Intelligence branch..

[The Queen`s Bloggins]

The Intelligence Branch is indeed a dull branch to be in, compared to what most people think it is. Map marking, AFV recognition, GENFORCE tactics. Overseas tours can be interesting but these are only for those who put in a solid effort and are competent in their trade skills.

The reserves tend to be less professional than their Regular force counterparts. This is due to an inconsistent recruiting policy, which has allowed some less than desirable indiviuals from combat arms units in. On this subject...

I have worked with Darren S. many times and found that he is a solid, competent operator in both trades, Int and Inf(he qualified Sgt in both). SLIM on the other hand has a reputation that is less than sterling, thus his attack on the credibility of a senior pers, who has done much good for his unit. SLIM‘s remarks are the typical sort of backstabbing remarks that makes the Res Int world weak.

 

[Spr.Earl]

Int.,aint that a oxymoron in our world?

 

[Spr.Earl]

Originally posted by The Queen‘s Bloggins:
[qb] The Intelligence Branch is indeed a dull branch to be in, compared to what most people think it is. Map marking, AFV recognition, GENFORCE tactics. Overseas tours can be interesting but these are only for those who put in a solid effort and are competent in their trade skills.

The reserves tend to be less professional than their Regular force counterparts. This is due to an inconsistent recruiting policy, which has allowed some less than desirable individuals from combat arms units in. On this subject...

I have worked with Darren S. many times and found that he is a solid, competent operator in both trades, Int and Inf(he qualified Sgt in both). SLIM on the other hand has a reputation that is less than sterling, thus his attack on the credibility of a senior pers, who has done much good for his unit. SLIM‘s remarks are the typical sort of backstabbing remarks that makes the Res Int world weak. [/qb]

Sir as a Officer holding the Queens warrant I find it very distasteful of you posting dirty linen on this means as to the lower ranks,you as a Officer should know better.Even though the subject was brought up.You should do this privately.

You Sir have failed as a Officer in my opinion.

 

[clasper]

Originally posted by Spr.Earl:
[qb] Int.,aint that a oxymoron in our world? [/qb]

Military Intelligence is only the second largest oxymoron in the world.

The largest: the greatest hits album called "The Essential Parachute Club" (I‘ve heard it consists of twelve different versions of "Rise Up")

 

[xFusilier]

C‘mon though you got to admit for socialist propaganda it had a much more catchier beat than say, the Internationale

 

[Korus]

The Intelligence Branch is indeed a dull branch to be in

I‘m going to have to refute that. I suppose it depends on what you‘re interesed in. If you joined the army only to "Blow **** Up", then yeah, Int could be boreing as all ****.. Logging and Plotting isn‘t always an action packed, seat of the pants thrill, but you have to start somewhere.

"Military Intelligence is the second oldest profession, and only slightly more respectable."

 

[The Queen`s Bloggins]

In response to those who didn‘t appreciate my last post, let me say this:

1) My intent was to defend someone who who is likely unaware of this slight to his reputation. Let‘s face, this is a small army, we know who we are here.

2) SLIM yet again takes the chance to vent his spleen against a former unit member. I am not Capt R.N.

3) I don‘t mean to slag the Int branch but rather to explain why some of the remarks made here that are less than charitable toward it. Perhaps those that mealy mouth it should look at themselves first, before casting stones at others.

4) Posting critism doesn not make one unworthy to hold a Queen‘s Commission. Standing by and letting people degrade the career of good soldier does.

 

[kurokaze]

Queen‘s Bloggins: Are you an artillery officer in the Toronto area? If so, please pm me.

 

[Spr.Earl]

Originally posted by The Queen‘s Bloggins:
[qb] In response to those who didn‘t appreciate my last post, let me say this:

1) My intent was to defend someone who who is likely unaware of this slight to his reputation. Let‘s face, this is a small army, we know who we are here.

2) SLIM yet again takes the chance to vent his spleen against a former unit member. I am not Capt R.N.

3) I don‘t mean to slag the Int branch but rather to explain why some of the remarks made here that are less than charitable toward it. Perhaps those that mealy mouth it should look at themselves first, before casting stones at others.

4) Posting critism doesn not make one unworthy to hold a Queen‘s Commission. Standing by and letting people degrade the career of good soldier does. [/qb]

Even so it should be done in private1

 

[girlfiredup]

Wow, as someone who is heading into the Reserves, I‘m becoming a little discouraged reading all this stuff. Me thinks I‘ll just keep my nose clean and mouth shut and keep a good attitude towards all.

 

[Korus]

That‘s the most important thing, just keeping a good attitude... Otherwise you‘ll never be happy in the military.

 

[girlfiredup]

One will never be happy anywhere, not just the military with what I call stinkin‘ thinkin‘ or a BA (bad attitude). Of course we all have our days. What you focus your attention on determines the issues of your life. Kumbaya.

 

[Gunnar]

Hey! Bickering reservists! Cool it! Civilians read this site and some of them think military types are cool....or at least have their s__t together. You‘re ruining my sterling image of you all!

Haven‘t you heard the rule? Thou shalt not name names, lest ye be thought a knob.

Unfortunately, that also goes to those who would defend...because the battle becomes drawn out until everyone can hear the shooting and comes to watch the spectacle. Spectacles attract vultures, and that ain‘t good for the board, the CF, or the defendant...

Someone else has the tag line: Never argue with an idiot: they drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience. It‘s still true.

The non-officer, civilian

 

[Arctic Acorn]

Oh boy, I'm not even sure where to start.

Ludacris: IMHO, The Int Branch is a good trade to be in, though frankly I'd talk to one in person to get a bead on what sort of work the branch does. It isn‘t for everyone, though, so going to a unit of talking to one is a good way to see if the branch is for you.

Johnny-Boy: 3 Int is a decent unit, is full-time staff is excellent, and they keep very busy with taskings and deployments. They've nearly doubled in size in the last couple of years, and from what I've been told it's the next few years are going to be an interesting time to be in the unit. As far as I know, It's the only reserve unit in Canada to take folks off the street. In the regular force (and all the other reserve units in Canada), you must be QL4 qualified in another trade, be at least a corporal, and (If I'm not mistaken) you must have an operational tour under your belt (reg force only).

Ludacris, Johnny-boy and anyone else thinking about the branch... Don't let this thread discourage you. Please realise that EVERY trade has its share both well-respected and competent soldiers, and, well...some who aren't. Unless you're in the JTF2 or something, you will see this everywhere.

Slim, since you mentioned that it's a good idea not to air the Branch dirty laundry, I PM'ed you. It's a good thing you're out, because you, as you put it, â Å“did not impress me with any kind of attitude that I would like to see from an NCO in an int unit! Soldiers are supposed to be forward thinking, eager and exited about soldiering...â ?

The Queens Bloggins: Sir, don't let the actions and s***ty comments of a few colour the remainder of an otherwise hardworking and professional trade. As for your comment on reserve intelligence being weak, I have to disagree. The whole point of reserve intelligence is to augment the regular force on exercises and operations, and I believe the reserve side of the house does a solid job of this. There have been some very good observations about deficiencies by folks who are actually in the trade, but no trade is perfect. We have our problems like anyone else. Additionally, your Bio says that you are a mud gunner, so I don't know just how much exposure you have to int-types. Most of what we do, let alone the 'gucci stuff' usually doesn't leave the branch. And, with all due respect, if I have no training, experience, or call to critisise the performance of a gun det operating out in the field...can you provide an accurate critique of what we do, Sir?

Finally, (and this is for civilians who are interested in joining our trade) There is a lot of sentiment out there that hiring folks off the street for intelligence work is a mistake. I am an 'off the street' int op, and I conditionally agree with this. However, while some prior military experience would have been useful, it isn't a deal-breaker. You may have to work a little harder to catch up in some respects, but its okay as long as you work hard and keep an open mind.

Thats my .002.

 

[wongskc]

Maybe the mods should lock this topic for a while and let everyone cool down.

 

[Cyloh]

This goes out to anyone who is or ever has been an intelligence operator or has worked with them. I've put in my transfer to go from a Signal Operator to Intelligence Operator(in the reserves)...some say I made a big mistake but it's too late to go back now, but the transfer will take a few months so I thought I might ask around and see what the trade is really like. Everyone at my comms unit is has the opinion that the people at intelligence do nothing (probably referring to the reserves). Can anyone give me a description of a normal parade day at a reserve intelligence unit? Ive also been told they go overseas a lot.

 

[Alex252]

Well im going to tell you what my friends brother told me. You get to do a lot of interesting stuff but it is a trade you need to be devoted to. Hes in the Regs and i believe hes involved with CISIS or however its spelt. I cant really tell you about the tours because he couldnt tell me where he went

 

[from darkness lite]

"Everyone at my comms unit is has the opinion that the people at intelligence do nothing (probably referring to the reserves). Can anyone give me a description of a normal parade day at a reserve intelligence unit? Ive also been told they go overseas a lot."

Where to start on this one????  To start, whoever told you Int Ops do nothing obviously doesn't know what they are talking about!!  I can't speak for all Reserve Int units (I'm a Reg force Int WO), but those I've worked with have a pretty busy training schedule.  Just like all other army units they have to get everyone through the IBTS testing, but they also have a pretty robust professional development program.  Soldiers are taught Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield, Collection Planning, ISTAR, briefing techniques, Orders of Battle (ORBATs), tactics, collation, etc, etc.  You were correctly informed about overseas tours.  Int is on nearly every operation, and normally reservists are involved in every one of them (We don't have enough Reg force Int Ops to go around).  And if you go overseas, you will work, and work hard!!!!  Typically the Int section will work 12-14 hour days (longer during high tempo periods), seven days a week, no minimum manning on Sundays like some organizations!!!  And speaking for myself, I have high standards for my Int Ops, I won't accept a half-a** effort due to fatigue, etc.  Mistakes in our line of work could, in the worst possible scenerio, cost someone their life!!

Int Ops, and Int units, aren't perfect, but who is??  I'd suggest dropping by your local Int unit and actually speaking to an Int Op.  Choose one, preferably a Snr NCO, with a couple of tours under their belt (plenty of Reserve/Regular Int Ops with multiple tours!!!), to get the straight poop.  Oh yeah, never rely on the Int of a single source (your unit). Rule one of being an Int Op, do your research, have multiple sources, and make an informed assessment!!!

 

[Korus]

To add to what From Darkness Lite said, I'll give the Res side of Int.

Going off your profile, I'm assuming you're joining the Int Pl in the same city as your current unit? If so, I can provide an even better perspective..

On a typical parade night, we're doing either professional development or preparation for future exercises. You can expect to have intelligence principles (ISTAR, Orbats, Tactics, etc) drilled into you over the year, then in the summer you'll take your QL3 and QL4. The trade itself, at least in the Int world, is undergoing some pretty big changes right now, as units are beginning to figure out how to properly employ us, with many exciting prospects on the horizon for those of us in the unit who like the Combat Int side of things.

As From Darkness Lite mentioned, it would be a good idea to come out to the unit on a parade night and talk to some of us one on one.. Drop me a PM and I can point you towards some good people to talk to when you come in.

(For the opposite side of the coin, I've seen the Sigs guys sitting doing next to nothing for an entire Janus exercise, while we Int pers were constantly busy..)

 

[Mulan]

Cyloh,
Since your first post was back in October you may have already made your decision by now. If you have not then I agree with getting as much information as you can and, if possible, talking with people who have put in some time. Personally, collation, plotting and data analysis are all interesting to me because I feel at times like I am building a puzzle by making all the pieces first and then building the picture.  I also like the dynamic of being in a purple trade and yet having a very strong sense of team spirit. All that being said - signals also has a lot to offer. Ask around and then follow your heart. Good luck.