What does it take to become a defense or military analyst?

I've just graduated from college. Now I'm planning on getting a master's degree in some type of Military or Defense Studies simply because the subject interets me and I hope to make a career out of it, but do defense or military analysts need 1. military experience, 2. a PhD and not just a master's and 3. does the advanced degree need to be in a scientific field rather than in something involving the interdisciplinary humanities (political science, history, etc.)?What does it take to become a defense or military analyst?Ok, I'll just get straight in. First off, to clear something here. You can't join the military as a analyst unless you are approached. Or they are really desperate for it, they will do an open recruitment. But if you go in through the second way, no way you are gonna get the so-called "top secret" clearance. That's just bullshit.



And spending six years still makes you a rookie in the eyes of others. Do you think everyone knows how to read a recon photo? My guess is no. A guy in my squadron went to reconnaissance and it took him 8 years to get the basics well drilled into his head.



And to be an analyst, you literally have no personal life to speak of. First off, you are send to wherever you are needed and also depending on what field you are strong at (as assess by them, not you). Expect the first few years (3 years minimum) to be tough. Most of the so called analyst you hear about are just paper pushers. Anyone who can read and write can do it (just because you work in the CIA, that doesn't make you an intelligence officer, does it?).



To be the top 10% of the real analysts I'm talking about, you need to specialized in at least two fields. Its pretty hard to determine exactly what you need to get in. I can tell you that while you don't need to know all, some aspects you can't do without. History for starters. Get deep into the culture you are interested in. That also means living with them, following their rules and way of life. This will cultivate a deeper understanding of them. Remember, it's looking at the world through their eyes. Language is a definite must. If possible, get a professional education on the language you are interested / strong in.What does it take to become a defense or military analyst?The best thing to do is to join the military as an analyst. You can work on your Master's while you are in there, and when you are finished with your six years you'll already have Top Secret clearance, plus you'll know for sure if you want to be an analyst w/o paying for the clearance.. etc by yourself.What does it take to become a defense or military analyst?A.Hill's answer is a good one. Other things to think about; do you want to be an analyst, a linguist, or combine both fields? Kansas State offers a degree in military history (MA or Ph.D) that is extremely useful. Many government analysts are liberal arts majors (history, languages, international relations, geography, are all useful fields). Good luck!