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USMC2631

Electronic Intelligence/Electromagnetic Warfare Analyst

Collects, identifies, and analyzes electronic signals intelligence. Operates sophisticated electronic warfare and signals collection equipment in support of tactical and strategic operations.

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Recruiter vs. Reality
What they tell you

You'll collect and analyze electronic signals intelligence in support of Marine and joint operations — intercepting radar emissions, weapons system signatures, and electronic order of battle data that helps the MAGTF understand the battlefield before it steps onto it. ELINT is among the most specialized and least talked about intelligence specialties. The TS/SCI clearance plus operational ELINT experience creates a post-military profile that NSA, NRO, and defense SIGINT contractors recruit from specifically.

What it's actually like

You'll work in a signals collection environment processing electronic signatures — radar emissions, weapons system electronic fingerprints, and technical intelligence that informs how the Marine Corps understands its adversaries' capabilities. The work is classified well beyond what you can explain to anyone outside the community, which becomes its own kind of social skill to develop. Deployed, the work is genuinely important. Garrison, the production requirements and collection system maintenance create a rhythm that is less thrilling. Shift work is endemic because signals don't keep business hours. The three-letter agencies and cleared defense ELINT contractors hire 2631s consistently; the key is being able to translate the experience without violating what you can't talk about — and the community has figured out how to do that.

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MOS Intel

ClearanceTS/SCI
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PromotionFast
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Deploy TempoModerate
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BonusUp to $25,000
Career Intel
Duty StationsCamp Pendleton (CA) · Camp Lejeune (NC) · Fort Meade (MD) · Quantico (VA) · Various SIGINT sites
Daily LifeElectronic intelligence (ELINT) collection, signals analysis, report writing, and database operations on classified systems. You intercept and analyze electronic signals to produce intelligence products. Good assignments put you alongside NSA analysts; fleet assignments have you in SIGINT vans or fixed facilities supporting the MEF.
AIT / SchoolTraining at Corry Station (Pensacola, FL) is 6+ months of SIGINT fundamentals and ELINT-specific training. The clearance investigation runs concurrently. Pensacola is a decent duty station for training — beach access on weekends and a reasonable quality of life.
Physical DemandsLow to moderate. The work is desk-based intelligence collection, but Marines still meet Corps physical standards. Field deployments with radio battalions involve carrying and operating SIGINT equipment.
DeploymentsDeploys with radio battalions and intelligence units; some TDY to NSA and theater SIGINT facilities
Certifications
TS/SCI clearance (maintained)ELINT analyst qualificationsSignals analysis certifications
Pro Tips
  1. 1Your TS/SCI clearance and SIGINT experience are worth six figures in the defense contracting market. Do not let your clearance lapse.
  2. 2Push for a Fort Meade or agency assignment. The proximity to NSA and other intelligence agencies provides unmatched networking and experience.
  3. 3Learn Python and data analysis tools. The intelligence community increasingly values analysts who can code.
The Honest Truth

The 2631 is the Marine Corps' electronic intelligence specialist — you intercept and analyze electronic emissions to produce actionable intelligence. The recruiter probably can't explain this MOS in detail because it's classified. The reality: this is one of the best MOSs in the Marine Corps for post-military career potential. The TS/SCI clearance alone is worth a massive salary premium, and ELINT skills are in high demand at NSA, CIA, defense contractors, and cybersecurity firms. The work itself ranges from fascinating (operational SIGINT collection) to tedious (staring at signals for 12-hour shifts). Your experience varies enormously by assignment — agency billets are career-defining, fleet billets can be routine. Either way, the credentials you walk away with are more valuable than most graduate degrees.

Training Pipeline
1
Recruit Training13w
Parris Island (SC)
2
MCT4w
Camp Geiger (NC)
3
ELINT Course16w
Corry Station (FL)
Electronic intelligence collection, emissions analysis, technical reporting.
On the Outside

What this actually is in the real world

Your skills translate. Here's what civilian employers call this job — and what they pay.

SIGINT Analyst

Dead-on match
$95,000$68,000$145,000/yr median
Job market: Average

Electronic Warfare Analyst

Dead-on match
$88,000$62,000$132,000/yr median
Job market: Average

NSA Contractor

Strong match
$115,000$82,000$172,000/yr median
Job market: Average
Salary data estimated from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and comparable civilian roles. Figures are approximations — use as a guide, not a guarantee.
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