FrankS,
I'll re-enforce what lksteve posted. Any intel MOS is not going to give you a good baseline to work with. The work is not closely related. I was an intel analyst in an infantry battalion, I can tell horror stories if necessary (PM me with what questions you have if you'd like).
I killed my daily work and decided to take up my spare time in the gym and strap hanging with the grunts. I learned a great deal by doing so. Since most of the army doesn't function like this (25th ID had little to do before 9-11) you'll find yourself hugging a desk and not humping a ruck. I was fortunate since I fit in with most of the infantrymen. I lived amongst them and earned their respect because I didn't act like an intel geek.
To effectively know how the enemy is emplaced and will act in the battlefield environment is not much different than what your own troops will do. Terrain, weather, and good ole' Murphy level the playing field a bit.
CI work is not for the faint of heart. It requires analytical abilities, instincts and a damn good bit of resolve. You have to be able to deal with a lot of BS and be 100% commited to the job. You can work with the SOF community as a CI guy but you'll have to punch tickets and have a good head on your shoulders to get that gig. Not everyone is cut out to support that part of the community.
There are skills that cross over from the CI field to SF, but bear in mind these skills are ones that you may have and further develop with training and can be used in any job function. Commonalities that exist in both that are highly desirable:
People skills: SF troops display these qualities everyday. Just look at the pics from the A-stan that have SF troops giving medicine and providing comfort to host nation people. CI people have to have this for many reasons, obvious no need to get specific.
Strong internal drive: SF troops are notorious for their ability to operate on minimal guidance and do the right things in the absence of orders. As a CI person the same applies.
There are a few more, but to spare the masses I'll close this damn post. Hopefully you get what you desire and do great things. Be 100% committed to whatever endeavor you embark on and don't get upset if things don't turn out the way you want. Not taking the chance is a guaranteed failure. Your willingness to continue to serve this nation in any capacity is commendable and should you choose to commit again I'd be proud to stand on a distant battlefield with ya'
