Marine Corps 0291 Intelligence Chief to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salaries)
Senior-level career guide for 0291 Intelligence Chiefs. Program manager roles $120K-$180K+, senior analyst positions $110K-$150K, federal GS-13/14 $105K-$155K, leveraging 10+ years intelligence leadership with 2025 salary data.
Bottom Line Up Front
As a 0291 Intelligence Chief, you're a senior intelligence professional with 10+ years of experience leading intelligence operations, managing teams, coordinating multi-discipline intelligence, and advising commanders. Your extensive intelligence leadership experience positions you for $110,000-$165,000+ senior analyst, program manager, and leadership positions with defense contractors, federal intelligence agencies (DIA, NGA, NSA, CIA), and private sector intelligence firms. With your TS/SCI clearance and proven leadership record, you can command $130,000-$200,000+ in senior contractor program management roles. Your experience managing intelligence operations, leading analysts, and coordinating all-source intelligence makes you exactly what senior intelligence positions require—you're not entry-level, you're transitioning to senior roles.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 0291 who transitions faces the same question: "How do I translate 10+ years of Marine intelligence experience into a civilian job title that pays what I'm worth?"
Here's the reality: Your intelligence leadership experience makes you a senior hire, not entry-level.
You didn't just "supervise Marines and brief commanders." You:
- Led intelligence sections and operations centers of 15-50+ Marines
- Managed all-source intelligence operations (HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, OSINT fusion)
- Advised battalion and regimental commanders on intelligence matters
- Coordinated intelligence support across multiple operations simultaneously
- Managed intelligence collection, production, and dissemination
- Led intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB) for major operations
- Mentored and trained junior intelligence professionals
- Maintained TS/SCI clearances and handled compartmented programs
- Interfaced with joint, coalition, and interagency intelligence partners
- Managed intelligence programs, resources, and operational priorities
That's senior intelligence leadership, program management, multi-discipline intelligence coordination, strategic thinking, mentorship, stakeholder management, and executive-level communication. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and private intelligence firms pay $110K-180K+ for exactly this senior-level experience.
The challenge isn't whether you're qualified—it's positioning yourself for senior roles (not entry-level analyst positions) and negotiating compensation that reflects your 10+ years of intelligence leadership.
Best civilian career paths for 0291 Intelligence Chiefs
Let's focus on senior-level positions with appropriate salary expectations.
Defense contractors - Intelligence program management (highest pay for your experience)
Civilian job titles:
- Intelligence program manager
- Senior intelligence analyst / SME (Subject Matter Expert)
- Intelligence operations manager
- Intelligence team lead
- Collection management lead
- All-source intelligence manager
- Intelligence mission manager
Salary ranges:
- Senior intelligence analyst: $120,000-$150,000
- Intelligence program manager: $140,000-$180,000
- Senior program manager: $170,000-$210,000
- Intelligence SME (overseas): $180,000-$250,000+
- Senior leadership roles: $200,000-$280,000+
Top employers for senior intelligence professionals:
- Booz Allen Hamilton (massive intelligence practice; always hiring senior professionals)
- CACI International (intelligence operations and program management)
- Leidos (intelligence mission management)
- BAE Systems (senior intelligence leadership)
- General Dynamics IT (intelligence program support)
- Peraton (intelligence operations management)
- ManTech (intelligence services leadership)
- Amentum (intelligence operations)
What translates directly:
- Intelligence operations leadership and management
- Multi-discipline intelligence (all-source) coordination
- Program management and resource allocation
- Team leadership (managing 10-50+ personnel)
- Stakeholder management and executive communication
- Intelligence production oversight
- Active TS/SCI clearance (critical for senior roles)
Certifications needed:
- Active TS/SCI clearance (absolutely critical—worth $30K-50K premium at senior levels)
- Bachelor's degree (required; master's strongly preferred for program manager roles)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) (highly valued for program manager positions)
- CDIP (Certified Defense Intelligence Professional) (demonstrates professional development)
- Security+ or equivalent (DoD 8570 compliance)
Reality check: Defense contractors need senior intelligence professionals to manage programs, lead teams, and oversee intelligence operations supporting DoD and IC customers.
Your 0291 experience positions you for program manager or senior analyst roles—NOT entry-level analyst positions. You should be targeting $130K-180K positions immediately.
Program managers oversee contracts worth $5M-50M+, manage teams of 10-100 people, coordinate with government customers, and ensure contract deliverables. Your experience leading intelligence operations translates directly.
Senior analysts (SMEs) provide expert intelligence analysis, mentor junior analysts, conduct high-level assessments, and brief senior government officials. Your operational intelligence experience is exactly what they need.
Many senior positions require OCONUS deployments or willingness to support deployed operations. Overseas positions pay significantly more ($180K-250K+) but require 6-12 month deployments.
With your clearance and experience, contractors will actively recruit you. You're a high-value candidate.
Best for: 0291s who want maximum immediate compensation using intelligence leadership skills, are comfortable with program management or senior analytical work, and have active clearances.
Federal intelligence agencies - Senior analyst and management positions
Civilian job titles:
- Senior intelligence analyst (DIA, CIA, NSA, NGA)
- Intelligence collection manager
- Intelligence operations manager
- Branch chief
- Senior targeting analyst
- All-source intelligence lead
Salary ranges (2025 GS pay scale, DC locality):
- GS-13 (senior analyst): $105,000-$137,000
- GS-14 (lead analyst/supervisor): $125,000-$162,000
- GS-15 (senior leadership): $148,000-$192,000
- SES (Senior Executive Service): $183,000-$230,000+
Target agencies for 0291 experience:
- Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) - senior defense intelligence roles
- National Security Agency (NSA) - senior SIGINT/cyber intelligence
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) - senior GEOINT positions
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - senior analytical and leadership roles
- National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) - senior CT intelligence
- FBI - senior intelligence analyst / supervisory roles
- DHS Intelligence & Analysis - senior homeland security intelligence
What translates directly:
- Senior intelligence leadership and management
- All-source intelligence operations
- Multi-discipline intelligence coordination
- Strategic intelligence assessment
- Team leadership and mentorship
- Intelligence community collaboration
- Compartmented program management
Path requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (required; master's preferred for GS-13+)
- Active clearance (agencies will sponsor renewal, but active TS/SCI is better)
- Polygraph (required for CIA, NSA; FBI has separate process)
- 10+ years intelligence experience (you qualify)
Reality check: Federal intelligence agencies hire experienced military intelligence professionals at GS-13 or GS-14 levels (not GS-9/11 entry). Your 10+ years intelligence leadership qualifies you for senior positions.
GS-13 is senior analyst—you're managing intelligence production, leading teams, coordinating operations, and advising senior officials.
GS-14 is supervisory/lead analyst—you're managing branches, overseeing programs, and providing strategic intelligence leadership.
GS-15 is senior leadership—division chiefs, senior staff positions, strategic-level intelligence.
Hiring timelines are 12-24 months (background investigations, polygraphs, medical screenings). It's slow but worth the wait for mission-focused work and federal benefits.
Your 0291 experience positions you perfectly for senior federal intelligence roles. Agencies value military intelligence leadership—you understand operational intelligence, can manage teams, and have strategic thinking.
Federal benefits: pension after 20 years, TSP matching, health insurance, job security. You can build a 15-20 year federal career and retire with pension.
Best for: 0291s who want mission-focused senior intelligence work, federal benefits, job security, and are patient with long hiring timelines.
Private sector intelligence - Senior analyst and leadership
Civilian job titles:
- Director of intelligence
- Senior threat intelligence analyst
- Intelligence manager
- Chief intelligence officer
- Senior geopolitical analyst
- Senior due diligence analyst
Salary ranges:
- Senior threat intelligence analyst: $120,000-$160,000
- Intelligence manager: $140,000-$180,000
- Director of intelligence: $170,000-$230,000
- Chief Intelligence Officer: $200,000-$350,000+
Top employers:
- Tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Meta - senior threat intelligence)
- Financial institutions (JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs - senior risk intelligence)
- Stratfor (RANE) (senior geopolitical intelligence)
- Control Risks (senior intelligence consulting)
- Kroll (senior investigations and intelligence)
- Fortune 500 corporations (director of corporate intelligence/security)
What translates directly:
- Intelligence program leadership and management
- Multi-source intelligence analysis
- Threat assessment and strategic intelligence
- Team leadership and development
- Executive communication and briefing
- Strategic planning and operational management
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required; master's preferred)
- Clearance not required (but military intelligence experience is highly valued)
- CPP (Certified Protection Professional) - valuable for corporate security leadership
- PMP - valuable for program management
Reality check: Private sector companies need senior intelligence professionals to lead threat intelligence programs, manage corporate intelligence teams, and advise executives.
Your 10+ years intelligence leadership makes you qualified for director-level or senior manager positions—not entry-level analyst roles.
Tech companies (Microsoft, Google) hire senior intelligence professionals to manage threat intelligence teams analyzing cyber threats, geopolitical risks, and corporate threats. Salaries are $140K-200K+.
Financial institutions need senior intelligence professionals for geopolitical risk, competitive intelligence, and due diligence. Pay is $130K-180K+.
Consulting firms (Control Risks, Kroll) hire senior intelligence professionals as consultants advising corporate clients. Pay is $140K-200K+ depending on role.
No clearance required. Your military intelligence leadership demonstrates strategic thinking, team management, and analytical expertise that corporate clients value.
Work-life balance is generally better than government/contractor intelligence work. You're in corporate environments with better hours (mostly).
Best for: 0291s who want senior private sector intelligence leadership, don't want to maintain clearances, prefer corporate environments, and want six-figure compensation.
Federal law enforcement - Senior intelligence analyst and supervisory
Civilian job titles:
- Supervisory intelligence analyst (FBI)
- Senior intelligence analyst (DEA, ATF, HSI)
- Intelligence program manager (FBI, DHS)
- Intelligence operations supervisor
Salary ranges (GS scale with locality):
- Senior analyst GS-13: $105,000-$137,000
- Supervisory analyst GS-14: $125,000-$162,000
- Program manager GS-14/15: $125,000-$192,000
- Senior leadership GS-15/SES: $148,000-$230,000+
What translates directly:
- Intelligence operations management
- Multi-discipline intelligence coordination
- Team leadership and supervision
- Strategic intelligence assessment
- Law enforcement intelligence support
Path requirements:
- Bachelor's degree (required; master's preferred)
- Background investigation (18-24 months for FBI)
- Polygraph (FBI requires)
- 10+ years intelligence experience (qualifies you for senior positions)
Reality check: FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies hire senior military intelligence professionals for supervisory and program management roles—not entry-level positions.
Your 0291 experience qualifies you for GS-13 or GS-14 positions supervising intelligence analysts, managing intelligence programs, or leading intelligence operations.
FBI Supervisory Intelligence Analysts manage intelligence units supporting counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cyber, or criminal investigations.
Hiring timelines are 12-24 months. Federal benefits are excellent. Mission is compelling—you're supporting national security and law enforcement operations.
Best for: 0291s who want senior law enforcement intelligence leadership with federal benefits and job security.
Intelligence consulting and training
Civilian job titles:
- Senior intelligence consultant
- Intelligence training developer
- Intelligence curriculum developer
- Senior intelligence instructor
Salary ranges:
- Senior consultant: $130,000-$180,000
- Principal consultant: $170,000-$220,000
- Independent consultant (if successful): $150,000-$300,000+
Top employers:
- Defense contractors (Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos - consulting divisions)
- Intelligence training companies
- Independent consulting (if you build client base)
What translates directly:
- Intelligence operations expertise
- Training and mentorship experience
- Curriculum development
- Client relationship management
Reality check: Senior intelligence professionals with 10+ years experience can consult or train other intelligence professionals.
Contractors need senior intelligence professionals to train government intelligence analysts, develop intelligence training programs, or consult on intelligence operations.
Independent consulting is possible if you build a client base (government agencies, corporations) but takes time to establish.
Best for: 0291s who excel at training and mentorship, want consulting work, and can handle business development.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "0291 Intelligence Chief" on civilian resumes. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 0291 Intelligence chief | Senior intelligence operations manager; intelligence program manager |
| Led intelligence section of 25 Marines | Managed intelligence team of 25+ analysts; supervised all-source intelligence operations |
| Managed all-source intelligence operations | Coordinated multi-discipline intelligence (HUMINT, SIGINT, IMINT, OSINT) for operational support |
| Advised battalion commander on intelligence | Provided strategic intelligence assessments to senior leadership and executives |
| Coordinated intelligence with joint/coalition | Managed intelligence collaboration with interagency and multi-national partners |
| Intelligence preparation of battlespace (IPB) | Led strategic intelligence planning and threat assessment for major operations |
| Managed intelligence production | Oversaw intelligence analysis, production, and dissemination to stakeholders |
| TS/SCI clearance | Active Top Secret/SCI clearance with 10+ years handling compartmented programs |
| Trained and mentored junior intelligence Marines | Developed and mentored intelligence analysts; built high-performing teams |
| Managed intelligence resources and priorities | Program management; resource allocation; operational prioritization |
Resume tips for 0291s:
- Lead with senior experience: "Senior Intelligence Professional with 12+ years leading all-source intelligence operations and managing analytical teams"
- Emphasize leadership scale: "Managed intelligence operations supporting 2,500-person task force" or "Led 35-person intelligence section"
- Quantify impact: "Intelligence operations directly enabled 200+ successful combat missions"
- Highlight program management: "Managed $5M intelligence program with 25 personnel"
- Target senior roles: Don't apply for entry-level analyst positions—you're worth $120K-180K in senior roles
Certifications that actually matter for 0291s
Here's what's worth pursuing at your career stage:
Critical priority:
Maintain your TS/SCI clearance - At senior levels, clearance is worth $30K-50K in salary. Senior cleared program managers make $150K-200K+. Let it lapse and you lose senior-level opportunities. Value: Priceless.
Bachelor's degree (if you don't have one) - Required for most senior positions. Get it using GI Bill. Major doesn't matter hugely at your level—your experience carries more weight. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Required minimum.
Master's degree - Strongly recommended for senior positions (GS-14+, program manager roles). Intelligence studies, international relations, business administration, or management all work. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Competitive advantage for senior positions and $10K-20K salary impact.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - Critical for intelligence program manager roles. Shows professional program management competency. Cost: $500-1,000 exam. Value: Opens $140K-200K program manager positions; highly valued by contractors.
High priority:
Certified Defense Intelligence Professional (CDIP) - DoD intelligence professional certification. Shows professional development. Free for military/federal. Value: Demonstrates professionalism; valued in defense intelligence community.
Six Sigma or Lean certifications - For senior management roles focused on process improvement. Cost: $500-2,000 depending on level. Value: Demonstrates management competency.
Leadership certifications - Senior leaders benefit from formal leadership training. Cost: varies. Value: Demonstrates professional development.
Medium priority:
Technical certifications (Security+, etc.) - Still useful if you're hands-on with systems. Cost: $400. Value: Moderate at senior level—more important for junior positions.
Industry-specific certifications - Depending on your target industry (CPP for corporate security, CFE for investigations), pursue relevant certifications. Cost: $400-800. Value: Industry-dependent.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be honest about senior civilian roles versus military intelligence chief:
Corporate politics and stakeholder management: Military has clear chain of command. Corporate and federal environments have complex stakeholder relationships, politics, and competing priorities. You'll navigate corporate bureaucracy—be ready.
Business financial management: Program managers manage P&L, budgets, contracts, and financial performance. If you're light on financial management, learn basics of program budgeting, cost management, and financial reporting.
Contract management: Defense contractors live by contracts. Understanding FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation), contract types, and proposal development is valuable for program manager roles.
Networking and business development: Senior positions require networking, client relationship management, and sometimes business development. Get comfortable with it—LinkedIn, conferences, relationship building.
Resume and interviewing at senior levels: Senior interviews focus on leadership, strategic thinking, and management competency. Practice behavioral interview questions (STAR method) focused on leadership, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and team management.
Salary negotiation: At senior levels, everything is negotiable—salary, bonuses, stock options, relocation, PTO. Research market rates, know your value, and negotiate confidently.
Real 0291 success stories
Mark, 38, former 0291 E-8 (20 years) → Booz Allen intelligence program manager
After retiring as a Master Sergeant with 20 years, Mark transitioned with active TS/SCI. Targeted senior positions, interviewed with Booz Allen, Leidos, and CACI. Took Booz Allen program manager role at $165,000 managing intelligence contract supporting SOCOM. "I'm managing a 30-person team and $12M contract. My 20 years intelligence leadership translated directly to program management."
Lisa, 36, former 0291 E-7 (14 years) → DIA senior intelligence analyst (GS-14)
Lisa got out after 14 years as Gunnery Sergeant. Used GI Bill for master's in intelligence studies while working as contractor. Applied to DIA, 16-month hiring process. Hired as GS-13, promoted to GS-14 after 2 years. Makes $142,000. "I'm leading intelligence analysis for DIA—same strategic intelligence work I did as 0291, federal benefits, mission focus."
Carlos, 37, former 0291 E-8 (18 years) → Microsoft senior threat intelligence manager
Carlos retired after 18 years. Wanted to leave defense work. Applied to tech companies. Microsoft hired him to manage threat intelligence team at $175,000. "I lead 12 analysts tracking cyber threats and geopolitical risks. My intelligence leadership translated perfectly—same management skills, corporate environment, better pay."
Jennifer, 35, former 0291 E-7 (12 years) → FBI supervisory intelligence analyst (GS-14)
Jennifer transitioned after 12 years. Applied to FBI, 22-month hiring process. Hired as GS-13 intelligence analyst, promoted to GS-14 supervisory role after 3 years. Makes $138,000. "I supervise intelligence analysts supporting counterterrorism. My 0291 experience prepared me perfectly for managing FBI intelligence operations."
Action plan: Your first 90 days out (senior-level transition)
Month 1: Strategic assessment
-
Week 1-2:
- Verify clearance status (maintain TS/SCI if possible)
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Apply for VA benefits and retirement if applicable
- Create executive-level LinkedIn profile (emphasize leadership, programs managed, scale of operations)
- Identify 5 target companies/agencies for senior roles
-
Week 3-4:
- Update resume targeting senior positions (program manager, senior analyst, director)
- Register on ClearanceJobs, LinkedIn Premium (worth it at senior level)
- Create USAJOBS account for federal senior positions
- Research salary ranges for senior intelligence positions ($120K-180K+)
- Connect with 30+ senior intelligence professionals on LinkedIn
Month 2: Strategic applications and networking
-
Week 5-6:
- Apply to senior positions ONLY (program manager, GS-13/14, director-level)
- Target $130K+ positions—do not undersell your experience
- Contact executive recruiters specializing in intelligence professionals
- Attend veteran hiring events (target senior roles)
- Join AFIO (Association of Former Intelligence Officers), NCMS (clearance professionals)
-
Week 7-8:
- Continue applications (10-15 senior positions per week)
- Network aggressively—attend conferences, connect with hiring managers
- If no master's degree: Enroll using GI Bill (part-time while working)
- Get or renew PMP certification (critical for program manager roles)
- Practice senior-level interview questions (leadership, conflict resolution, program management)
Month 3: Interviews and negotiation
-
Week 9-10:
- Interview for senior positions
- Emphasize leadership scale, program management, strategic thinking
- Prepare portfolio: leadership examples, programs managed, quantifiable results
- Research companies thoroughly—understand their contracts and missions
- Ask executive-level questions about growth, team, strategic priorities
-
Week 11-12:
- Evaluate offers (base salary, bonus, stock, benefits, growth)
- Negotiate aggressively—senior roles have $20K-40K negotiation range
- Consider signing bonuses, relocation assistance, PTO
- Don't accept first offer—counteroffer with market research
- Accept position matching your career goals and compensation expectations
Bottom line for 0291 Intelligence Chiefs
Your 0291 intelligence leadership experience positions you for senior-level civilian roles paying $120,000-$180,000+ immediately. You're not entry-level—you're a senior intelligence professional with 10+ years managing operations, leading teams, and advising senior leaders.
Defense contractors will pay $140K-200K+ for intelligence program managers and senior analysts. Federal agencies will hire you at GS-13/14 ($105K-155K) with clear progression to GS-15 ($148K-192K). Private sector companies will pay $130K-200K+ for senior intelligence leadership.
Your TS/SCI clearance at senior levels is worth $30K-50K in additional compensation—maintain it if pursuing defense intelligence careers.
Do NOT undersell yourself. You're worth $120K-180K+ in the right roles. Target senior positions, negotiate confidently, and leverage your 10+ years of intelligence leadership.
Thousands of senior NCOs have successfully transitioned to six-figure intelligence careers. The demand for senior intelligence professionals is strong. You're exactly what senior positions require.
Execute your transition with the same strategic thinking you brought to intelligence operations. Target senior roles, network at executive levels, and negotiate compensation that reflects your extensive experience.
Semper Fi, and congratulations on an outstanding military intelligence career. Your next mission awaits.
Ready to transition to senior intelligence leadership? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research senior intelligence positions and plan your executive-level transition.