Operator Military Intelligence - Reserve

Intelligence Corps

At a glance

  • Featured
  • Soldier
  • intelligence

From supporting the soldiers on patrol to advising Generals and politicians, Military Intelligence Operatives get to work wherever they can make a difference.

The Army really got behind me from the start and gave me opportunities to advance my career.

As an Intelligence Operative you'll gather and analyse information that helps senior commanders make important decisions. You'll work in variety of roles and settings, from headquarters units to government departments, becoming a subject-matter expert in a country or an enemy threat. You could write reports that inform commanders and politicians, patrol with the Infantry to learn about the local situation, or brief a commanding officer in the UK about a cyber attack. It's a varied and fascinating role with masses of opportunity for development.

The Intelligence Corps is responsible for information gathering and intelligence analysis. Modern military operations are dependent on the provision of highly accurate and timely intelligence. To provide this, our analysts are embedded in all parts of the Military to ensure that the Army's operations are successful. Although we are one of the smallest parts of the Army, our analysts have a monumental impact on decision making, straight out of training.

Many opportunities exist within Military Intelligence, for example deploying with the infantry providing intelligence support as part of a crisis response team in the Caribbean.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities

  • Become an expert in an area of military intelligence

  • Get the opportunity to specialise throughout your career

  • Use your analysis and assessment to influence high-level decision-making

  • Work in a high-security environment

  • Gain valuable qualifications, including university degrees

Have any questions? Talk with us

Reserve (part time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 9 months to 42 years & 6 months

  • Qualifications:

    GCSE Grade A–C/9-4 in at least English Language and four other subjects.

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • MSFT (beep test) level 6.6

    Army Reserve standards

    • Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw: 2m 70cm

    • MSFT (beep test): Level 5 shuttle 8

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the role

Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

  • Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

  • Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
This phase of training teaches you about both operational and counter-intelligence techniques. You get an introduction to signals, imagery and human intelligence, as well as doing a leadership and management course. Training is conducted at evenings and weekends to fit around your day job.

Qualifications you could get after training

  • Level 4 NVQ

  • All your training will go towards degree level credits in Intelligence and International Relations

Pay & benefits

You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.

More about Reserve benefits

How to Apply

When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.

To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.

More about the joining process