U.S. MilitaryDepartment of Defense / Cyber Initiative
Human Intelligence Officers
Military Status
Officer
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$94,607
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.
$26,872 - $294,189
Service Branches
Overview
Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT manage operations to obtain intelligence information using humans as both intelligence data sources and collectors. Human intelligence officers may also be responsible for overseeing psychological operations, which are designed to control, influence, predict and understand people and groups through communication and contact with these individuals. Intelligence officers who specialize in HUMINT have an expert level of knowledge about the history, culture, geography, and current politics and economics of the country or countries to which they are assigned.
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Job training for human intelligence officers primarily consists of classroom instruction and on-the-job learning in various training environments. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Job-specific training content may include:
Air, ground and sea intelligence operations
Photograph interpretation
Use of surveillance equipment
Reconnaissance equipment and weapons systems
Screenings, debriefings and interrogations
Preparing maps and charts
Human intelligence analysis
Work Environment
Human intelligence officers work in offices on land and aboard ships. They may work in the field on maneuvers and military exercises.