Note: This MOS has been discontinued since 2020. For informational purposes only.
Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collectors (MOS 35Q) perform cryptologic digital analysis for the U.S. Army.
The cryptologic digital analysis is used to establish target identification and operational patterns.
An Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) uses this information to report and maintain intelligence information in support of Commander’s Intelligence Requirements.
Learn more about 35Q MOS, including required education and training, job duties, salary, and civilian job outlook.
Education, Qualifications,Training and Duty Stations
Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collectors (MOS 35Q) perform initial cryptologic digital analysis for target IDs and operational patterns.
Technical references help analyze the information in order to craft Intelligence reports and databases.
The role of MOS 35Q is sophisticated, so it does require a fair amount of Education, Qualifications,Training and Duty Stations:
Related Article – Army Intelligence Analyst (MOS 35F): Career Details
Education
After completing high school or receiving a GED equivalent, you will want to approach a local Army recruiter.
Those that wish to serve in the U.S. Army must complete the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
The ASVAB is a series of tests that help determine which Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) is best suited for your skills.
Those that are interested in joining as a 35Q MOS Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector must score Skilled Technical (ST): 112 or higher.
Additionally, you will have to pass the Information Communication Technology Literacy (ICTL) test. Testing is performed at your local high school or MEPS center.
Qualifications
The most important qualification you need to become an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) is to receive a Top Secret security clearance.
The Department of Defense takes military security clearances very seriously.
Consequently, you will undergo an extensive background check that will not only examine your criminal history, but also any use of alcohol and drugs, financial/spending habits, and other relevant information.
You are disqualified if you have any felony convictions or arrests.
A history of drug or alcohol abuse will likely prevent you from becoming MOS 35Q, as well.
The Department of Defense will want to learn more about previous employers, former residences, and overseas travel.
Some applicants may have references interviewed, test for medical and psychological exams, and even go through a polygraph test.
If you don’t want to undergo this type of thorough investigation by the Department of Defense, then you may want to consider another MOS.
Related Article – Air Force Airborne Cryptologic Linguist (1A8X1): Career Details
Training
The first step in training for all new recruits of the Army is Basic Combat Training, more commonly known as boot camp.
Boot camp is general training to prepare for life in the Army.
After Basic Combat Training you will move to focus on Advanced Individual Training which is related to your MOS.
AIT for an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) is intense.
You will spend 26 weeks preparing to become an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector.
MOS 35Q training takes place at the Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station.
The training is a combination of classroom learning and field exercises.
You will learn how to operate automated data processing (ADP) equipment.
The Army will also teach you how to prepare technical products and time-sensitive reports, as well as how to analyze information by using technical references.
Lastly, the Army will train you on how to develop and maintain analytical and operational working aids and databases.
Related Article – Air Force Cyber Surety (3D0X3): Career Details
Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army as an MOS 35Q can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Gordon, GA
- Ft. Lackland, TX
- Ft. Meade, MD
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- Schofield, Hi
What does an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector Do?
The position of a Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) falls under the Intelligence Occupational Specialty Career Field (35) in the Army.
Intelligence Occupational Specialty Career Field (35) is part of a wider intelligence gathering group called Military Intelligence (MI).
As a result, working as 35Q MOS could involve more of the role of Human Intelligence Collector or Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst.
Human Intelligence Collectors are involved with gathering intelligence directly from the enemy.
Meanwhile, Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analysts observe anomalies on enemy movement and locations in photographs and video.
Regardless of your role as an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector, you will work in a team with others to create intelligence packages that assist Special Ops as well as ground and air combat units in creating a safer battlefield.
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Job Duties of Army 35Q MOS
Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector/Analysts (MOS 35Q) are extremely intelligent and quick on their feet.
They are able to find hidden or secret messages within a computer, written dialogue, voice conversations, or through other means of communication.
MOS 35Q take their name “cryptologic” from “cryptos” which in Greek means “hidden or secret”.
Standard job duties include:
- Operating automated data processing (ADP) equipment for both local and remote collection, processing, and reporting.
- Performing initial crytoplogic digital analysis to establish target identification and operational patterns.
- Developing and maintaining analytical and operational working aids and databases to support target collection, location, and identification.
- Preparing technical products and time sensitive reports in support of Cryptologic Network Warfare operations.
In order to thrive as an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q), it helps to understand foreign culture, language, and mannerisms.
Skills and experience in computers, wireless communications, and secure networking databases are also vital.
What does an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector make?
Your pay as an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (35Q MOS) is determined by rank and years of service, not MOS.
Pay also includes housing, food, and medical.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
Your benefits included with a monthly salary in the Army include:
- Vacation Time
- Special Pay
- Medical Insurance
- Retirement
- Education: Army members can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses.
- Housing: Allowances for living expenses, utilities, and maintenance.
- Food: Allowance for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores.
Job Reviews
There is not a lot of information available online that reviews the job of an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q).
The biggest reason why is 35Q MOS is very secretive and thus service members are not able to provide many details to the public about the MOS.
You can find related jobs in the civilian world by browsing job sites like Indeed.com.
Civilian Job Opportunities
The vast majority of the work performed by a Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) is specific to the U.S. Armed Forces.
Regardless, the Top Secret security clearance you receive with 35Q MOS will help you qualify for other careers with the U.S. government after leaving the military.
Many Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collectors move on to find work with the National Security Agency (NSA), FBI, or CIA.
Related Article – Army Human Intelligence Collector (MOS 35M): Career Details
Summary
Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collectors (MOS 35Q) perform cryptologic digital analysis for the U.S. Army.
It’s actually considered one of the most important MOS’s in the US Army, primarily from a strategic standpoint.
The information you gather will assist combat troops with target identification and operational patterns, helping make them more informed.
Resources:
- https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/intelligence-and-combat-support/cryptologic-cyberspace-intelligence-collector-analyst.html
- https://www.glassdoor.com/job-listing/cryptologic-cyberspace-intelligence-collector-analyst-35q-us-army-JV_IC1139761_KO0,57_KE58,65.htm?jl=3255796042
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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General FAQ
What is a 35Q in the Army?
A 35Q is an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector, part of the Military Intelligence career field. The solider perform cryptologic digital analysis to identify targets and operational patterns.
How long is AIT for Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q)?
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to become an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) is 26 weeks long and takes place at Corry Station at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida.
How do I qualify to become an MOS 35Q?
To become an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q), you’ll need to obtain a Top Secret security clearance and score 112 or better on the Skilled Technical portion of the ASVAB. You’ll need a clean criminal record, as well.
What computer skills will I learn as an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q)?
As an Army 35Q, you’ll learn how to operate automated data processing equipment, perform digital analyses, maintain databases, and product technical products in support of Cryptologic Network Warfare operations.
How much does an Army Cryptologic Cyberspace Intelligence Collector (MOS 35Q) make?
Like other Army personnel, MOS 35Q is paid according to rank and time in service. However, as an in-demand career field, they may be eligible for selective retention bonuses up to $40,000.
