U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialists (IS) - All You Need to Know

United States Navy Intelligence Specialists (IS) are critical to mission success, and those who join this rewarding career field carry the weight of real-world decisions every single day. In the modern battlespace, intel drives everything. U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialists gather, analyze, and report on critical information - from enemy movement to digital threats. Their work shapes missions, guides strategy, and saves lives. Whether embedded with aircraft squadrons, stationed on big-deck carriers, or posted in intelligence hubs around the world, IS’s provide the insight that keeps the U.S. Navy one step ahead. Keep reading to learn more about U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialists.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): JOB DESCRIPTION

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): TRAINING & REQUIREMENTS

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): PAY & BENEFITS

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): CONCLUSION

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): JOB DESCRIPTION

A U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist ensures the U.S. Navy stays one step ahead of its adversaries. They collect intelligence on a wide range of subjects, from foreign cultures and enemy movements to current weather conditions, and transform that data into cohesive briefings for high-ranking military officials. Their deep understanding of global culture and operational environments makes them a vital asset to mission readiness. Solid intelligence is never easy to obtain, but IS professionals save lives by keeping the fleet prepared for anything. The day-to-day of a Navy IS can include:

• Analyzing classified data to identify patterns and assess threats
• Overlaying maps, charts, and recon imagery to create a clear operational picture
• Planning and reviewing surveillance missions to gather key intelligence
• Providing mission-critical briefings that shape combat strategy
• Managing secure communications across air, land, and sea

Intelligence Specialists serve aboard large ships, with aircraft squadrons, and at intelligence production centers both in the U.S. and overseas. Their time is typically split evenly between shore-based and sea-based assignments. The role is primarily analytical, supporting the U.S. Navy’s intelligence mission across all domains. Most duties are carried out in an office or watch setting, often as part of a team, though the ability to work independently without direct supervision is essential.

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): TRAINING & REQUIREMENTS

After completing initial training at U.S. Navy Boot Camp, officially known as Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Intelligence Specialist candidates report to Class “A” Technical School in Dam Neck, Virginia. This 13-week course covers the fundamentals of intelligence administration, operational intelligence, maps and charts, briefing techniques, and basic computer software skills, including typing and other essential functions required for the rating.

Following training, Intelligence Specialists may be assigned to large ships, aircraft squadrons, command staffs, intelligence facilities, and Joint Commands both within the United States and overseas. Approximately 50% of their assignments take place at sea.

There’s also opportunities for advanced training, known as a “C” school in the Navy. These typically happen later in an IS’s career. For those who wish to pursue leadership roles and hold a college degree, commissioning as a Navy Officer may be an option, offering the chance to lead and mentor other intelligence professionals.

The basic requirements to become a U.S. Navy IS are:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• U.S. citizenship
• Eligible for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Security Clearance
• 20/20 Vision with normal color perception
• Good speaking, writing and record-keeping skills
• Possess a good working aptitude of math
• Capable of doing highly detail-oriented work
• And have an ASVAB score of VE + AR + MK + GS = 215.

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): PAY & BENEFITS

 

U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialists are enlisted personnel, meaning they receive enlisted pay. Pay grades are E-1 to E-9, respectively. The following is the rank structure and progression of U.S. Navy IS’s:

• E-1: Seaman Recruit (ISSR)
• E-2: Seaman Apprentice (ISSA)
• E-3: Seaman (ISSN)
• E-4: Intelligence Specialist Third Class (IS3) – Petty Officer Third Class
• E-5: Intelligence Specialist Second Class (IS2) – Petty Officer Second Class
• E-6: Intelligence Specialist First Class (IS1) – Petty Officer First Class
• E-7: Chief Intelligence Specialist (ISC) – Chief Petty Officer
• E-8: Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist (ISCS) – Senior Chief Petty Officer
• E-9: Master Chief Intelligence Specialist (ISCM) – Master Chief Petty Officer

Benefits of being a U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist may include Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Sustenance (BAS), Sea Pay, Hazard Duty Pay, Sea Pay, free health care, BRS retirement system, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), Life Insurance, Vacation, Tuition Assistance, and much more.

The intelligence training and security clearance can translate into civilian careers in Cybersecurity & Intelligence Analysis, Government & Defense Contracting, and Law Enforcement & Federal Agencies.

U.S. NAVY INTELLIGENCE SPECIALISTS (IS): CONCLUSION

U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialists are an extremely unique job in the Navy. They play a vital role in naval operations, and have a wide variety of opportunities throughout their careers. Not only that, but those who wish to move on from the Navy, whether they’ve served one enlistment or 20 years as an IS, have limitless opportunities in the civilian sector. All around, this is a great career field to consider!

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