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215D Career Guide

Army

215D: Terrain Analyst

Career transition guide for Army Terrain Analyst (215D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 215D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Geospatial Analyst

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in ArcGIS or QGISCivilian sector data visualization techniques

Intelligence Analyst

$80K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with civilian intelligence databasesCybersecurity analysis fundamentals

Urban and Regional Planner

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

AICP certificationKnowledge of zoning regulationsPublic engagement techniques

Geological and Petroleum Technician

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Geological fundamentalsPetroleum extraction knowledgeSafety training in geological environments

Emergency Management Specialist

$70K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certificationsDisaster response planningCommunity outreach skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 215D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You built models to predict how weather and terrain would affect military operations, a critical skill for anticipating challenges and planning effectively.

This translates to the ability to create and use predictive models in various industries to forecast trends, optimize strategies, and make informed decisions.

Situational Awareness

As a terrain analyst, you maintained a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, constantly synthesizing data from multiple sources to assess potential impacts.

This keen sense of situational awareness allows you to quickly grasp complex situations, anticipate potential problems, and make sound judgments under pressure.

Pattern Recognition

You routinely identified subtle patterns in terrain and weather data that could indicate enemy movements or vulnerabilities, turning raw data into actionable intelligence.

This ability to discern patterns from complex data sets is highly valuable in civilian sectors, where identifying trends and anomalies can drive strategic decision-making.

After-Action Analysis

You meticulously analyzed the outcomes of operations in relation to terrain and weather factors, identifying lessons learned and refining future strategies.

Your experience in after-action analysis makes you adept at evaluating processes, identifying areas for improvement, and ensuring continuous growth and optimization.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been analyzing complex data to predict how terrain and weather affect military operations; this skillset is directly applicable to logistics, where understanding variables like traffic, weather, and infrastructure is vital for efficient supply chain management.

Urban and Regional Planner

SOC 19-3051

Your skills in analyzing terrain and environmental factors make you a great fit for urban planning. You've been assessing land usability and environmental impacts for military purposes, skills that translate directly to designing sustainable and functional urban spaces.

Risk Management Consultant

SOC 13-2054

You're experienced in identifying and assessing potential risks related to terrain and weather. This makes you well-equipped to evaluate risks in various business environments, helping companies anticipate and mitigate potential threats to their operations and assets.

Business Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You have a strong background in analyzing complex datasets and presenting findings to inform decision-making. This is directly transferable to business intelligence, where you will analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer behavior to provide actionable insights.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Geospatial Intelligence Training, Fort Huachuca, AZ

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in cartography, geography, or geospatial science

Topics Covered

  • Terrain analysis principles
  • Interpretation of aerial imagery and satellite imagery
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and applications
  • Weather effects on terrain and military operations
  • Military map reading and production
  • Development of terrain analysis overlays and graphics
  • Briefing techniques for commanders and staff
  • Data acquisition from civilian and government agencies

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Photogrammetrist (CP)60% covered

Requires in-depth knowledge of photogrammetric principles, aerial triangulation, and advanced image processing techniques. Focus on understanding and applying specialized software and equipment used in creating precise measurements and 3D models from aerial photographs.

Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)70% covered

Requires knowledge of GIS project management, database design, and advanced spatial analysis techniques. Focus on mastering GIS software, data management best practices, and developing custom GIS applications.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Survey Technician (CST)Remote Sensing Professional Certification (RSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Terrain Analysis Workstation (TAWS)Geographic Information System (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)
Digital Topographic Support System (DTSS)Digital mapping and cartography software (e.g., Global Mapper)
Joint Automated Deep Operations Coordination System (JADOCS)Command and Control (C2) software platforms
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)Weather analysis software (e.g., Weather Analytics, Baron Threat Net)
Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) systemsMeteorological data platforms and services (e.g., AccuWeather, The Weather Company)
Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS)Airspace management software (e.g., Comsoft Solutions, Frequentis)
Remote sensing and imagery analysis toolsRemote sensing software (e.g. ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE)

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