Operator Technical Intelligence

Being an Operator Technical Intelligence (OPTI) is a specialist trade. It focuses on Signals Intelligence, Cyber, or Languages. Much of this work supports covert and sensitive operations.

Starting salary
£26,334

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Role details

Entry Requirements

Age

To apply for this position, you must be between 17 years & 6 months old and 35 years & 6 months old at the time of your application.

Fitness

Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
2km run 11 min 30 sec

More information about the fitness test

Education

5x GCSEs grade C/5, Scottish National 5 grade C, or above in Maths, English and 3 other subjects.

Security Clearance Required:

CTC (Counter Terrorist Check)
SC (Security Check) at Phase 1Training
DV (Developed Vetting) at Phase 2 Training

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About the Role

You'll specialise in intercepting and analysing communications, working throughout with highly sensitive systems. All OPTIs are taught the basics of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), with the option to also learn a foreign language to a high level. Alternatively, you can go on to specialise in Cyber warfare.

You don't need a technical background and you don't have to speak any foreign languages to apply – we’ll train you and you’ll be paid throughout that training. Training takes around 2-3 years and includes time spent learning about electronic warfare in a field unit, an 18-month language course, and an overseas placement to refine your language skills.

You'll normally be employed in the UK, with options for overseas deployments later on in your career. If you are already multilingual, we’ll enhance these skills and there’ll always be opportunities to use your languages in support of live operations.

Key responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Specialise in collecting sensitive information about the enemy.
Become an expert in piecing together sensitive information and turning it into intelligence.
Use your analysis and assessment to influence operations.
Gain valuable qualifications and continuously improve as an intelligence operator.
Work within highly sensitive areas and departments.

Training

Step 1
Your initial basic military training teaches you how to be a soldier, covering everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This training will be at Pirbright, Surrey, or Winchester, Hampshire.

Step 2
Phase 2 training takes place at the Defence Intelligence Training Group near Bedford. You'll do an initial 15-week course in the foundations of technical intelligence analysis. On successful completion of this, you'll progress on to the Junior Command and Leadership course to promote to the rank of Lance Corporal. You will then receive additional training in analysis and/or cyber skills and/or an operational language. This training will take between three and 18 months. If you are going on to be a linguist, you will undertake a further 18 months of intensive language training.