operations that the U.S. Army and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) consider to be a threat to America and/or the military. U.S. Army Counterintelligence uses Special Agents to work in a variety of ways. This means detecting and preventing threats to our country and military through investigations. Whatever it entails, these Agents are on the case. Whether it is interviews, collecting evidence, forensics, and more. Ultimately, the goal of a 35L Counterintelligence Special Agent is to use intelligence to help the U.S. Army use effective tactics and countermeasures through accurate, critical information relating to national security.

Are Army Counterintelligence CIA?

The CIA and U.S. military work together on various operations to maintain safety for the United States and to help the country advance its interests. Therefore, while both work in similar ways, they may collaborate but are also often different. As for the minute details, well, that’s classified.

Requirements for Counterintelligence

Becoming a CI Special Agent means going through the Army Counterintelligence (CI) Program which will develop you into an agent capable of helping fight terrorism, conduct espionage, and assist the U.S. military in a very unique way. Not everyone has what it takes to be an Army Counterintelligence Agent. The requirements are set in place because the Counterintelligence Army members must be able to help find and neutralize global threats in an increasingly smaller world. CI Special Agents will need to make important decisions on their own with little to no supervision while maintaining effective communication with leaders. Professionalism and sound judgment are both extremely sought-after skills. The process of applying involves determining that your Army Counterintelligence MOS can match up with the demands of the job. Here are the core qualifications as laid out by the U.S. Army for applying:

• Medium rating for physical demands.
• A physical profile of 222221.
• Normal color vision.
• A score of at least 102 in aptitude area ST/Technical score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
• You must be at least 21 years of age for an award of MOS 35L accreditation as a CI special agent.

Additional qualifications and information may be necessary. It’s important to speak with leadership before applying for a position to see if you may qualify for United States Army Counterintelligence.

Do Army Counterintelligence Agents Work in the Field?

Yes, because you’ll need to conduct investigations, conduct espionage, establish contacts, and even conduct forensics, fieldwork is a must. A career in Army Counterintelligence helps the American Armed Forces prevent attacks, maintain superior tactics, and save the lives of Americans and innocent people around the globe.