• Ratings Average Rating:
  • Required Test Average Duration: 2.1
  • Desinnation Designation: 2641
  • Number Employed Number Employed: 374
  • Category Category: Signals Intelligence/Ground Electronic Warfare
  • Age Average Age: 24
Cryptologic Language Analysts (CLA) monitor, transcribe, and translate intercepted target foreign communications; exploit every phase of designated foreign communications by engaging in collection, processing, exploitation, analysis, and reporting; and install, operate, and perform preventive maintenance of program of record as well as commercially acquired intercept equipment. Duties encompass all facets of signals intelligence (SIGNT), electronic warfare (EW) and cyber operations in support of the MAGTF at both team and battalion levels and must be prepared to contribute to each as deemed necessary by the unit commander. Marines shall periodically (annually or biennially, dependent on scores) retake the defense language proficiency test (DLPT) and shall maintain a minimum proficiency of Listening 2/Reading (L2/R2) DLPT in their assigned 27XX language(s), in accordance with reference (bb). Formal intermediate and advanced language training is available and will be afforded to CLAs no later than upon PCS from their first duty station.
Category Requirements
Age17-28
Citizenship RequiredCitizen or Green Card
Minimum Duration4 years
High School DiplomaPreferred
GED AcceptedYes (limited)
Minimum ASVAB (AFQT)~31
Waivers AvailableModerate
Drug History WaiversPossible
Tattoo PolicyStrict
Face/Neck TattoosNo
Hand TattoosLimited
Height Requirement~58–78 in
Weight StandardsYes
Medical Exam (MEPS)Required
Vision StandardsModerate
Security Clearance JobsSome
Physical Fitness TestPFT/CFT
Basic Training Length~13 weeks
Basic Training DifficultyVery High
Deployment FrequencyHigh
Combat Job AvailabilityHigh
Technical JobsMedium
Overseas BasesMany
Signing BonusesModerate
Women in Combat RolesYes
Job Selection ProcessOften assigned
Promotion SpeedFast
Branch CultureWarrior Culture
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