Glad I found this forum, it answered a lot of questions I had about becoming an officer in the Reserves, still have a few though. Right now I'm finishing up my BA in criminal justice and do security work in the summer and I'll be 22 in less than a month. When I talked to a CWO the other day he suggested that I look into intelligence work with my major being what it is. Just wondering what other jobs I should look at. I know I'm looking at this kind of early but I figured I'd start getting my facts straight before I actually graduate. Any advise/suggestions would be great.

Good to see another fine American considering the military. If it's really something you'd like to do would recommend looking at OCS with an active duty commitment. You'll discover the reserve program very competitive, perhaps none more so than intelligence.

I've thought about OCS, but I'd like to give the reserves a shot. That's why I'm looking for different jobs in case intelligence turns out to be a no go because of how many other people are trying to get into the same program. And I come from a Navy family, with a sister in the Army...

More power to you. Believe what you'll find is that the USNR is looking for trained professionals with proven track records of leadership.

So far I've met one DCO straight out of college, he was 26, so not exactly right out of college. He was a teacher, and oddly enough an intel officer.

The typical intel DCO, at least the ones I know are:
- Professionals who hold advanced degrees (MS, MA, MD, JD, like me, MEd)
- Proven documented leadership (prior military, philanthropy, church/civic leaders, etc)
- Have 8-10 years professional experience (existing member of the IC, civil service, police, attorney, psychologist, forensic scientist, federal special agent, pilot, entrepreneur, etc)

Not saying you don't stand a chance, just that you don't stand much chance at 22 with a BA.

If you really want to serve in the Navy Reserve in intelligence recommend looking at enlisting. You'll find that most ISs in the reserves have degrees. Many of these folks are also vying for commissions.

Don't take my word for it, talk to an officer recruiter. Also recommend checking out Airwarriors. There are plenty of threads over there about reserve IDC.

One alibi, you may stand a chance at a direct commission if your last name is Debbink, Russell, Roughead or Greenert.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Devil_Duck,

Thanks for suggesting taking a look at Airwarriors, looks like a great site. I'll mostly likely go to grad school after I finish my crim degree, I guess I'm just anxious to get in. I know that enlisting is an option, but I'd rather just wait and apply for DCO, probably when I finish grad school. Like I said before, intelligence from I've been told would be my best bet becaues of my degree and possibly future MA. I'm still open to other ares though.

Again more power to you, but with no work/leadership experience, DCO is a long shot -- and the last several boards have consistently looked for sustained and significant leadership/management experience. Keep in mind that the IDC communities usually accept around 10% or less from the applicant pool (INTEL is sometimes a bit more).

Because of the applicant pool and the purpose of DCO, the reserve DCO program is a very different animal than OCS. Most DCO selectees have one or more advanced degrees, multiple certifications, 10 or more years of professional experience (usually in the field of community to which they're applying but not always), significant work/community/volunteer leadership/management experience, etc.

It's not *just* degree(s) that will get you a DCO slot.

I'm not saying don't try, but definitely talk to an Officer Recruiter, lay out your plan, and see what they say.

I've requested more information from a nearby university about their intelligence masters program. It'd be a good next step after I finish my undergrad... just need to be patient.