What Is a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Intelligence Officer?
Written by:
East Carolina University®
• Jan 9, 2025
What Is a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Intelligence Officer?
Every service branch of the U.S. armed forces relies on intel from the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) officers. These professionals, highly skilled in multiple areas, identify threats to national security, lead counterintelligence operations, and collect, process, and secure sensitive military data. DIA intelligence officers usually specialize in a specific area of interest, providing accurate information on that topic.
DIA Intelligence officers need exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills. Earning a multidisciplinary degree in security studies can prepare an individual for a career in this important field.
DIA Intelligence Officer Responsibilities
The military needs accurate intelligence to plan military operations and protect the nation. Accurate information from intelligence officers can mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield.
DIA intelligence officers collect and analyze various types of intelligence to identify threats and provide actionable information. Drawing on their expertise, they draft intelligence reports and brief military officers and other decision-makers.
The job duties of a DIA intelligence officer include:
- Collecting and disseminating military intelligence to support planning and operations
- Planning and implementing intelligence operations
- Evaluating aerial imagery, electronic monitoring intelligence, and human intelligence
- Identifying, evaluating, and mitigating threats from foreign adversaries
- Directing counterintelligence investigations
DIA intelligence officers work closely with security and law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies such as the DoD, CIA, NSC, ODNI, DNA, and many more
Service Branches
All six service branches of the U.S. armed forces receive information from intelligence officers. The intel and topic may vary based on the branch.
DIA intelligence officers may provide information to the:
While duties and information can differ, intelligence specialists across the branches share many of the same core responsibilities.
Intelligence Officer Specializations
DIA intelligence officers specialize in one of several areas, depending on their military branch and role. Some common areas of specialization are:
- Analysis
- Counterintelligence
- Finance & Acquisition
- Human Intelligence
- Human Services
- Legal
- Information Technology
- Mission Management
- Security
- Office Management and Infrastructure
- Science and Technology
Educational and Experience Requirements for DIA Intelligence Officers
Intelligence officers must meet certain educational and experience requirements to work at the DIA, including training requirements.
Educational Requirements
Intelligence officers typically need an undergraduate education, such as a bachelor’s degree. Majoring in a field related to intelligence such as security studies , political science, or information technology benefits prospective DIA intelligence officers. Coursework focused on the U.S. intelligence community, international relations, network security, and intelligence analysis all benefit prospective intelligence officers.
Experience Requirements
After meeting the educational requirements, aspiring intelligence officers must complete the relevant training for intelligence gathering and dissemination. This on-the-job learning can include training in surveillance equipment and interpretation. Intelligence officers also are trained in leadership and planning skills during officer training school. In some cases, DIA intelligence officers are also required to complete military training.
Gain Security Clearance
The job requirements for a DIA intelligence officer include gaining high-level security clearance, which includes completing a background check and polygraph test. The access level is usually Top Secret with Sensitive Compartmented (TS/SCI) clearance, which is required due to the sensitive nature of an intelligence officer’s work.
DIA Intelligence Officer Salary
Intelligence officers in the military benefit from having a high earning potential. According to Today’s Military , a publication of the U.S. Department of Defense, intelligence officers have a median pay of over $116,000. The armed forces rely on intelligence officers to collect and analyze data, making this an in-demand role.
Experience as an intelligence officer can also lead to post-service opportunities as an intelligence analyst, crime analyst, or cybersecurity analyst.
Prepare for an Intelligence Career at East Carolina University®
If you’re interested in pursuing a DIA intelligence career, earning a bachelor’s degree can help you reach your professional goals. The online Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies: Security Studies degree completion program from East Carolina University can prepare you to become a DIA intelligence officer.
Military service members and busy adults benefit from the flexibility of the program’s online learning format. The program’s multidisciplinary approach, which combines security studies, political science, and information and cybersecurity technology courses, provides a strong foundation for aspiring DIA intelligence officers. Students can customize the program by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals.
Contact ECU today to learn more about how a security studies degree can launch your intelligence career.
Recommended Readings
Intelligence Analyst Career Overview
What Is Intelligence Collection, and Why Does It Matter?
Sources:
Careers in the Military, Intelligence Officers
Defense Intelligence Agency, Applying at DIA
Defense Intelligence Agency, Careers and Opportunities
Intel.gov, DIA Intelligence Officer
Today’s Military, Intelligence Officers