0211 vs 0291
Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence Specialist (Lateral Move Only) (USMC) vs Intelligence Chief (USMC)
Both went to Parris Island or San Diego. Everything since has been a choose-your-own-adventure book with no good options.
If a 0211 could go back to MEPS, they'd want to know: this MOS is lateral move only, meaning you must already be serving as a Marine in another MOS before you can apply. If a 0291 had the same time machine: managing an S-2 section means managing analysts at different skill levels, maintaining a SCIF that is never as well-resourced as you'd like, and advising commanders who range from fully intel-literate to "show me the picture with the red arrow. Neither was briefed on any of this. Both would've appreciated the heads-up. Two branches that, despite joint doctrine, remain convinced the other one is doing it wrong.
After the Uniform
The part the recruiter skips: what each job actually translates to once you're a civilian — and what it pays.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. A guide, not a guarantee.
Recruiter vs. Reality
The pitch versus what people who actually did the job report back.
“This is a lateral move MOS — no recruiter is offering it to you at MEPS. You must already be a Marine (typically Corporal or above) to apply. The screening process, training pipeline, and job details are largely not discussed publicly for good reason. If you are genuinely interested, find the latest MARADMIN and call your local Intel Bn recruiter. That is the only path in.”
If you know, you know. If you don't, that's by design. This MOS is lateral move only, meaning you must already be serving as a Marine in another MOS before you can apply. The screening, selection, and training pipeline are not publicly detailed, and most of what you'd want to know about the day-to-day is either classified or under NDA. What can be said: the application process is competitive, the training is long, and the work is fundamentally different from conventional Marine Corps operations. Do not expect anyone currently in this MOS to tell you specifics on Reddit or anywhere else. Find the latest MARADMIN, meet the prerequisites, and contact your local Intelligence Battalion recruiter. That is the move.
“You'll be the senior intelligence professional that battalion and regimental commanders depend on for everything from threat assessments to SCIF management to intelligence training for the unit. As an 0291, you've spent a career developing the all-source expertise and analytical judgment that makes you the person in the room who can synthesize the picture. The senior IC and defense contractor market for your background is consistently strong.”
You've survived long enough in Marine intelligence to know what the job actually requires, which means you also know how often the system makes that harder than it needs to be. Managing an S-2 section means managing analysts at different skill levels, maintaining a SCIF that is never as well-resourced as you'd like, and advising commanders who range from fully intel-literate to "show me the picture with the red arrow." The post-military career is strong — DIA, CIA, NSA, and cleared defense contractors all have consistent demand for senior Marines with all-source intelligence backgrounds. Translation: keep your contacts, document your accomplishments in unclassified terms, and leave with a resume that doesn't just say "intelligence."
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