The IS Rating
The Photographic Intelligenceman rating was established in 1957; in 1975, the rating was disestablished and had its activities, and some Yeoman rating responsibilities, rolled into a new rating, the Intelligence Specialist.
Military information, particularly classified information about enemies or potential enemies, is called "intelligence."
Intelligence specialists analyze intelligence data. Intelligence Specialists break down information to determine its usefulness in military planning. From this intelligence data, they prepare materials that describe in detail the features of strategic and tactical areas all over the world.
Intelligence Specialist (IS)
Intelligence Specialists assist in every phase of the planning, collection, processing, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence information. They assemble and analyze multi-source operational intelligence in support of all warfare areas, assist in support of intelligence briefings, reporting, and analytical programs.
Intelligence Specialists prepare and present intelligence briefings, as well as, prepare material for use in mission planning. They prepare graphics (annotated photographs, plot sheets, mosaics, overlays, etc.), and plot and prepare multi-sensor imagery. ISs draft intelligence reports, and provide input to and receive data from computerized intelligence systems from both ashore and afloat. ISs also maintain the intelligence files (photographs, maps, charts, photographic interpretation keys, etc.) and libraries.
Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment
Teamwork, speaking and writing skills, the ability to do detailed work, keep records and perform mathematical calculations are important attributes for people interested in the IS rating. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and meet eligibility requirements for continuous access to sensitive compartmented information (SCI). Eligibility for a top secret clearance is determined by the results of a Single Scope Background Investigation followed by a reinvestigation every five years. Adversely adjudicated drug abuse offenses will not receive waiver consideration.
Applicants’ immediate family members, including parents, sibling(s), and spouse, must be U.S. citizens or from a low risk country as defined by Intelligence Community Directive 704. Other helpful characteristics are resourcefulness, curiosity, an interest in ideas and information and the ability to make analytical decisions.
Vision correctable to 20/20 and normal color perception is required. Intelligence specialists perform most of their duties in an office or watch environment. They usually work closely with others, doing mostly analytical work, but must have the capability to work without supervision and to support the intelligence mission of the Navy on land, undersea at sea and in the air.
IS's serve on board ships, aircraft squadrons and various intelligence production centers located in the United States and overseas. Intelligence Specialist ASVAB Test requirement.
Credit Recommendations
The American Council on Education recommends that semester hour credits be awarded in the vocational certificate and lower division bachelor's/associate's degree categories for courses taken in this rating on applied mathematics basic photography, computer concepts, drafting and design, technical writing and office practices.