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6473 Career Guide

Navy

6473: Imagery Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Imagery Officer (6473)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6473 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographer/Videographer

$60K
High matchStable demand

Media Production Manager

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management CertificationBudget Management

Remote Sensing Technician

$70K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Specific Remote Sensing Software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS)

Quality Control Manager

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma CertificationIndustry-Specific Quality Standards

Technical Writer

$72K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Technical Writing CertificationSpecific documentation softwareAbility to translate military jargon

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6473 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 6473 officer, you develop a comprehensive understanding of how imaging systems function, from aerial reconnaissance platforms to subsurface imaging equipment. You anticipate how these systems will respond under various conditions, including tactical environments.

Your expertise in understanding complex systems allows you to visualize and predict system behaviors, which is directly transferable to designing, analyzing, or troubleshooting intricate civilian systems.

Resource Optimization

Managing imaging commands and activities requires you to efficiently allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to ensure optimal imaging support for commanders and subordinate units.

You can leverage your resource management skills to ensure projects are completed efficiently, within budget, and according to specifications.

Situational Awareness

You maintain constant awareness of the tactical environment and how imaging systems can best support operational needs. This involves assessing risks, understanding the impact of imaging on overall mission objectives, and adapting plans accordingly.

Your ability to stay ahead of the curve and understand the big picture makes you an invaluable asset in roles requiring strategic thinking, risk management, and quick decision-making.

After-Action Analysis

Reviewing imaging support matters and maintaining annexes to commanders, staffs, and subordinate units involves analyzing past performance and identifying areas for improvement, ensuring future imaging operations are more effective and aligned with mission goals.

This skill in continuous improvement is highly valued in any organization striving for excellence. Your ability to learn from experience and implement corrective actions can drive significant positive changes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Technical Sales Engineer

SOC 41-9031

You've been immersed in imaging technology, from theory to tactical applications. As a Technical Sales Engineer (41-9031), you'll apply your expertise to communicate the value and technical specifications of imaging systems to potential clients, bridging the gap between technology and customer needs.

Research and Development Project Manager

SOC 11-9199

Your background in managing imaging systems and activities positions you well for R&D project management. You can oversee the development of new imaging technologies, coordinating teams, managing resources, and ensuring projects align with strategic objectives. This fits well under SOC code 11-9199 (Managers, All Other).

Intelligence Analyst

SOC 19-3099

You've honed your situational awareness and analytical skills to support operational needs. As an Intelligence Analyst (19-3099), you can leverage your experience to analyze data, assess risks, and provide valuable insights to inform decision-making in civilian intelligence or security contexts.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Officer Training Command (OTC), Newport, RI; Naval School of Photography, Pensacola, FL

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Photography and Management

Topics Covered

  • Photographic Theory and Technology
  • Imaging Systems Operation and Maintenance
  • Tactical Employment of Imaging Systems
  • Image Recording and Processing
  • Aerial Reconnaissance Imaging Systems
  • Combat Camera Operations
  • Imaging Command Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

While the military provides extensive technical knowledge of imaging systems, CPP certification requires demonstrating artistry, composition, and business practices specific to professional photography, including posing, lighting techniques for portraiture, and understanding copyright laws and client management.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Military officers manage projects, but PMP requires formal training in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), detailed knowledge of PMI's PMBOK guide, and demonstrating experience in all project management process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing).

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)CompTIA Security+ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System (TARPS)High-resolution aerial survey and mapping systems (e.g., LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging)
Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) SystemsCommercial thermal imaging cameras and systems for surveillance and inspection
Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental Subsystem (NITES)Meteorological data processing and visualization software (e.g., Baron Lynx, AccuWeather APIs)
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)Medical imaging software and hardware
Combat Camera (COMCAM) equipment (various manufacturers)Professional-grade photography and videography equipment (e.g., Canon, Sony, Nikon)
AN/APG-65 Radar SystemCommercial aviation radar systems, weather radar systems.
AN/AWG-9 Radar SystemAdvanced signal processing and target tracking software for radar systems.
Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS)Automated test equipment (ATE) platforms (e.g., Keysight, National Instruments)

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