0261 Career Guide
0261: Geographic Intelligence Specialist
Career transition guide for Marine Corps Geographic Intelligence Specialist (0261)
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Top civilian roles for 0261 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Geospatial Analyst
Surveyor
Skills to develop:
Cartographer/GIS Technician
Skills to develop:
Intelligence Analyst
Skills to develop:
Urban and Regional Planner
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 0261 training built — and where they transfer.
Pattern Recognition
As a Geographic Intelligence Specialist, you identified patterns in geophysical data and imagery to construct maps and analyze terrain, which directly supported military intelligence.
This ability to discern patterns from complex data sets translates directly into identifying trends, anomalies, and opportunities in various civilian sectors.
System Modeling
You constructed and revised military maps and charts, modeling real-world terrains and features to predict movement and potential threats. This required a deep understanding of spatial relationships and environmental factors.
This experience in creating and manipulating models allows you to create projections, understand complex systems, and improve efficiency.
Situational Awareness
Your role demanded constant awareness of your surroundings during survey operations, as well as a broader understanding of how terrain and hydrography impacted military operations and strategies.
This acute awareness allows you to quickly assess new environments, anticipate challenges, and respond effectively in dynamic situations.
Procedural Compliance
Performing precision ground control surveys and adhering to strict protocols for data collection ensured the accuracy and reliability of geospatial data critical for weapons delivery and command and control systems.
Your commitment to following established procedures and maintaining high standards for data integrity makes you exceptionally reliable in any regulated environment.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Urban and Regional Planner
SOC 19-3051.00You've been trained to analyze spatial data and understand how terrain and features impact movement and planning. This makes you exceptionally well-prepared to create effective and sustainable urban development plans, considering factors like infrastructure, environment, and community needs. You bring an invaluable understanding of geospatial relationships to ensure projects are well-conceived and executed.
Geospatial Data Scientist
SOC 15-1121.00Your military role honed your skills in collecting, processing, and analyzing geophysical data. As a Geospatial Data Scientist, you’ll use these skills to extract insights from geospatial datasets using advanced analytical and visualization tools. You’re able to transform raw geographical data into actionable intelligence, a skillset highly valued in various industries.
Environmental Consultant
SOC 19-2041.00You've already honed skills in terrain analysis and understanding the impact of environmental factors. You can leverage this expertise to assess environmental risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure projects comply with environmental regulations. Your attention to detail and analytical capabilities make you an ideal candidate for protecting our environment.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Geospatial Intelligence Specialist Course, Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Huachuca, AZ
Topics Covered
- •Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- •Geospatial Data Collection and Analysis
- •Terrain Analysis
- •Map Production and Charting
- •Geodetic Surveying
- •Remote Sensing and Imagery Interpretation
- •Military Intelligence Support
- •Digital Terrain Modeling
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
While the military provides extensive surveying experience, review of civilian surveying standards, legal aspects, and specific instrumentation used in the civilian sector is recommended.
Focus on GIS software proficiency (ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS), database management, and specific GIS applications relevant to civilian sectors like urban planning or environmental management.
This role will need additional education and practical work examples using advanced remote sensing techniques, software (ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE), and data analysis methodologies commonly used in environmental monitoring or resource management.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) | High-accuracy GPS surveying equipment (Trimble, Leica) |
| Topographic Data System (TDS) | Geographic Information System (GIS) software (Esri ArcGIS, QGIS) |
| Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) | Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data (LiDAR data, USGS datasets) |
| Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) | Differential GPS (DGPS) systems for precision landing |
| Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV) | Underwater inspection ROVs (e.g., for pipeline inspection) |
| Geographic Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS) | Open Source Geospatial Foundation (OSGeo) software suite |
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