I am looking to re-enlist in the Marine corps as a prior service member. I am looking at a couple different MOS options right now, and looking for some advice. I have it narrowed down to either MP or intel, and just looking for input. What is intel really like? I know, a very broad question, but looking for all the help I can get. Thanks for any input!

I think first you gotta nail down which MOS, experiences/billets/etc can vary from one to the other. I was an 0251 and 0211 and served in shops with all of the intel MOSs. Which one you interested in?

I may be wrong, but I was under the impression that I would have to start off in either 0231 or 0261. Is that correct? So I would be looking at either one of those MOS's to start with. So any help you could give me with either of those would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

That's not correct. Have you considered being an 0211? BPT sit around a lot, and work some odd hours. I looked at that when I considered going from 0311 to 0231. Looked a bit too boring for me. But, as a prior 0311, there's not much left for me outside the Corps except as a PMC. What would you want to get out of being in the intel field? Getting out and becoming a consultant? What are your motives?

Here's a link to job descriptions:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/enlistedjo2/a/02.htm

Here's the "entry level" MOS's:

0231-- Intelligence Specialist

0261-- Geographic Intelligence Specialist

0251 has been merged with 0211-- CI/HUMINT Specialist. If you're re-enlisting (even from the USMCR or re-entering the USMC) and you're Cpl or above, 21 or older, and with a GT of 110 or higher-- you qualify for MOS 0211 (doesn't mean you'll get it, there's a screening process).

0241-- Imagery Analysis Specialist is a lat-move only MOS as well with a screening process also.

All requirements for entering the intel fields are listed in the link above, but I'm betting you've read that. If you have specific questions, I'd be glad to help.

I have looked at that website and found alot of good info-thanks. I guess what I am looking for is a overview of what it is like day to day as a 0231. As far as any "motives"- I want to be a Marine and I think I would be best suited in either intel or as an MP. Thanks for all the help and anymore you guys can give me.

Here's an article giving a pretty good idea of what 0231's do in a combat environment:

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061210/NEWS06/103170015

And, as it states, they're not just huddled down in their HQ, they do go out with combat elements. One has been killed in Iraq to date.

During peacetime it is pretty much an office job (when not involved in training exercises)...chasing leads on the latest threats and writing intel reports.