Counterintelligence Agent: Job Description
Counterintelligence agents work for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Defense, all branches of the U.S. military, and other related government departments. Agents at all of these locations work to protect American interests from terrorists, spies, and other potential threats. Some of the tasks of a counterintelligence agent include encoding or decoding secret information, conducting investigations into crimes against national security, and sharing pertinent information with friendly foreign governments. Agents are able to gather information from satellite surveillance, foreign and domestic contacts, and foreign media.
Counterintelligence Agent: Job Requirements
Aspiring counterintelligence agents must undergo a rigorous application and screening process, and they must meet specific and demanding educational and experience requirements.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree; graduate degree can improve job prospects |
| Other Considerations | Foreign language fluency; pass background check, polygraph test, and physical exam |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)* | Roughly unchanged for all military careers |
| Median Annual Salary (2020) | $88,763 for intelligence officers** |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
Potential agents should have at least a bachelor's degree, although an advanced degree can make an applicant more competitive. Counterintelligence agents are expected to have graduated with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Preferred majors include history, journalism, regional studies, political science, public administration, and international relations. Many agents speak more than one language and are familiar with another culture. Counterintelligence agents must also pass extensive medical exams, background checks, and polygraph tests.
Some of the specific types of requirements for becoming a counterintelligence agent include:
- Entry-Level Requirements - Those who wish to become counterintelligence agents must be U.S. citizens and must be 20 years of age or older. They must also have a clean criminal record with no felonies or court-martials.
- In-Service Requirements - Both the applicant and his/her immediate family must be U.S. citizens. The applicant must be 21 years of age or older after completing entry tests and must be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance.
- Traits and Skills - Counterintelligence agents must be able to work independently and must have the insight to make sound decisions without the help of supervision. They must have excellent communication and people skills, as the job demands diplomacy.
- ASVAB Test Scores - The ASVAB is the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, which is a written, multiple-choice test that assesses what specific jobs might be the best choice for a candidate. Test takers must score at least 31 to enlist in the Army.
Military Counterintelligence Agents
Becoming a counterintelligence agent in the military is only an option for those who are already enlisted. Because of the rank and responsibility of this position, entry-level soldiers are not eligible for this job assignment. Those who are accepted into a counterintelligence job must complete extra training. For example, to become a U.S. Army counterintelligence agent, soldiers must attend the Counterintelligence Special Agent Course for 19 weeks.
The Air Force also has its own 12-week training program. What does an Air Force intelligence officer do? This officer does all the things that other counterintelligence officers do, plus Air Force Special Investigations Officers play a large role in protecting the advanced military technology that is used to ensure national security.
Enlisted counterintelligence agents work with other government agencies to collect intelligence from international threats and then analyze and assess it. They also devise appropriate responses and retaliations.
Counterintelligence Agents: Job Outlook and Salary
According to figures reported by PayScale.com in September 2020, the median annual salary earned by intelligence officers was $88,763. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report specific statistics for counterintelligence agents, it did project that the number of folks employed in military careers would remain roughly constant from 2018-2028. It's also important to know that in addition to their pay, those who are in military careers receive free housing or a housing allowance.
Counterintelligence agents may work for the CIA, FBI, Department of Defense, the military, or other government departments. They gather, interpret, and share intelligence about threats to national security or the security of friendly foreign governments. A bachelor's degree and knowledge of current events and international relations is required, but a master's degree can make a person more competitive for this position.
