New Cohort Starts:

Donate

6470 Career Guide

Navy

6470: Imagery Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Imagery Officer (6470)

Translate Your 6470 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6470 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographic Equipment Technician

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Canon, Nikon)Repair certifications

Remote Sensing Technician

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software proficiencySpecific remote sensing software knowledge (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE)Data analysis techniques

Quality Control Manager

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationProject management methodologies (e.g., PMP)

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot/Technician

$70K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certificationSpecific UAV platform trainingData processing and analysis

Technical Writer

$72K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in technical writing software (e.g., Adobe FrameMaker, MadCap Flare)Excellent written communication skillsUnderstanding of industry standards and documentation practices

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6470 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an imaging systems manager, you develop a deep understanding of how various photographic and video systems function individually and as part of larger reconnaissance operations. You need to understand the inputs, outputs, and dependencies of these systems to effectively manage them.

This ability to understand complex systems and their interactions translates to the civilian world where you can excel in roles requiring systems thinking, such as understanding business processes or technological infrastructure.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for managing and allocating imaging equipment, personnel, and other resources to support various operational needs. This requires you to make effective decisions on how to best utilize available resources to achieve mission objectives.

Your experience in resource optimization is directly transferable to civilian project management, operations management, or supply chain management roles where efficient resource allocation is crucial for success.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a high degree of situational awareness is critical when managing imaging systems in tactical environments. You need to be aware of the operational context, potential threats, and the status of your equipment and personnel to make informed decisions and mitigate risks.

This heightened awareness translates into an ability to quickly assess complex situations, anticipate potential problems, and make sound judgments under pressure, valuable in fields like risk management, emergency response, or business continuity planning.

After-Action Analysis

You are involved in reviewing and analyzing imaging support matters to commanders and subordinate units. This includes identifying lessons learned and implementing improvements to enhance future operations.

Your ability to conduct thorough after-action analyses translates directly into civilian roles focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and quality assurance. You're skilled at identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Geospatial Data Analyst

SOC 15-1131

You've been intimately involved with aerial, surface, and subsurface imaging systems. This experience provides a strong foundation for understanding and interpreting geospatial data, making you well-suited to analyze and derive insights from geographic information.

Quality Assurance Manager (Manufacturing)

SOC 11-3051

You've developed expertise in imaging technology and equipment, and you understand the importance of maintaining high standards in imaging recording and processing. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality make you an ideal candidate for ensuring products meet required specifications.

Business Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You've gained the ability to dissect complex situations, understand the needs of the commander, and translate that into actionable imaging intelligence. You're adept at understanding systems to glean relevant information, and you're used to working to inform a strategy. Your analysis skills translate well to analyzing business data to drive strategic decision-making.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Intelligence Officer Basic Course (NIOBC), Dam Neck, VA followed by Imagery Systems Officer Course, Pensacola, FL

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Information Technology or Geospatial Science may be recommended.

Topics Covered

  • Naval Intelligence Fundamentals
  • Imagery Collection Systems (Airborne, Surface, Subsurface)
  • Photographic and Electro-Optical Imaging Principles
  • Image Processing and Analysis Techniques
  • Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities (TENCAP)
  • Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
  • Intelligence Planning and Operations
  • Combat Camera Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)40% covered

Requires studying specific cybersecurity domains like access control, cryptography, and security assessment and testing. The military role provides a foundation in security principles, but CISSP requires a broader understanding of information security practices.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Requires studying the PMBOK guide and understanding project management methodologies, tools, and techniques. While the officer manages projects, PMP requires formalized project management knowledge.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Professional Photographer (CPP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Tactical Aerial Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS)High-resolution aerial imaging systems, such as those used by surveying and mapping companies
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) SystemsThermal imaging cameras used in building inspection, security, and automotive industries
Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental Subsystem (NITES)Meteorological data analysis and visualization software used by weather forecasting services
Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)Secure communication platforms such as Signal, Symphony, or dedicated encrypted channels for sensitive data transfer
National Imagery Transmission Format (NITF)Standard image formats for geospatial data, like GeoTIFF or specialized formats used in medical imaging (DICOM)
Digital Imaging and Communications in Security (DICS)Similar encryption methods and hardware used in commercial video surveillance systems and data storage

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 6470 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free