MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator
MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator
MOS Description
Critical Skills Operators (CSO) are Marines trained to execute missions in the Special Operations Core Tasks of Foreign Internal Defense (FID), Direct Action (DA), Special Reconnaissance (SR) and Counter-Terrorism (CT), the Secondary Core Task of Information Operations (IO) and tasks in Support of Unconventional Warfare (UW) as part of the Marine Corps component to USSOCOM. CSO Marines possess high levels of maturity, experience, judgment and the ability to rapidly apply critical thought to operational objectives. They are able to quickly achieve a commander's intent through mission orders and the effective application of these traits. They succeed in the face of adversity by being able to make the right decision, at the right place, and at the right time. CSO Marines are team-oriented, but are trained and ready to function as individuals and as members of an element, team, company, battalion or regiment. They are capable of operations across the entire spectrum of Special Operations, from employment in isolated and austere locales with little-to-no conventional support to operations as fully integrated units in a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) or other Joint task organized configurations. To facilitate this, CSOs are also intensively trained as a Subject Matter Expert in advanced communications, engineering, special weapons, intelligence, and advanced special operations, depending on their billet in the MSOT. CSOs operate as cross-cultural diplomats and global scouts, with the unique ability to exert influence in areas and situations that are absent authority. They may also posses advanced language capabilities and cultural familiarity, and are adept at working by, with and through partner nation forces in pursuit of strategic goals and objectives. CSO's possess a naval expeditionary character, and as such provides maximum versatility for Geographical Combatant Commanders. MARSOF Marines are capable of rapid integration and interoperability with the joint force.

National Certifications and Federal Licenses
You selected Early Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.
You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E4-E5. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You selected Late Career-- this applies to Marines in paygrades E6-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Marines who are not reenlisting and are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining a credential can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.
As a transitioning Marine, you may also want to visit the Marine Corps' Transition Readiness Program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.
You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Marines who plan to stay in the Corps and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you
The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.
For additional credentials related to Free, Necessary, and Exception MOSs, go to the Collateral Duty search feature and explore more opportunities to get certified. (Click the Navigator icon on the upper-right corner of the screen, and then select "Collateral Duty/Out of Billet MOS" or "Go Back" and then "Collateral Duty/Out of Billet MOS"). Only Service members who hold a 03 Primary MOS and who are assigned in writing by their Commanding Officer or have attended related formal school training are eligible for collateral duty/billets.
For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the LEADER summary page.Compare | Credential | Agency | Related As | Attainability | COOL$ | GI Bill® | Accreditation | ID | |
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Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
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Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) | ![]() |
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General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
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Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) | ![]() |
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First Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate (T1) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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GMDSS Radio Maintainer License (DM) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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GMDSS Radio Operator License (DO) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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Second Class Radiotelegraph Operator's Certificate (T2) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Is Not In Demand | ASIS International | ![]() |
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Certified Mapping Scientist, GIS/LIS (ASPRS) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) | ![]() |
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Certified Mapping Scientist, Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) | ![]() |
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Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
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American Society for Quality (ASQ) | ![]() |
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Master Parachute Rigger Is Not In Demand | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | ![]() |
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Senior Parachute Rigger Is Not In Demand | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) | ![]() |
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Certified Manager (CM)
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Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM) | ![]() |
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Project Management Professional (PMP)
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Project Management Institute (PMI) | ![]() |
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National Lifeboatman and Lifeboatman-Limited Is Not In Demand | United States Coast Guard (USCG) | ![]() |
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National Radio Officer Is Not In Demand | United States Coast Guard (USCG) | ![]() |
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Entry Level Tender/Diver Is Not In Demand | Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) | ![]() |
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Certified Corrections Officer (CCO) Is Not In Demand | American Correctional Association (ACA) | ![]() |
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Certified Jail Manager (CJM) Is Not In Demand | American Jail Association (AJA) | ![]() |
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Air Diver Is Not In Demand | Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) | ![]() |
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Mixed-Gas Diver Is Not In Demand | Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) | ![]() |
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Bell/Saturation Diver Is Not In Demand | Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) | ![]() |
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Life-Support Technician (LST) Is Not In Demand | Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) | ![]() |
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Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) Is Not In Demand | ASIS International | ![]() |
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Physical Security Professional (PSP) Is Not In Demand | ASIS International | ![]() |
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Associate Emergency Manager (AEM) Is Not In Demand | International Association of Emergency Managers (iAEM) | ![]() |
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Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) Is Not In Demand | International Association of Emergency Managers (iAEM) | ![]() |
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Certified Corrections Manager (CCM) Is Not In Demand | American Correctional Association (ACA) | ![]() |
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Certified Corrections Supervisor (CCS) Is Not In Demand | American Correctional Association (ACA) | ![]() |
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Certified Corrections Executive (CCE) Is Not In Demand | American Correctional Association (ACA) | ![]() |
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Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
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Project Management Institute (PMI) | ![]() |
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Certified GIS/LIS Technologist Is Not In Demand | American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) | ![]() |
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Certified Photogrammetric Technologist Is Not In Demand | American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) | ![]() |
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Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP) Is Not In Demand | Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) | ![]() |
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Certified Jail Officer (CJO) Is Not In Demand | American Jail Association (AJA) | ![]() |
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National Master 200 GL and Inland Is Not In Demand | United States Coast Guard (USCG) | ![]() |
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Certified Corrections Officer/Provisional (CCO/P) Is Not In Demand | American Correctional Association (ACA) | ![]() |
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Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT)
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National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) | ![]() |
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Security Program Integration Professional Certification (SPIPC) Is Not In Demand | Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) | ![]() |
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Security Fundamentals Professional Certification (SFPC) Is Not In Demand | Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) | ![]() |
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Security Asset Protection Professional Certification (SAPPC) Is Not In Demand | Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) | ![]() |
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General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP) Is Not In Demand | Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) | ![]() |
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Industrial Security Oversight Certification (ISOC) Is Not In Demand | Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) | ![]() |
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Physical Security Certification (PSC) Is Not In Demand | Center for Development of Security Excellence (CDSE) | ![]() |
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Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) Is Not In Demand | National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security (NCS4) | ![]() |
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Resilience-Building Leadership Professional (RBLP) Is Not In Demand | Resilience-Building Leader Program | ![]() |
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Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Coach (RBLP-C) Is Not In Demand | Resilience-Building Leader Program | ![]() |
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Resilience-Building Leadership Professional Trainer (RBLP-T) Is Not In Demand | Resilience-Building Leader Program | ![]() |
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Department of Defense (DoD) Certifications
Some of these credentials may be funded thru the Marine Corps COOL program. To find out, search for these credentials in the "National Certifications and Federal Licenses" tab and look for the icon.
Security Professional Education Development (SPeD) Program
The SPeD Certification Program is part of the Department of Defense's (DoD) initiative to professionalize the security workforce. This initiative is intended to ensure that there is a common set of competencies among security practitioners that promotes interoperability, facilitates professional development and training, and develops a workforce of certified security professionals.
For additional information related to the SPeD Certification Program please visit the website.
State Licenses
Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor. For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the LEADER summary page.
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Construction Laborers
- Correctional Officers and Jailers
- General and Operations Managers
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
- Motorboat Operators
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Security Guards
Apprenticeship
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.
USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships.
The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator:
Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.
Related Civilian Occupations
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the LEADER summary page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.
Civilian Job | Duties Matched | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
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Bailiffs |
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Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels |
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Construction Laborers |
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Correctional Officers and Jailers |
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Emergency Management Directors |
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Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters |
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First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers |
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First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives |
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General and Operations Managers |
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Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians |
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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers |
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Intelligence Analysts |
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Motorboat Operators |
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Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators |
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Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers |
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Private Detectives and Investigators |
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Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists |
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Remote Sensing Technicians |
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Security Guards |
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Security Managers |
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Surveying and Mapping Technicians |
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Transit and Railroad Police |
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Transportation Security Screeners |
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Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers |
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A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to MOS MOS 0372 Critical Skills Operator can be found below.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
0132: Intelligence Research Specialist
Overview: This job series covers positions located within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Intelligence Enterprise (IE). Specialty areas for this position include research, analysis, evaluation, coordination, and dissemination of intelligence information; assessment and hypothesis testing regarding known or emerging border security threats; and maintenance and control of classified material and derivative classification requirements that apply to national security.
Duties at CBP: Work within this job series requires an Intelligence Research Specialist to apply a full range of analytical knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide finished intelligence and intelligence products in support of operations to enhance the agency mission. Typical work assignments may include:
- Execution of all-source intelligence compilation, analysis, production and dissemination;
- Timely assimilation of disparate data; rendering of knowledgeable and accurate assessments regarding the intelligence implications of such data; and effective presentation;
- Sourcing reliability and information validating determinations; incorporation of information from multiple sources into intelligence products;
- Synthesis of information into coherent and meaningful pictures or visualization of trends and patterns to convey intelligence to the appropriate audience for awareness, status updates or to inform operations;
- Identifying intelligence gaps, problems or potential difficulties; and
- Assessment, estimation, and forecasting regarding evolving or emerging border security threats; recommendation of appropriate courses of action to counter those threats; and successful execution of intelligence initiatives.
Locations: Various
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.
For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see: