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17L Career Guide

Army

17L: Aerial Sensor Surveillance Supervisor

Career transition guide for Army Aerial Sensor Surveillance Supervisor (17L)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 17L veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in specific intelligence analysis software (e.g., ArcGIS, Analyst's Notebook)Familiarity with current intelligence methodologies and frameworks

Remote Sensing Technician

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced image processing skillsExpertise in remote sensing software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE)Geospatial data analysis certification

Surveillance Systems Technician

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications related to surveillance technology (e.g., CCTV, access control systems)Networking and IT security knowledge

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT trainingIncident Command System (ICS) certificationEmergency planning and response expertise

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technician/Operator

$72K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certification (Remote Pilot)Specific UAS platform trainingExperience with UAS data processing and analysis

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 17L training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As an aerial surveillance supervisor, you maintained constant awareness of your surroundings, understanding the tactical situation, potential threats, and the operational environment to effectively direct surveillance efforts and ensure mission success.

This translates to a strong ability to quickly assess complex environments, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time information – skills valuable in dynamic, high-pressure civilian settings.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated personnel and resources across multiple platforms, including aerial and ground units, to achieve synchronized surveillance operations. You ensured everyone was on the same page, working together effectively.

This demonstrates a capacity for seamless team coordination, where you can orchestrate various elements to work together harmoniously, optimizing team performance and achieving common objectives.

After-Action Analysis

You reviewed and critiqued mission results obtained by unit subordinates, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions to enhance future performance.

This highlights your ability to analyze past actions, identify lessons learned, and implement strategies to continuously improve performance and achieve better outcomes.

System Modeling

You possessed a deep understanding of the capabilities and limitations of aerial surveillance systems, including radar, infrared, and photographic technologies, enabling you to effectively plan and execute surveillance missions.

This translates to the capacity to understand and optimize complex systems, predict their behavior, and leverage their capabilities to achieve specific goals, a skill highly valued in various technical and analytical roles.

Rapid Prioritization

You had to quickly assess targets of opportunity, interpret sensor data, and make immediate decisions on which targets to report based on their potential threat or strategic value.

This demonstrates an aptitude for quickly assessing situations, prioritizing tasks, and making critical decisions under pressure, ensuring the most important issues are addressed effectively.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You've been trained to gather information through aerial surveillance, analyze complex data, and recognize patterns to identify potential threats. Your experience in interpreting imagery and sensor data makes you uniquely qualified to excel in this role, providing critical insights to decision-makers.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You've been responsible for planning and coordinating surveillance operations in various scenarios. Your skills in situational awareness, resource management, and team coordination are directly transferable to emergency management, where you'll be responsible for preparing for and responding to natural disasters and other crises.

Geospatial Analyst

SOC 15-1132

You've developed a strong understanding of geographical features and how to interpret aerial imagery. As a geospatial analyst, you'll use your skills to analyze geographic data, create maps, and provide insights to various organizations, including government agencies and private companies.

Security Consultant

SOC 13-1199

You've developed a keen understanding of security protocols and threat assessment through your work with aerial surveillance. You can leverage this experience to advise businesses and organizations on how to protect their assets and personnel from potential threats.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aerial Sensor Operator Course, Fort Huachuca, AZ

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Aviation Technology

Topics Covered

  • Aerial Surveillance Techniques
  • Sensor System Operation & Maintenance (OV-1)
  • Mission Planning & Briefing
  • Image Interpretation & Analysis
  • Target Acquisition & Reporting
  • Electronic Countermeasures (ECCM)
  • SERE Training
  • Supervisory Leadership Skills

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Intelligence Professional (CIP)70% covered

Requires study of intelligence analysis methodologies, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations specific to civilian intelligence roles.

Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)40% covered

Requires studying FAA regulations, airspace classifications, aviation weather, and drone-specific operational procedures. This role is focused on manned aerial systems, so drone-specific knowledge will need to be acquired.

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)30% covered

Requires additional study in areas such as physical security, risk management, and security management principles beyond military applications.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
OV-1 Mohawk Sensor Systems (various)Specialized aerial imaging platforms and sensor packages (e.g., for pipeline inspection, agricultural monitoring, or environmental surveying)
AN/ARC-164/210 RadiosCommercial aviation VHF/UHF communication systems
Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) SystemsCivilian aviation VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) and Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)
Infrared (IR) Scanners/Cameras (military-grade)High-resolution thermal imaging cameras used in building inspection, security, and industrial maintenance.
Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR)Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) used in geological surveys, environmental monitoring, and disaster response
Electro-Optical (EO) SensorsHigh-resolution cameras used in remote sensing, aerial photography, and surveillance applications
Data Transmission Links (e.g., secure radio)Secure data transmission systems used in various industries such as finance, healthcare, and government

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