At a glance
- Soldier
- 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.
- £25,200The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
- £32,615Your pay after completing basic trade training
- AgeFrom 17 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
- QualificationsGCSEs or equivalent
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.
Intelligence Corps
The Intelligence Corps is responsible for information gathering and intelligence analysis. Before any military operation is undertaken, commanders and soldiers want to know what’s going on. To provide this understanding, our analysts are embedded in all parts of the Military to ensure that detailed and timely intelligence about enemy locations, weapons, and intentions are being fed right to those facing the threats. Although we are one of the smallest parts of the Army, our analysts have a monumental impact on decision making, straight out of training.
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.
Have any questions? Talk with us
Regular (full time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 17 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months
Qualifications:
5x GCSEs grade C/5, Scottish National 5 grade C, or above in Maths, English and 3 other subjects.
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level 6.06
Training for the role
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.
Qualifications you could get after training
Level 5 Apprenticeship.
Funding towards undergrad and post-grad qualifications.
Other Intelligence specific training.
Pay & benefits
Earn £25,200 during training.
On completion of Phase 2 training you will join your unit as a Lance Corporal earning £32,615 a year.
Additional pay for learning languages, which vary depending on the language itself and your level of proficiency.
How to Apply
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.
Related Roles
