A defense analyst works with national security and defense policies and programs. Defense analysts are usually employed by the federal or national government, but they can be hired by a variety of government branches. In order to qualify for most of these positions, job applicants must have extensive military experience.
In general, a defense analyst’s responsibilities are technical and analytical in nature. The issues dealt with in these types of jobs usually include a detailed analysis of topics or situations that deal directly with national or international security policies and procedures. Some defense analysts work directly for military branches or Congress in the United States, but for the most part, they work for the Department of Defense.
Defense analysts must have a strong background in quantitative analysis because their jobs often require them to deal with large amounts of data that must be evaluated and cataloged. A defense analyst must have a master’s degree in engineering, statistics, economics, or the physical sciences for the majority of positions. People with advanced degrees in mathematics may be eligible for these positions as well.
For defense analysts, the ability to quickly learn new concepts is a desirable trait. This necessitates candidates’ proficiency with computer programs for many job positions. Having a computer science undergraduate degree or a lot of relevant work experience can also help you find a job as a defense analyst. Prospective analysts must also be able to work independently, as they will spend a significant amount of time working on projects alone.
Defense analysts deal with highly sensitive information on a regular basis. Because most of this information is classified as top secret, employees in these positions must obtain a top secret government security clearance. This means that those who work in these positions must have a spotless criminal record and impeccable credentials.
Candidates must be able to communicate effectively with others, both verbally and in writing, in order to be effective and successful defense analysts. Analysts may have to relay information to people all over the world, so both forms of communication are crucial in this job. People in these positions must also be capable of compiling detailed reports on short notice in order to share sensitive information with others on time.