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That is Army MOS 35G. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Exploited FMV feeds from MQ-1C and MQ-9 assets to identify pattern-of-life behaviors and time-sensitive targets for brigade commanders
How a hiring manager reads it
Analyzed continuous video data streams to identify behavioral patterns and anomalies, delivering time-sensitive findings to operational decision-makers
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 77,234 resumes built so far.
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Army 35Gs are the military's frontline imagery exploitation specialists — not general intelligence analysts, but technicians trained specifically in extracting intelligence from satellite imagery, aerial photography, full-motion video (FMV), and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Where a 35F reads reports from multiple sources and synthesizes them into assessments, a 35G reads the Earth itself.
Training at the National Geospatial-Intelligence School (Fort Belvoir, VA) covers imagery interpretation, mensuration, terrain analysis, map product creation, and exploitation of national-level imagery systems. 35Gs become proficient in ArcGIS, RemoteView, SOCET GXP, and NPES (National Photographic Exploitation System). Many develop specializations in FMV exploitation, change detection, or 3D terrain modeling.
What makes 35Gs genuinely rare in the civilian job market: they sit at the intersection of geospatial technology and intelligence tradecraft. GIS professionals outnumber imagery analysts, but few civilian GIS professionals have operational intelligence experience. Former 35Gs who hold TS/SCI clearances are in a talent category that defense contractors and intelligence agencies cannot fill fast enough.
Day-to-day, a 35G's work falls into distinct exploitation categories. Still imagery exploitation involves analyzing high-resolution satellite and aerial photographs — measuring building dimensions, identifying equipment types, tracking construction activity at military installations, and detecting changes between collection passes. Full-motion video (FMV) analysis means watching live or recorded drone and aircraft feeds in real time, tracking vehicles, identifying patterns of life, and calling out targets or threats to supported ground units. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery lets 35Gs see through clouds, darkness, and camouflage — a capability that makes this skill set valuable in weather-degraded environments where electro-optical sensors are blind.
35Gs produce the intelligence products that commanders actually use to make decisions: terrain analysis overlays, modified combined obstacle overlays (MCOOs), route reconnaissance products, and battle damage assessments (BDA). At brigade and division level, 35Gs work in the intelligence section (S2/G2) creating geospatial products that drive operational planning. Some 35Gs support special operations units at JSOC or Theater Special Operations Commands, where the pace is faster and the imagery is often collected minutes before exploitation.
The tools are specialized and directly transferable: ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro for mapping and spatial analysis, RemoteView and SOCET GXP for photogrammetric exploitation, NPES (National Photographic Exploitation System) for national-level imagery, and various FMV exploitation platforms. Civilian employers — especially NGA, defense contractors, and commercial remote sensing companies — use the same Esri ArcGIS platform that 35Gs already know.
BMR has built more than 55,000 resumes and 35Gs are some of the highest-converting intel hires we see — NGA, DIA, and DoD geospatial programs cannot fill cleared imagery analyst positions fast enough. Your IMINT and FMV exploitation experience is the resume; the clearance opens the door. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Army mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst
$72K to $105K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
3 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 27% higher on average
Civilian roles for Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analysts pay about $19K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The geospatial intelligence sector has expanded significantly beyond government agencies. Companies that provide commercial satellite imagery, mapping services, and geospatial analytics actively recruit former 35Gs because they understand both the technology and how operational users actually use imagery products.
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for cartographers and photogrammetrists is $75,690 (O*NET 17-1021.00), with faster-than-average growth projected. Geospatial information scientists and technologists earn a median of $98,370 (O*NET 15-1299.02). For cleared imagery analysts at defense contractors, compensation frequently exceeds these BLS figures — TS/SCI premiums of $15,000-30,000 per year above comparable non-cleared roles are standard in the DC Metro area.
Commercial remote sensing is a fast-growing sector. Companies like Maxar, Planet Labs, BlackSky, and Satellogic operate commercial satellite constellations and need people who can exploit imagery operationally, not just process it technically. The combination of ArcGIS proficiency, exploitation methodology, and intelligence context that 35Gs bring is difficult to hire outside of the veteran community.
Beyond imagery-specific roles, 35G experience translates into GIS analyst, remote sensing specialist, and geospatial engineer positions across energy, infrastructure, environmental consulting, urban planning, and emergency management — sectors that are expanding geospatial capabilities rapidly but lack the talent pipeline to fill them.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geospatial Intelligence AnalystO*NET 15-1299.02 | Defense / Intelligence Community | $105,000 | Faster than average | strong |
| GIS AnalystO*NET 15-1299.02 | Government / Environmental / Infrastructure | $72,000 | Faster than average | strong |
| Remote Sensing SpecialistO*NET 17-1021.00 | Commercial Satellite / Environmental / Agriculture | $78,000 | Faster than average | strong |
| Cartographer / PhotogrammetristO*NET 17-1021.00 | Government / Engineering / Defense | $75,690 | Faster than average | strong |
| Imagery AnalystO*NET 33-3021.06 | Defense Contracting / IC Support | $100,000 | Faster than average | strong |
| Geospatial EngineerO*NET 17-2199.11 | Engineering / Infrastructure / Energy | $92,000 | Faster than average | strong |
| Geospatial Data ScientistO*NET 15-2051.01 | Technology / Research / Government | $105,000 | Much faster than average | moderate |
| Intelligence Operations SpecialistO*NET 33-3021.06 | Defense / Federal Law Enforcement | $82,000 | Average | moderate |
The primary federal employer for former 35Gs. NGA produces geospatial intelligence for national security and hires imagery analysts, cartographers, and GEOINT professionals as GS civilians and through contractor support. Many 35Gs convert directly from military billets to NGA civilian positions.
One of the largest commercial satellite imagery providers and a major NGA contractor. Hires imagery analysts, remote sensing specialists, and GEOINT professionals across defense and commercial programs. TS/SCI required for most defense-program roles; commercial programs may not require clearance.
Major defense contractor supporting NGA, NSA, and DoD geospatial programs. Hires imagery analysts and GEOINT specialists for sensor systems, data exploitation, and analytical support. Strong veteran hiring programs.
One of the largest government IT and defense contractors. Supports NGA, DIA, and DoD GEOINT programs with large cleared analyst workforces. Actively recruits former 35Gs. SkillBridge partner for some programs.
Science Applications International Corporation supports NGA, Army intelligence, and IC customers with GEOINT analysis, systems integration, and program management. Consistently among the top employers of cleared imagery analysts.
British-American defense contractor with large US intelligence community support operations. Hires GEOINT analysts, imagery exploiters, and geospatial engineers across multiple NGA and DoD programs.
Strategy and technology consulting firm with extensive IC support operations. Hires 35Gs for GEOINT analysis, program management, and intelligence training roles. Strong pathway into consulting for experienced NCOs.
Defense contractor with significant NGA and Army intelligence support. Hires imagery analysts and GEOINT professionals across CONUS and deployed programs. Known for supporting long-term NGA production contracts.
Aerospace and defense company with major GEOINT systems programs. Develops and supports satellite sensors, ground systems, and exploitation tools used by NGA and DoD. Hires imagery analysts and geospatial engineers.
The leading GIS software company and developer of ArcGIS — the platform 35Gs use operationally. Hires technical staff, solutions engineers, and federal account specialists with real ArcGIS experience. Non-defense employer with strong veteran-friendly culture.
Commercial satellite imagery company operating a large fleet of earth-observation satellites. Hires imagery analysts and geospatial specialists for commercial programs. Active clearance not always required — accessible to 35Gs who want to stay in imagery without the IC environment.
Commercial geospatial intelligence company providing rapid-revisit satellite imagery and analytics. Actively recruits imagery-trained professionals from military backgrounds. Combines commercial and government customers.
IT and mission support contractor with significant intelligence community contracts. Supports NGA and DoD analytical programs. Hires imagery analysts and geospatial data professionals across CONUS locations.
Federal agency responsible for the National Geospatial Program, including topographic mapping and earth science data. Hires cartographers (GS-1370), geographers, and GIS specialists. Non-cleared positions with strong mission alignment to 35G terrain and mapping skills.
Hires GIS specialists, cartographers, and geospatial engineers for infrastructure, environmental, and civil works programs. Veterans Preference applies and familiarity with military technical backgrounds is valued. GS-0801, GS-1370, and GS-1350 series are relevant.
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“With your assistance on my resume I got offered a 239.5K a year job today. Thanks so much Brad, you changed my way of life tremendously. God bless you”
Anthony · Veteran · Army · Program Management / Logistics · $239,500 offer
The intelligence community and DoD geospatial agencies represent the most direct hiring pipeline for former 35Gs. NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) is the primary employer — it is the DoD combat support agency that produces and manages geospatial intelligence, and former 35Gs who served at NGA-affiliated units have an enormous advantage. NGA hires extensively through both direct civilian appointments and contractor support.
Federal GS series directly relevant to 35G experience include GS-0132 (Intelligence) at GS-7 to GS-13 for imagery and GEOINT analyst roles. GS-1370 (Cartography) and GS-1372 (Geodesy) cover technical mapping and terrain work. GS-0801 (General Engineering) and GS-1350 (Geology) positions at agencies like USGS and Army Corps of Engineers match 35G terrain analysis experience. GS-1301 (Physical Scientist), GS-1315 (Hydrology), GS-2210 (IT Specialist), GS-0343 (Management and Program Analyst), GS-0391 (Telecommunications), GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration), GS-0899 (Engineering and Architecture), GS-1360 (Oceanography), GS-0460 (Forestry), and GS-0962 (Contact Representative) round out additional applicable series depending on specialization and agency.
Key agencies beyond NGA: USGS (National Geospatial Program), Army Corps of Engineers, NASA (Earth Science), NOAA (National Ocean Service), DIA, CIA, NSA, FEMA (GIS and emergency management), EPA (environmental GIS), and the Bureau of Land Management. Most of these agencies maintain geospatial or mapping functions staffed partly by civilian conversions from military imagery billets.
Veterans Preference adds 5 or 10 points to competitive service hiring assessments. For excepted service IC positions at NGA, DIA, and CIA, the preference mechanism differs — your TS/SCI clearance and imagery background are far more decisive than preference points. Many IC agencies expedite processing for cleared veterans with directly relevant experience.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1370 | Cartography | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0150 | Geography | GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Geospatial data science sits at the intersection of GIS and data science — exactly where 35G experience lives. Your spatial reasoning, pattern recognition from imagery, and familiarity with large geospatial datasets give you a stronger foundation than most career data science students. The main skill gap to close is programming (Python with GeoPandas, Rasterio, and SQL). This can be done before separation through free resources.
Transfers: Spatial analysis, Pattern recognition, Imagery interpretation, ArcGIS, Large dataset analysis, Analytical reporting.
How to get there: Self-study Python (GeoPandas, Rasterio, Shapely) + Google Data Analytics Certificate or equivalent. Target geospatial analyst roles at tech companies, utilities, or research institutions. GISP certification strengthens non-cleared applications.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (35%+)
Urban planning is GIS-heavy. City and regional planners use ArcGIS, terrain analysis, and spatial data modeling for zoning, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental planning — tasks that overlap significantly with 35G map product work. Many 35Gs find this field familiar in methodology but applied to domestic infrastructure rather than operational targets.
Transfers: GIS and mapping, Spatial analysis, Map product creation, Land use analysis, Site assessment, Report writing.
How to get there: Most urban planner positions require a master's degree (MUP or MCRP). Use GI Bill for a graduate program. Esri skills and GISP certification strengthen applications while completing the degree. Entry-level GIS technician roles at planning departments are available without a master's.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (4-8%)
Environmental consulting firms use GIS and remote sensing for habitat mapping, environmental impact assessment, land cover analysis, and change detection — methods that overlap with 35G training. Many environmental GIS positions do not require clearances, offering geographic flexibility. The analysis methodology is similar; the targets shift from military objectives to land, water, and ecological systems.
Transfers: ArcGIS / geospatial analysis, Remote sensing, Terrain analysis, Data collection and reporting, Field assessment, Change detection.
How to get there: Environmental science degree (B.S.) significantly strengthens applications, but GIS technician roles at environmental firms are accessible with ArcGIS experience and GISP certification. Use GI Bill for environmental science coursework if needed. EPA, USGS, and Army Corps of Engineers hire at GS-5 to GS-9 with strong promotion potential.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (5-8%)
Senior 35Gs who coordinated collection requirements across units, managed exploitation teams, or led imagery production sections have real project management experience — they just used different vocabulary. The transition to formal PM roles is a vocabulary and credentialing problem, not a capability problem. PMP certification communicates the credential; your experience fills in the substance.
Transfers: Team leadership, Multi-stakeholder coordination, Collection management, Operations planning, Risk assessment, Briefing executives.
How to get there: Earn PMP certification while still on active duty (operational hours likely meet the experience requirement). Start in program analyst or coordinator roles at defense contractors or federal agencies. CACI, Leidos, Booz Allen, and SAIC regularly hire veteran PM candidates for intelligence support programs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Average (5-8%)
FEMA, state emergency management agencies, and local government emergency preparedness offices rely heavily on GIS for disaster response mapping, shelter location analysis, damage assessment, and resource allocation. The operations center environment, situational awareness products, and multi-agency coordination of emergency management feel very familiar to former 35Gs. This is a strong non-cleared pivot with meaningful mission.
Transfers: Spatial analysis and mapping, Situational awareness products, Multi-agency coordination, Operations center work, Crisis response planning, Terrain assessment.
How to get there: FEMA hires through USAJobs — search GIS Specialist and Emergency Management Specialist. CEM (Certified Emergency Manager) certification from IAEM is the industry credential. State and local emergency management agencies often value GIS skills more than emergency management credentials at entry level.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (5-7%)
Police departments, fusion centers, financial crimes units, and corporate security teams hire intelligence analysts who can synthesize information, identify patterns, and brief decision-makers. While this role is less technically specialized than imagery work, 35G analytical methodology (collection, processing, exploitation, dissemination) applies directly. Spatial analysis and mapping for gang activity, crime patterns, or supply chain risk are areas where 35G skills differentiate candidates.
Transfers: All-source analysis, Pattern of life analysis, Reporting and briefing, Spatial analysis, Threat assessment, Open-source research.
How to get there: Law enforcement agencies hire through local postings; federal law enforcement (DEA Intelligence, FBI, ATF) through USAJobs. Corporate intelligence roles appear on LinkedIn and Indeed. IALEIA (International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts) provides networking and a credentialing path. No clearance required for most state/local positions.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Average (3-6%)
Companies like Esri, Maxar, Planet Labs, and numerous GEOINT software vendors sell to the same government customers 35Gs worked with. A former 35G who understands how NGA, combatant commands, and intelligence units actually use imagery products is an extremely compelling salesperson to those customers. Technical sales engineers typically earn base plus commission — total compensation often exceeds direct analyst roles. No clearance required at most commercial firms.
Transfers: Technical domain expertise (GEOINT, GIS), Client-facing briefing skills, Government customer knowledge, Cleared personnel network, Product demonstration, Requirements analysis.
How to get there: Network into Esri federal sales, Maxar government sales, or defense tech startup account executive roles. LinkedIn is the primary channel. Highlight operational experience as credibility for government sales — customers trust vendors who have used the product in the field. No formal certification required, though PMP or Salesforce training helps.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Average (4-6%)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are targeting NGA, defense contractors, or commercial remote sensing companies, your technical vocabulary translates directly. Recruiters at Maxar, Leidos, or NGA know what SOCET GXP and FMV exploitation mean. Use that language on your resume without translation.
But if you are applying to urban planning firms, environmental consulting companies, energy infrastructure companies, or any employer outside the intelligence and defense sectors — the hiring manager has likely never seen "mensuration" or "NPES" on a resume. The translations below reframe your 35G technical experience into language that resonates in non-intelligence, non-GIS industries. These are not just word swaps — they show how to position the analytical methodology and project output behind your imagery work.
Before, in service
Exploited FMV feeds from MQ-1C and MQ-9 assets to identify pattern-of-life behaviors and time-sensitive targets for brigade commanders
After, on the resume
Analyzed continuous video data streams to identify behavioral patterns and anomalies, delivering time-sensitive findings to operational decision-makers
Before, in service
Performed mensuration on GEOINT products to derive precise target coordinates with CEP data for fires planning
After, on the resume
Extracted precision spatial measurements from imagery data to support mission-critical planning with quantified accuracy metrics
Before, in service
Produced 12-15 finished intelligence products per week in support of division-level operations, incorporating GEOINT, SIGINT, and HUMINT inputs
After, on the resume
Produced 12-15 research and analytical reports weekly, synthesizing data from multiple sources into decision-ready assessments for senior leadership
Before, in service
Conducted terrain analysis and produced overlay products identifying trafficability, slope, and observation/fields-of-fire limitations for route clearance missions
After, on the resume
Conducted site assessment and produced spatial analysis products identifying access constraints, terrain limitations, and environmental factors to support planning and risk management
Before, in service
Operated SOCET GXP, RemoteView, and ArcGIS to produce map overlays, 3D terrain models, and imagery-derived intelligence products
After, on the resume
Proficient in ArcGIS and imagery exploitation software for geospatial data processing, spatial analysis, map production, and 3D terrain visualization
Before, in service
Coordinated collection requirements with corps G2 and NGA to ensure assets were tasked against priority intelligence requirements during combat operations
After, on the resume
Coordinated resource allocation and prioritized requirements across multiple stakeholders to ensure data collection met operational objectives on schedule
Before, in service
Conducted systematic change detection analysis on multi-spectral imagery to identify infrastructure modifications and equipment movements across 2,500 square kilometers
After, on the resume
Conducted systematic data comparison analysis to identify significant changes, anomalies, and emerging trends across large geographic and temporal datasets
Before, in service
Delivered IMINT briefings to battalion and brigade commanders, presenting imagery-derived threat assessments and terrain analysis to inform operational planning
After, on the resume
Delivered visual data presentations and analytical briefings to senior leadership, translating complex geospatial data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making
Before, in service
Managed classified data workflows within a SCIF environment, ensuring all imagery products and source materials were handled in accordance with classification authority guidelines
After, on the resume
Managed sensitive data workflows within controlled environments, ensuring all analytical products and source materials complied with information governance and access control requirements
BMR turns your 35G duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RecommendedCost $749 (exam)Time 6-12 months preparationGI Bill eligibleSenior cybersecurity credential for 35Gs with 5+ years of combined technical experience. Opens senior cyber analyst and security architect roles at IC agencies and defense contractors. BLS median for information security analysts: $124,910.
RecommendedCost $200-$300 (Coursera)Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleEntry-level data analytics credential recognized by many employers. Covers SQL, data visualization, and analytical methodology. Good foundation for 35Gs transitioning to civilian data or GIS analyst roles. GI Bill may cover Coursera subscription.
RecommendedCost $338 (exam)Time 2-3 months self-studyGI Bill eligibleEntry-level data analytics credential. Validates data literacy, analysis, and reporting skills for non-imagery civilian roles. Good credential for 35Gs pivoting away from geospatial-specific work into broader data roles.
RecommendedCost $100 (exam)Time 1-2 months self-studyGI Bill eligibleFoundation-level cloud credential. Relevant as commercial satellite imagery platforms (including government cloud environments) migrate to AWS-based storage and processing. Good entry point for 35Gs targeting geospatial data science or cloud-based GIS roles.
Highly RecommendedCost $250Time 1-3 months (portfolio prep)GI Bill eligibleThe primary civilian GIS credential. Military imagery experience counts toward the experience requirement. Communicates GIS competency to non-intelligence employers who do not recognize military system names. Get this before you separate.
RecommendedCost $250-$500 per examTime 1-3 months self-studyValidates ArcGIS proficiency at a civilian-recognized level. Particularly useful for non-defense GIS roles in environmental consulting, utilities, and local government. Covers ArcGIS Pro, spatial analysis, and data management.
RecommendedCost $175 (exam fee)Time 2-4 weeks self-studyFAA certification for commercial drone operations. Relevant for 35Gs moving into commercial remote sensing, environmental monitoring, or infrastructure inspection. UAS imagery collection is increasingly integrated with GIS workflows.
RecommendedCost $250-$400Time 3-6 months (portfolio prep)Relevant for 35Gs targeting emergency management GIS roles at FEMA, state emergency management agencies, or local government. GIS is core to emergency response planning and disaster assessment — 35G mapping experience applies directly.
SituationalCost $150-$300 (online)Time 30 hours self-pacedUseful for 35Gs pivoting into environmental consulting or infrastructure roles where OSHA compliance is required. Low cost and widely recognized. Not required for intelligence or GIS roles but helpful for field-based environmental or construction-adjacent positions.
EssentialCost $404 (exam)Time 1-2 months self-studyGI Bill eligibleDoD 8570/8140 baseline requirement for IA Technical Level II. Most cleared 35Gs already hold this from service. If not, get it before separation — it is required for access to classified systems at most contractors and IC agencies.
RecommendedCost $404 (exam)Time 2-3 months self-studyGI Bill eligibleIntermediate cybersecurity credential. Relevant for 35Gs transitioning into cyber threat intelligence. Pairs well with GEOINT analytical background for threat intelligence analyst roles at IC agencies and contractors.
RecommendedCost Low cost (government program)Time 6-12 monthsDefense intelligence credentialing program. Relevant for 35Gs pursuing GS-0132 positions or contractor intelligence analyst roles. Demonstrates formalized intelligence methodology to civilian hiring managers.
Highly RecommendedCost $555 (PMI member)Time 3-6 months preparationGI Bill eligibleIndustry gold standard for project management. Senior 35Gs who managed imagery production teams, collection requirements, or exploitation cells likely meet the experience threshold. Broad applicability across industries for career pivots beyond imagery.
RecommendedCost $300 (PMI member)Time 2-3 months preparationGI Bill eligibleEntry-level PM credential for 35Gs who do not yet meet PMP experience requirements. Good stepping stone while building civilian project management experience. GI Bill-eligible exam prep available.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
NGA and IC Careers: Apply directly through IntelligenceCareers.gov for NGA, DIA, CIA, and NSA positions. Your TS/SCI clearance and exploitation background make you a priority candidate. Also check USAJobs for GS-0132 and GS-1370 series.
Defense Contractors (GEOINT): Maxar Technologies, L3Harris, Leidos, SAIC, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, CACI, and Booz Allen Hamilton all support NGA and DoD GEOINT programs. Most positions require TS/SCI. Use ClearanceJobs.com — it is the primary board for cleared positions.
Commercial Satellite Imagery: Planet Labs, BlackSky, Maxar (commercial division), and Satellogic are building commercial GEOINT capabilities and actively recruit imagery-trained professionals. These companies do not always require active clearances. Search job titles like "Imagery Analyst" and "Remote Sensing Specialist" on their careers pages.
GISP Certification: The GIS Certification Institute (GISCI) offers the GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional). Military imagery experience counts toward the experience requirement. Exam fee is approximately $250. This credential communicates GIS competency to non-intelligence employers who may not recognize military system names.
SkillBridge Programs: Esri, Leidos, and several defense contractors participate in DoD SkillBridge. Search skillbridge.osd.mil for geospatial and imagery analyst openings. Apply at least 6 months before your final 180 days.
GIS in Civilian Sectors: Your ArcGIS proficiency is the most transferable technical skill for non-intelligence careers. Environmental consulting, urban planning, utilities, transportation, and emergency management all use ArcGIS heavily. If your skills need updating, Esri training offers courses and the ArcGIS Professional certification recognized by civilian employers.
Data Science Path: Geospatial data science is a fast-growing specialty. Python (GeoPandas, Shapely, Rasterio) and cloud platforms (Google Earth Engine, AWS) are increasingly required at tech companies and research institutions. The Google Data Analytics Certificate is GI Bill-eligible. Read more about veterans in data analytics.
Project Management: Senior 35Gs who managed imagery production teams or coordinated multi-unit collection requirements have documented project management experience. The PMP certification (PMI) is the standard. Exam cost is approximately $555 (PMI member). Your operational hours likely meet the experience threshold.
Federal Employment (Non-Intelligence): USGS, NOAA, Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, and FEMA hire GIS professionals through standard competitive service. Build your USAJobs profile 6 months before separation. Target GS-1370, GS-1372, and GS-1301 series. Build your federal resume here.
Clearance Leverage: Your TS/SCI clearance saves employers $15,000-30,000 and 6-12 months of investigation time. It remains current for up to 24 months after separation (TS investigation valid 5 years). Start your search 6 months before separation. See what TS/SCI is worth in salary premium.
Veteran Mentorship: American Corporate Partners (ACP) pairs veterans with corporate executives for free mentorship. Useful if you are pivoting to a non-defense field where you lack a professional network.
GI Bill Strategy: For GISP or Esri certifications — cost is low and ROI is fast. For data science — many free paths exist before spending GI Bill. For a degree or MBA — use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify approval before committing.
35-Series Civilian Careers Resume Guide | What Your Security Clearance Is Worth | Clearance Status After Separation | Veterans in Data Analytics | Build Your Resume Free
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
Extremely valuable. A TS/SCI clearance saves employers $15,000-30,000 and 6-12 months of investigation time. Cleared imagery analysts in the DC Metro area routinely earn $90,000-$130,000+ at defense contractors and IC support firms. Your clearance stays current for up to 24 months after separation, with the TS investigation valid for 5 years. Start your job search 6 months before separation.
According to BLS May 2024 data: cartographers and photogrammetrists earn a median of $75,690 annually; geospatial information scientists earn $98,370. Cleared imagery analyst positions at defense contractors often pay above these figures due to TS/SCI premiums of $15,000-30,000 per year in the DC Metro area.
No. Many employers in defense contracting and commercial remote sensing treat operational imagery exploitation experience as equivalent to or better than a GIS degree. Your ArcGIS proficiency, RemoteView or SOCET GXP experience, and TS/SCI clearance are often more decisive. For non-defense GIS employers, a GISP certification or Esri Technical Certification demonstrates competency to hiring managers who may not recognize military system names.
The GISP (Geographic Information Systems Professional) is the primary industry credential from the GIS Certification Institute (GISCI). It validates GIS competency to employers who may not recognize SOCET GXP or NPES. Exam cost is approximately $250. Your military imagery experience counts toward the experience requirement. If targeting civilian-sector GIS roles outside of defense, the GISP is worth getting before you separate.
ArcGIS is the most transferable — the industry standard for civilian GIS across every sector. RemoteView and SOCET GXP are defense-contractor recognized but less known outside the IC. For commercial remote sensing, Python scripting (GeoPandas, Rasterio) and cloud-based imagery platforms (Google Earth Engine, AWS) are increasingly valued.
Yes. Geospatial data science is a fast-growing specialty. Your foundation in spatial analysis, pattern recognition, and imagery interpretation maps directly onto data science methodology. You will need to add programming skills — Python with GeoPandas and Rasterio is the standard geospatial stack. The Google Data Analytics Certificate and CompTIA Data+ are recognized civilian credentials.
NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) is the most direct path. Beyond NGA: USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, DIA, CIA, NSA, NASA Earth Science, FEMA, EPA, and Bureau of Land Management. Apply through IntelligenceCareers.gov for IC agencies and USAJobs.gov for all others.
Veterans Preference adds 5 or 10 points to competitive service hiring assessments — most impactful at GS-7 to GS-11. For IC positions at NGA, DIA, and CIA (excepted service), your TS/SCI clearance and operational experience are typically more decisive than preference points. File your claim using the SF-15 and your DD-214 Member 4 copy.
Both are strong paths. Staying in the IC offers the highest near-term compensation if you hold TS/SCI — cleared imagery analysts are in short supply. Commercial GIS offers broader geographic flexibility and strong growth. Commercial remote sensing companies offer a middle path: intelligence-adjacent work without the clearance-maintenance pressure.
Yes — start 12 months before ETS. At 180 days out you may be eligible for DoD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian employer while still receiving military pay. At minimum: build your resume and USAJobs profile 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, and apply to federal positions early. Use terminal leave strategically.
Depends on your target career. For intelligence and defense contracting: GISP or Esri Technical Certification is low cost with fast ROI. For data science: many free paths exist first. For federal non-intelligence GIS: a degree in geography or GIS opens GS-7 to GS-9 positions. For a management pivot: an MBA from a Yellow Ribbon school offers broad career flexibility. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool before committing to any program.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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