About the Job

The Intelligence Analyst (Analyst Intelligence Operations) is a member of the Australian Intelligence Corps (Aust Int). The role of Aust Int is to provide the intelligence support that assists commanders in their military decision making processes at tactical, operational and strategic levels. Intelligence support comprises that knowledge of the enemy and the area of operations that commanders need to prosecute their missions. It also includes the active and passive measures undertaken to prevent the enemy from acquiring intelligence about friendly forces and their intentions. In short, the role of Aust Int is encapsulated in the Corps' motto - Forewarned, Forearmed'.

The Intelligence Analyst serves in units and headquarters at every level - tactical, operational and strategic, usually as part of a small team. You will also find the Intelligence Analyst in units or detachments that have specific requirements for intelligence support, including Special Forces units.

The Intelligence Analyst is also employed in specialist intelligence units that provide support to the Australian Defence Force in fields such as:

  • Combat intelligence
  • Security intelligence
  • Electronic warfare
  • Human intelligence
  • Imagery intelligence and
  • Psychological operations

The function of an Intelligence Analyst is to acquire, process and analyse intelligence of tactical, operational and/or strategic importance and disseminate it in a timely manner and an appropriate format with little or no supervision. As the Intelligence Analyst receives additional training and gains experience and promotion they will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing very complex intelligence-related activities.

As an Intelligence Analyst you will: have a high level of written and oral communications skills; have the ability to think logically and objectively; be capable of analysing complex and unprecedented situations and exercising above average judgement on the relevance, time-sensitivity and accuracy of information; display above average initiative; be capable of assuming responsibility well beyond your worn rank, and have the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

In-Service Information
This role is known as Analyst Intelligence Operations within the Army.
Employment Category Number (ECN): 003
Employment Category: Combat Support

Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

National Qualifications

Army is currently undertaking a review of civil accreditation gained through Army training.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

The geographic variety of postings for Australian Intelligence Corps (Aust Int) personnel is extensive with postings in all capital cities except Hobart.

Aust Int personnel work in teams most commonly in major Army units or headquarters and within various Defence Intelligence establishments.

Intelligence personnel frequently see service overseas as they are constantly in demand to support ADF operations and deployments. Operations and deployments are for periods of between six and eight months.


Requirements

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Education & Experience

Applicants must have a minimum educational standard of Australian Year 10 (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.

If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

If you have only received partial recognition of your qualifications, you will be advised of the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) after the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete. The IMPS will be between four and seven years.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

All General Entry recruits into the Australian Regular Army are required to complete the Recruit Course.

Total Duration: 80 days.

Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.

Recruit training is the same for male and female entrants. During the 80 day Army Recruit Course you will be required to take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. The training is deliberately challenging and has been designed to prepare you to be a soldier in today's Army. Recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved.

Further information is also available here.

During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and (Initial) Employment Training, members may be required to pay a contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.

Employment Training

You will undertake the following courses:

Introduction to Defence Intelligence Course (IDIC)
Location: Canungra, QLD.
Duration: 10 working days (not including weekends).
Note: Attendance is reliant on individuals achieving a Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance. Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.

The aim of the IDIC is to provide initial core training in intelligence for ADF and Defence Personnel. This preliminary intelligence training caters for all Service and civilian personnel joining the Defence Intelligence Community. The emphasis throughout the course is on learning and development of the individual. The IDIC covers the minimum essential theory, but the focus is on application of theory and skills in a practical environment.

Defence Intelligence Research Analysis Course (DIRAC)
Location: Canungra, QLD.
Duration: 20 days (not including weekends).
Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.

The aim of the DIRAC is to train Defence Personnel in research skills and analytical techniques. The emphasis throughout the course is on learning and the development of the individual, with the focus on the application of theory and skills in a practical environment.

Land Intelligence Initial Employment Training Course
Location: Canungra, QLD.
Duration: 40 working days (not including weekends).
Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.

Building on the foundation skills introduced in the DIRAC and IDIC, this course trains and qualifies soldiers to be intelligence analysts for employment in a wide range of operational environments within Australia and overseas. The intelligence skills developed on this course are critical to providing commanders with the necessary intelligence to support their decision making processes.

Further Training

Once you have graduated from your Initial Employment Training there will be a period of approximately 18 months in which you can consolidate and apply your intelligence skills at the unit you have been posted to. At or around that period you will be eligible to attend a promotion course for Corporal and attend intelligence career courses in the various intelligence disciplines.

Language training is also available for those who are interested in obtaining a language qualification and who meet the language aptitude requirements. For those applicants who already possess a language, you will have the option of sitting a qualification test and gain official accreditation of your language skill which will provide you with a language bounty and additional training to improve your fluency.