Counterterrorism Intelligence Field Guide
Overview
Counterterrorism intelligence is a specialty area within security. It involves gathering, producing, and evaluating information that political, military, and other government leaders can use in making decisions about the scope and immediacy of terrorism. As opposed to information gathered by other intelligence professionals, counterterrorism analysts examine and assess the leadership, motivations, plans and intentions of foreign terrorist groups and their sponsors (Michael T. Klare, Peace and World Security Studies).
Career Opportunities
There are many employment paths in counterterrorism intelligence and opportunities span across all sectors. Government agencies demand a wide range of diverse career positions. An intelligence officer or analyst conducts investigations, performs research, analyzes information, and prepares clear and concise reports on terrorist activities. But government agencies also employ scientists, engineers, technologists, translators/interpreters, technicians, information specialists, and financial and information technology specialists. Private and non-profit organizations employ a similar array of professionals in counterintelligence. Contractors and grantees from consulting firms and non-profit organizations typically have Junior and Senior-level analysts. A Junior-level analyst does work similar to that of an intelligence officer within the government. A Senior-level analyst— someone with substantial experience in intelligence—is likely to take on a leadership role by managing teams, editing information, and briefing key policymakers on specific aspects of terrorist activities.
Types of Jobs
Legal
Program management
Research
Translator
Consulting
Data analysis
Finance and accounting
Computer engineering
Qualifications + Skills
Foreign language proficiency
International experience
Strong communication skills
Research ability
Understanding of the Intelligence Cycle (collection, fusion, analysis and production, dissemination)
For U.S. Government jobs, U.S. citizenship is required
PRO TIP: Use Maxwell’s resources! INSCT has career resources, offers Certificates of Advanced Studies, and sponsors the Student Association on Terrorism and Security Analysis (SATSA) here at Maxwell.
Sample Employers
Anser Analytic Services, Inc.
Arnold and Porter, LLP
BAE Systems
Boeing
Booz Allen Hamilton
Carnegie Council
Cato Institute
Center for a New American Security
Center for Immigration Studies
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Control Risks Group
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federalist Society
Geneva Call
Global Rights
Human Rights Watch
Institute for Defense Analysis
International Center for Transnational Justice
International Crisis Group
Landesa
Lawyers Without Borders
LMI
Lockheed Martin
Mercy Corps
National Security Archive
Northtop Grumman
Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Public International Law & Policy Group
The Brookings Institution
The Institute of Defense and Strategic Studies
Woodrow Wilson Center
... And more!
Sample Maxwell Classes
U.S. Intelligence Community: Governance & Practice 1947-Present
U.S. Defense Strategy: Military Posture & Combat Operations 2001-Present
National Security Law
Information Security Policy
Central Challenges in National Security and Policy
Fundamentals of Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Economic Dimensions of Global Power
Resources
INSCT at Syracuse University
ASIS International
CI Centre
International Institute for Counter-Terrorism
U.S. Department of State Bureau of Counterterrorism
Related Career Guides
International and National Security
Foreign Service
Think Tanks