Army Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant (18F) to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Special Forces Intelligence Sergeants (18F) transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $90K-$200K+, intelligence analyst, CIA careers, defense intelligence, cybersecurity, and federal intelligence opportunities.
Bottom Line Up Front
Special Forces Intelligence Sergeants transitioning out—you're the intelligence professional who provided the operational picture that kept your team alive and missions successful. Your advanced intelligence analysis capability, collection management expertise, target development experience, geospatial intelligence skills, security clearance, HUMINT coordination, all-source fusion, and proven ability to deliver actionable intelligence under pressure make you one of the most valuable intelligence professionals in the civilian market. Realistic first-year salaries range from $90,000-$130,000 in defense intelligence or federal agencies, scaling to $130,000-$180,000+ in specialized intelligence contracting, threat intelligence, or cybersecurity intelligence roles. Senior 18Fs in intelligence leadership or specialized cleared roles can earn $150,000-$250,000+. You have intelligence skills and clearances that command premium pay—leverage them strategically.
You didn't just "look at pictures and write reports." You:
- Conducted advanced intelligence analysis across multiple disciplines (HUMINT, SIGINT, GEOINT, OSINT)
- Developed high-value targets and provided targeting packages for operations
- Managed intelligence collection operations and source networks
- Conducted pattern-of-life analysis and predictive intelligence assessments
- Integrated intelligence from national agencies (NSA, NGA, CIA) into tactical operations
- Briefed commanders and interagency partners on complex intelligence assessments
- Held Top Secret/SCI clearance with extensive classified intelligence system access
- Operated advanced intelligence systems (DCGS-A, Palantir, SIGINT platforms)
- Trained partner nation intelligence personnel on collection and analysis
That's intelligence analysis, collection management, targeting, geospatial intelligence, critical thinking under pressure, and classified systems expertise. The civilian intelligence world needs that—you just need to target agencies and companies where your operational intelligence background is valued.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 18F separating hears: "Your military intelligence experience is too tactical for civilian jobs," and "You'll need to start over as an entry-level analyst."
Both are false. Here's reality: Your 18F operational intelligence experience is exactly what federal intelligence agencies, defense contractors, and private sector threat intelligence teams need. Your TS/SCI clearance alone makes you a premium candidate. You need to know where your skills are valued and how to market yourself.
Best civilian career paths for Special Forces Intelligence Sergeants (18F)
Federal intelligence agencies (top career path, mission-focused)
Civilian job titles:
- CIA Operations Officer (National Clandestine Service)
- CIA Targeting Officer
- CIA Analyst (Directorate of Analysis)
- DIA Intelligence Analyst
- NSA Intelligence Analyst
- NGA Imagery/GEOINT Analyst
- FBI Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry Intelligence Analyst (GS-9 to GS-11): $64,000-$85,000
- Intelligence Analyst (GS-12 to GS-13): $85,000-$113,000
- Senior Analyst (GS-14 to GS-15): $120,000-$165,000+
- CIA Operations Officer: $90,000-$145,000+ (plus overseas allowances)
- Supervisory positions: $130,000-$180,000+
What translates directly:
- All-source intelligence analysis
- Targeting and collection management
- HUMINT coordination and source operations
- Geospatial intelligence and imagery analysis
- Security clearance with polygraph (massive advantage)
- Operational intelligence in high-threat environments
- Briefing and presentation skills
- Interagency coordination
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required for most federal intelligence positions—use GI Bill if needed)
- Security clearance (maintain it—you already have TS/SCI with poly)
- Foreign language proficiency (strengthens application significantly)
- Agency-specific training (provided after hiring)
Reality check: Federal intelligence agencies actively recruit SF intelligence personnel. Your operational experience, clearance, and proven performance in high-threat environments make you highly competitive.
CIA prefers candidates with operational intelligence backgrounds. Directorate of Operations (formerly National Clandestine Service) recruits for Operations Officers and Targeting Officers—your 18F experience is exactly what they need. The hiring process takes 12-18 months but the mission is exceptional.
DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) focuses on military and defense intelligence. Your SF background and targeting experience make you an ideal DIA analyst. Pay is GS-12 to GS-15 ($85K-$165K).
NSA conducts SIGINT and cyber operations. If you have SIGINT experience or cybersecurity interests, NSA is excellent. Average intelligence analyst salary is $113K-$120K.
NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) focuses on imagery intelligence and geospatial analysis. If you specialized in GEOINT, NGA is perfect. Median GEOINT analyst salary is $78K-$120K+.
FBI Intelligence Analysts support investigations and counterterrorism. Entry analysts start at GS-9 ($64K), but your SF background accelerates progression to GS-12/GS-13 ($85K-$113K+).
Best for: 18Fs under 40 who want mission-focused intelligence work, prefer government stability, and are willing to endure lengthy hiring processes for exceptional careers.
Defense intelligence contracting (high pay, cleared work)
Civilian job titles:
- All-Source Intelligence Analyst (contractor)
- Targeting Analyst
- Collection Manager
- GEOINT Analyst
- SIGINT Analyst
- Intelligence Operations Coordinator
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry Intelligence Analyst (cleared): $80,000-$110,000
- All-Source Analyst (cleared, experienced): $100,000-$140,000
- Senior Intelligence Analyst: $120,000-$170,000
- Targeting Analyst: $110,000-$160,000
- Intelligence Program Manager: $130,000-$180,000+
- Overseas intelligence contractor: $140,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Security clearance (non-negotiable, worth $30K-$50K+ in salary)
- Operational intelligence and targeting
- All-source analysis and fusion
- Intelligence systems (DCGS, Palantir, etc.)
- SOF intelligence support
- Collection management
Certifications needed:
- Active TS/SCI clearance (critical—maintain it)
- Bachelor's degree (often required)
- Intelligence certifications (GEOINT Professional, SIGINT certifications)
Reality check: Defense contractors desperately need cleared intelligence analysts with operational experience to support DoD, SOCOM, CIA, and other agencies.
Your 18F background + TS/SCI clearance = premium value. Many contracts support SOF units, JSOC, or special operations—you stay connected to the community while earning significantly more than active duty.
Cleared intelligence analyst roles start at $80K-$110K CONUS. Senior analysts earn $120K-$170K. Overseas contracts (Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa) pay $140K-$200K+.
Many positions are CONUS (DC area, Tampa, Fayetteville, San Antonio) supporting operational units or training.
Top employers:
- Booz Allen Hamilton (intelligence-focused, 42% veteran workforce)
- CACI (22,000 employees, 40-year history)
- SAIC
- Leidos
- ManTech (40%+ veteran population)
- Peraton
- SOC (Special Operations Consulting)
- Parsons Corporation
- General Dynamics IT
Best for: 18Fs with active TS/SCI clearances who want high pay, operational intelligence work, and to stay connected to defense/SOF communities.
Cybersecurity threat intelligence (growing field, excellent pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst
- Incident Response Analyst
- Adversary Hunter
- Cyber Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Threat Intelligence Analyst: $90,000-$130,000
- Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst: $120,000-$160,000
- Cyber Threat Intelligence Lead: $130,000-$180,000
- Threat Intelligence Manager: $140,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Intelligence analysis and all-source fusion
- Threat assessment and pattern analysis
- Adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs)
- Collection management
- Critical thinking and analytical writing
- Security clearance (valuable for defense/federal cyber roles)
Certifications needed:
- Security+ (entry-level cyber, $400 exam—free for veterans)
- CySA+ or GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) ($500-$2,000)
- CISSP (advanced, $749 exam)
Reality check: Cybersecurity threat intelligence is exploding. Every major company needs analysts who understand adversary behavior, analyze threats, and provide actionable intelligence to security teams.
Your intelligence analysis skills translate directly. You already understand collection, analysis, targeting, and threat assessment—just apply it to cyber threats instead of physical threats.
Entry threat intelligence analysts earn $90K-$130K. Senior analysts earn $120K-$180K+. Major tech companies, financial services, and defense contractors are hiring aggressively.
This field combines intelligence analysis (which you know) with cybersecurity (which you can learn via certifications). It's one of the fastest-growing high-paying fields.
Top employers:
- Financial services (JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America)
- Tech companies (Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta)
- Defense contractors (see list above)
- Cybersecurity companies (CrowdStrike, Mandiant, Palo Alto Networks)
- Federal contractors supporting FBI/DHS/NSA cyber missions
Best for: 18Fs interested in cybersecurity, willing to get cyber certifications, and wanting to apply intelligence skills in high-demand private sector roles.
Corporate security/competitive intelligence (private sector, good pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Corporate Intelligence Analyst
- Competitive Intelligence Analyst
- Threat Assessment Analyst
- Global Security Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Risk Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Corporate Intelligence Analyst: $85,000-$120,000
- Senior Intelligence Analyst: $110,000-$150,000
- Intelligence Manager: $120,000-$170,000
- Director of Intelligence (corporate): $140,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Intelligence collection and analysis
- Threat assessment and risk analysis
- Briefing executives and stakeholders
- Open-source intelligence (OSINT)
- Geopolitical analysis
- Security planning
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (typically required)
- CPP (Certified Protection Professional) from ASIS International ($1,200-$2,000)
- Business intelligence certifications
Reality check: Fortune 500 companies need intelligence analysts to assess threats, analyze competitors, monitor geopolitical risks, and protect corporate interests globally.
Your intelligence analysis, threat assessment, and briefing skills translate directly to corporate intelligence roles.
Large corporations (Fortune 500, major tech companies, multinational firms) have intelligence teams supporting security, competitive strategy, and risk management.
Pay is solid ($85K-$170K+), work is stable, and it's domestic with normal business hours (unlike operational intelligence).
Best for: 18Fs wanting to leave defense/military work, preferring corporate environments, and applying intelligence skills to business problems.
Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) specialist (if GEOINT-focused)
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
- Imagery Analyst
- GEOINT Analyst
- Remote Sensing Analyst
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analyst
Salary ranges:
- GEOINT Analyst: $75,000-$110,000
- Senior GEOINT Analyst: $100,000-$140,000
- GEOINT Manager: $120,000-$160,000
- Specialized roles (NGA, contractors): $130,000-$180,000+
What translates directly:
- Imagery analysis and interpretation
- Geospatial analysis and mapping
- Terrain analysis
- Pattern-of-life analysis
- Intelligence systems (RemoteView, SOCET GXP, ArcGIS)
Certifications needed:
- GEOINT Professional Certification (from USGIF)
- GIS certifications (GISP, Esri certifications)
- Bachelor's in Geography, GIS, or related field (use GI Bill)
Reality check: If you specialized in GEOINT as an 18F, this is a direct career path. NGA, defense contractors, and commercial companies need GEOINT analysts.
The field is stable, pays well ($75K-$160K+), and your clearance gives you access to higher-paying cleared GEOINT roles.
Top employers:
- National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
- Defense contractors (CACI, Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen)
- Commercial satellite companies (Maxar, Planet Labs)
- GIS companies (Esri)
Best for: 18Fs with GEOINT specialization who want to continue imagery analysis and geospatial work.
Law enforcement intelligence (local/state/federal)
Civilian job titles:
- Law Enforcement Intelligence Analyst
- Fusion Center Analyst
- Crime Analyst
- Counterterrorism Analyst
- Investigative Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Crime Analyst: $55,000-$80,000
- Intelligence Analyst (fusion center): $65,000-$95,000
- Federal LE Intelligence Analyst: $75,000-$120,000
- Senior Analyst: $90,000-$130,000
What translates directly:
- Intelligence analysis and threat assessment
- Pattern analysis and predictive modeling
- Briefing law enforcement leadership
- Interagency coordination
- Security clearance
Certifications needed:
- Law enforcement intelligence certifications (IALEIA, LEIU)
- Crime analysis certifications
Reality check: Every major police department, fusion center, and federal law enforcement agency has intelligence analysts. Your 18F background makes you highly competitive.
Pay is lower than defense contracting but offers stability, mission focus, and domestic work.
Best for: 18Fs who want law enforcement mission focus, domestic work, and stable government employment.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "18F Intelligence Sergeant" and assuming civilians understand. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant (18F) | All-source intelligence analyst with 8+ years conducting operational intelligence in high-threat environments |
| All-source intelligence analysis | Integrated HUMINT, SIGINT, GEOINT, and OSINT to produce actionable intelligence assessments |
| Targeting and collection management | Developed 100+ high-value target packages and managed multi-discipline intelligence collection operations |
| Pattern-of-life analysis | Conducted predictive intelligence analysis identifying adversary patterns and predicting future actions |
| Intelligence briefings | Briefed commanders, interagency partners, and coalition forces on complex intelligence assessments |
| Top Secret/SCI clearance | Active TS/SCI clearance with counterintelligence polygraph and extensive classified systems access |
| Geospatial intelligence | Conducted imagery analysis, terrain analysis, and geospatial assessments using advanced GEOINT systems |
| HUMINT coordination | Coordinated human intelligence collection operations with case officers and source networks |
| Intelligence systems | Expert in DCGS-A, Palantir, M3, Google Earth, and national intelligence databases |
| Partner force training | Trained 150+ partner nation intelligence personnel on collection, analysis, and reporting standards |
Use quantifiable results: "Produced 200+ intelligence products supporting 100+ operations with zero intelligence failures," "Managed collection operations across 10+ sources," "Briefed 50+ commanders and interagency partners."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "IPB," "PIR," or "NAI" without context. Write "intelligence preparation of the battlefield," "priority intelligence requirements," and "named area of interest analysis."
Certifications that actually matter
High priority (get these):
Bachelor's degree (if you don't have one) - Required for CIA, DIA, NSA, FBI, and most federal intelligence positions. Use GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years. Value: Opens federal intelligence doors.
Maintain your security clearance - Critical. Find cleared job within 2 years or it lapses. Cost: $0 if kept active. Value: Worth $30K-$50K+ in salary for cleared intelligence roles.
Foreign language proficiency - Maintain or improve language skills. Take DLPT or pursue advanced language training. Cost: varies. Value: Massive differentiator for CIA, DIA, and federal intelligence agencies.
Security+ or CISSP (if pursuing cyber threat intelligence) - Opens cybersecurity intelligence roles. Cost: $400-$749. Time: 2-6 months. Value: Opens $90K-$180K cyber threat intelligence careers.
Medium priority (career accelerators):
GEOINT Professional Certification - If you have GEOINT background. Cost: $200-$500. Time: varies. Value: Strengthens GEOINT analyst credentials.
PMP (Project Management Professional) - If targeting intelligence program management. Cost: $500-$3,000. Time: 3-6 months. Value: Opens $130K-$180K intelligence PM roles.
Master's degree - MA in International Relations, Intelligence Studies, or related field. Accelerates federal intelligence careers. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2 years. Value: Competitive advantage for CIA, DIA, senior federal roles.
GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) - Premium cyber threat intelligence certification. Cost: $2,000-$8,000. Value: Differentiates you in cyber intelligence market.
Low priority (nice to have):
CPP (Certified Protection Professional) - ASIS certification for corporate security intelligence. Cost: $1,200-$2,000. Value: Useful for corporate intelligence roles.
Crime analysis certifications - If pursuing law enforcement intelligence. Cost: $500-$1,500. Value: Strengthens LE intelligence credentials.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be honest. There are civilian intelligence skills you need:
Strategic intelligence: Military intelligence is operational and tactical. Federal agencies and corporations need strategic intelligence, geopolitical analysis, and long-term assessments. You'll need to think strategically, not just tactically.
Open-source intelligence (OSINT): Civilian intelligence relies heavily on unclassified sources—social media, news, commercial imagery, financial data. Strengthen your OSINT skills.
Intelligence writing: Military intelligence products are concise and action-focused. Federal intelligence reports are longer, more analytical, and require different writing styles. Practice analytical writing.
Cybersecurity fundamentals: If pursuing cyber threat intelligence, you need to learn cybersecurity basics—network security, malware, adversary tactics in cyberspace. Get Security+ and CySA+.
Business/corporate knowledge: If pursuing corporate intelligence, you need to understand business strategy, competitive analysis, market intelligence, and corporate security.
Patience with bureaucracy: Federal intelligence hiring takes 12-24 months. Security clearance investigations drag on. Corporate intelligence moves slowly. Stay patient and keep multiple options active.
Networking: Intelligence careers are relationship-driven, especially cleared positions. Join veteran intelligence communities, connect on LinkedIn with intelligence professionals, attend conferences (InfraGard, AFCEA, AFIO). Many cleared intelligence jobs aren't posted publicly.
Real Special Forces Intelligence Sergeant success stories
Alex, 33, former 18F (E-6) → CIA Targeting Officer
After 10 years as an 18F, Alex applied to CIA through veteran recruitment program. Endured 18-month hiring process including polygraphs and extensive background investigation. Hired as Targeting Officer supporting counterterrorism operations. Makes $130K+ with overseas allowances. Says the work is similar to what he did as an 18F but with better resources and bigger strategic impact.
Jordan, 31, former 18F (E-5) → Defense Intelligence Contractor
Jordan did 9 years, separated with active TS/SCI clearance and bachelor's degree. Hired by Booz Allen as all-source intelligence analyst supporting SOCOM at $105K. After 2 years, promoted to senior analyst ($135K). Now leads intelligence support team making $155K. Plans to pursue intelligence program manager role ($170K+) within 3 years.
Mike, 35, former 18F (E-7) → Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst
Mike served 13 years, got out as SFC. Used GI Bill for master's in cybersecurity. Got Security+, CySA+, and GCTI certifications. Hired by major bank as cyber threat intelligence analyst at $125K. After 3 years, promoted to threat intelligence lead ($165K). Says his intelligence analysis skills translated perfectly—just applied to cyber threats instead of physical threats.
Ryan, 29, former 18F (E-5) → DIA Intelligence Analyst
Ryan did 8 years, separated with bachelor's degree and active TS/SCI. Applied to DIA, hired as GS-12 intelligence analyst ($95K). After 3 years, promoted to GS-13 ($110K). Pursuing master's degree using GI Bill with plan to reach GS-14/GS-15 ($130K-$165K) within 5 years. Loves the mission and stability.
Action plan: your first 180 days out
Months 1-2: Assessment and clearance management
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- CRITICAL: Document your clearance level, polygraph type, and expiration date
- Request official transcripts from all intelligence training
- Update resume translating 18F experience into civilian intelligence language
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting intelligence analysis experience
- Connect with 100+ intelligence professionals and former 18Fs on LinkedIn
- Register with Green Beret Foundation Career Services Hub
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (primary cleared intelligence job board)
- Research federal intelligence agencies (CIA, DIA, NSA, NGA, FBI)
Months 3-4: Applications and certifications
- Apply to federal intelligence agencies (CIA, DIA, NSA—hiring takes 12-24 months, start early)
- If pursuing cyber threat intelligence: Get Security+ (free via veteran programs)
- Enroll in bachelor's/master's program if needed (use GI Bill)
- Apply to defense contractors on ClearanceJobs.com (Booz Allen, CACI, SAIC, Leidos)
- Join intelligence professional associations (AFCEA, AFIO, InfraGard)
- Attend intelligence and security conferences
- Consider SkillBridge internship (last 180 days—try CIA, defense contractors, fusion centers)
Months 5-6: Job search and interviews
- Apply to 30+ cleared intelligence positions on ClearanceJobs.com
- Target defense contractors: Booz Allen, CACI, SAIC, Leidos, ManTech, Peraton
- Target federal agencies: CIA, DIA, NSA, NGA, FBI
- Target cyber threat intelligence roles (if pursuing cyber path)
- Practice intelligence interviews—prepare analytical examples and intelligence products
- Network aggressively with intelligence community professionals
- Be willing to relocate (DC area has most cleared intelligence jobs)
- Prepare for polygraphs, security interviews, extensive background checks
- Consider contract-to-hire positions (common in intelligence contracting)
Bottom line for Special Forces Intelligence Sergeants (18F)
Your 18F operational intelligence experience isn't just military work—it's advanced intelligence analysis directly applicable to federal agencies, defense contractors, and private sector intelligence roles.
You've conducted all-source intelligence analysis in combat, developed high-value targets, managed collection operations, briefed senior leaders on complex intelligence assessments, and delivered actionable intelligence that saved lives. The intelligence community desperately needs your expertise—especially with your TS/SCI clearance.
Federal intelligence agencies, defense intelligence contracting, cyber threat intelligence, corporate intelligence, and GEOINT are proven paths. Thousands of 18Fs have transitioned successfully before you.
First-year income of $90K-$130K is realistic in defense contracting or federal intelligence roles. Within 3-5 years, $120K-$170K+ is standard. Senior intelligence analysts and managers earn $150K-$250K+.
Your TS/SCI clearance alone is worth $30K-$50K+ in salary. Combined with operational intelligence experience, you're a premium candidate.
Critical first steps: Maintain your clearance, apply to CIA/DIA/NSA (even though hiring takes 18+ months), and register on ClearanceJobs.com.
The intelligence community needs your operational experience and cleared status. Execute the plan.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.