What does a Ground Intelligence Officer in the USMC do, what kind of missions?

Question

Just curious how usmc intelligence compares to other intelligence organizations. What are the missions like. Whats a counter intelligence job like. How about HUMINT? Is there any field work or all desk work?

Answer 1

Intel depends on what they're looking for...it can be a desk job. Unlike other branches of the military, the USMC will just put you where they need you. Heck, I got assigned to work with low-level intel and that wasn't even my MOS or anything close! The officer I worked under wasn't intel either...we had the same MOS, actually (only his was the officer-version, obviously...1371 vs 1302).

As for counter-intel, it's pretty awesome if you can get field work. You get sent to another country and blend in as best as you can, then report back with information you find out. Can't have any tattoos if this is what you end up doing.

Answer 2

As an 0203 you're looking at something a bit different than USMC Counter-Intel and the Navy's HUMINT.  Ground Itel (0203) are the intelligence officers attached to Marine Corps infantry STA Platoons.  You would be their platoon commander, in the Headquarters and Service units.  You task, would be basic recon for the battalion.  Basically, 0203 is the platoon commander for the sniper platoon.

Doc Reeves