0211 Counter-Intelligence Specialist

Wheezcellbert

Active member
Im currently a highschool senior and have been slotted as an 0231 Intelligence Specialist. My recruiter is urging me to go into 0211 and do counter-intel saying that it is a better occupation and suits my personality more. Im wondering if anyone here is an 0211 in the Marine Corps and if they could tell me a little more about the occupation.
 
Im currently a highschool senior and have been slotted as an 0231 Intelligence Specialist. My recruiter is urging me to go into 0211 and do counter-intel saying that it is a better occupation and suits my personality more. Im wondering if anyone here is an 0211 in the Marine Corps and if they could tell me a little more about the occupation.

0211

0211 isn't an entry level MOS in the Marine Corps. You have to be an E-4 or an E-5.

Maybe one of the Marines on here can correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the Corps guarantee the careerfield only, not the specific MOS?
 
I know that its not entry level but the way it was explained to me was that it could still be given to me but I would just wait until I was an E-4 and until that time I would be doing 0231 work.
 
I know that its not entry level but the way it was explained to me was that it could still be given to me but I would just wait until I was an E-4 and until that time I would be doing 0231 work.

I'm sure one of the Marines around here will be along shortly to field this question. It's out of my scope.
 
I dreamsheeted over from 03 to 02 way back when in the long ago days.

Started out as OJT for 0251 then ended up as 0231 for a couple years. The 0211's used to hang out in our shop quite often. From what I was able to gather from the conversations and bitching sessions (everyone complains about their job. It's all part of the life style lol), 11s spent most of their time either making camouflage netting or teaching others how to deploy such netting.

I do recall conversations about some of the cool training they got, such as lock picking and covert room searching etc etc... sounded a bit James Bondage.

As an 0231, you will have as good an understanding of what's going on in your AO and the world in general, in regards to the enemy present or suspected in the future.

There was no James Bondage type stuff going on with any of the 31 shops I was assigned to, it was all about studying the enemy, learning about the enemy, reading up on the day to day doings of the enemy... and quite often, being in charge of the piss testing for drug screens :/

Much and lots have changed since the mid '80s though so I have no real clue on who does what any more in the intel field.

But, going with the Sun Tzu sayings, spending time as an 0231 was a real eye opener for this grunt.
 
As for the recruiting offers and time in the fleet requirements, much is changing or has already changed and there may be a "needs of the Corps" memo out adding even more changes...so you'd need someone dealing with recruiting currently to give up to date scoop.

That'd be my best guess anyway.
 
From my understanding they can guarantee the MOS field but not the actualy MOS.

Take me for instance, I went through boot specced in my MOS as a 3000 series, Supply. Once I got out of boot they specced me to my actual MOS 3043. Until you complete boot camp and MCT you will be a 0200. The Marine Corps will spec you out to the MOS you need.

Now in the Intel field maybe there is a little more leeway. I know a Sgt friend of mine just lat-moved from 3043 to 0211. That is a fast track MOS.

Remember, recruiters have a list that comes out that shows all the hotfills and shortfalls of the Marine Corps. They try to fill some of those slots with what they call an Alpha Male (Grad, High ASVAB score, no bad background) etc etc.

Best bet, decide what you want to do and do not let him tell you different. If he does go see a different recruiter or go to a different branch.
 
I scored an 88 on my ASVAB will graduate on June 7th and dont have a single thing on my record. The way its been told to me is that "The needs of the Marine Corps are more important then meeting the rank requirement for jobs." Either way I've already joined the Marine Corps and am slotted for an intel job and Im just glad that I can serve in the Marine Corps.
 
I realize it is now almost two years after you posted your question, but no Marines responded with accurate, up to date information. Because of this, I wanted to help out in case people come along in the future looking for help on this topic.

First, I am not in the Intel field, but I have done extensive research on the matter (specifically 0211 and 0251), and I believe everything I have to say is accurate.

You must be a Corporal or Sergeant to lat-move into 0211. They do not fill the slots for '11s with lower ranks (except very rarely Lance Corporals) or for higher ranks (occasionally Staff Sergeants). They do not give this contract to first-time enlistees.

If you are given the 0200 field when you enlist, as the original poster was, then you will more than likely be assigned 0231, Intel Specialist. From there you are eligible to lat-move to 0211 once you pick up the rank of Cpl and meet the other requirements.

In terms of getting a guaranteed specific MOS upon enlisting, yes this is possible. It is rare, but if the recruiter pulls enough strings and plays all his cards right, it can happen. I have a few friends whom this happened with. However, I also have a few friends who were given a "guaranteed contract" with a specific MOS, only to have it be changed during boot camp or MCT. Everything is always based on the needs of the Marine Corps. But yes, it is possible to get a guaranteed MOS. This happens more frequently for reservists. Also, this will never happen with an MOS that has a rank requirement upon entering (such as 0211).

Hope this helps any future men or women who are interested in 0211.
 
Requirements

Ok Gents,

You must be a Cpl, Sgt or on your first year as a SSgt (Male or Female)
You must have a GT score of 110 or higher
You must be a US Citizen
You must be 21 years of age
You must have 3 years of obligated service upon graduation of the MAGTF CI/HUMINT Basic Course
You must be Eligible to obtain a TS/SCI Clearance

Other..
Must be able to think outside the box
Must be able to be trusted on his abilities of operating on his own
Must be able to be TALK (make conversations), be APROACHABLE (not be so into himself that no one wants to talk to him) and most important HUMBLE
Confidence is prefered over Cockyness...

NO, is not a entry level MOS and its not given. You must go thru a series of screenings, interviews and evaluations before you even get to do any OJT time. You can also be dropped from the school if you cant keep up with the intensive training schedule or if you show any sign of lack of being able to adapt. Many undergo further training and is always a good thing to know that a new applicant will be able perform.
 
I apologize for being very late on this. I think I can make it pretty clear as a former active 0251. First and foremost... there are no longer any 0251's in the USMC. The MOS was phased out so all active 0251's became 0211 (CI) after going through a relatively basic version of the CI course.
Now... if you're looking to become an 0211 you must first apply to be seen by the board. (((Whatever you do, don't re-enlist before the board!!!))) Re-enlisting into the 0211 MOS doesn't even guarantee you a seat in front of the board. If they don't select you, you'll simply be redirected as an intelligence analyst (which is a very lame MOS!). If you are fortunate enough to go in front of the board and aren't selected than you'll become an analyst (again very lame). If you are selected, you become an OJT (on the job training) until you wait for your slot to go up to the Basic CI Course in NMITC. The course is very difficult and the wash out % is high. If you don't pass they may give you an opportunity to go back if they really like you. If they don't then you become.... again.... an analyst!
If you do happen to pass the course.... they give you credentials and send you out into the world
 
things may change but there are only 3 platoons of Marine CounterIntel MOS's. One platoon from Pendelton, Okinawa and Lejune. Before you can join you will undergo a personal evaluation where you will have to write college level papers on various political topics. Before you join you will have to go to Army jump school in Fort Benning.. which is a pain since you will be a single Marine typically around a bunch of army. But you will have to have jump wings. Once you get your jump wings you will undergo a personal interview by a board of your peers. If you pass this interview process you will undergo about six months of training. Once you become 0211 you will typically be deployed to be a laison to various units. Often times you will be attached to army units. Most often you will be working alone.
 
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This is in response to Marinerhodes message. You are an idiot and that is not how the recruiters select the jobs for them. With the high rate of people coming into the Marine Corps. The jobs are on a first come basis. There over all asvab score determines nothing with them getting asigned there jobs. Its has to do with there sub scores on the asvab such as GT,MM,CL, AND EL. People like you that write in open forums as if they know what they are talking about make a recruiters job much harder. Since your the expert you do your time on the streets and then post in this forum and tell us what you think.
 
I'm also in the process of lat moving into the 0211 field. I'm almost finished with my writing assignments.. I was curious if anyone knows what kinda questions will be asked during my board interview and also what does the OJT consist of once I do the lat move before going to the school?
 
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