New Cohort Starts:

Donate

1N070 Career Guide

Air Force

1N070: Imagery Analyst

Career transition guide for Air Force Imagery Analyst (1N070)

Translate Your 1N070 Experience Now

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

Start Free Translation

Tech Roles You Could Aim For

Real industry tech roles your 1N070 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Data Analyst

Data

SOC 15-2051
High match

Your experience exploiting multi-sensor imagery and all-source intelligence translates directly to data analysis. You are skilled in pattern recognition, comparative analysis, and intelligence reporting. Learning Python (pandas, scikit-learn) will allow you to apply these skills to larger datasets and build statistical models.

Typical stack:

SQLExcel / Sheets at expert levelOne BI tool (Tableau, Power BI, Looker)Statistics fundamentalsStakeholder communication

Data Engineer

Data

SOC 15-2051
Good match

You have experience operating automated database systems (e.g., MAGE) and preparing intelligence reports, which shows a strong understanding of data management and dissemination. With some training in data warehousing and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processes, you can use your skills to build and maintain data pipelines.

Typical stack:

PythonSQL (deep)Pipeline orchestration (Airflow, Dagster, dbt)Cloud data warehouse (Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift)Schema design

Machine Learning Engineer

Data

SOC 15-1252
Moderate match

As an imagery analyst, you performed pattern recognition and identified key features from visual data. By learning the fundamentals of machine learning and deep learning (especially convolutional neural networks for image analysis), you can leverage your experience to build and deploy ML models for image recognition and other applications.

Typical stack:

PythonPyTorch or TensorFlowML pipeline tooling (MLflow, Kubeflow, Vertex AI)Model deploymentSoftware engineering fundamentals

Computer Systems Analyst

Customer / Field

SOC 15-1211
Good match

Your experience with systems like DCGS-AF, SOCET GXP, and FMV exploitation tools means you're familiar with complex software systems. Adding training in modern system analysis techniques will allow you to specify and design IT systems that meet a business' needs.

Typical stack:

Software systems literacyProcess mappingRequirements gatheringSQLStakeholder communication

Skills You Already Have

Concrete bridges from 1N070 experience to tech-industry practice.

  • Imagery InterpretationAnalyzing complex datasets and extracting meaningful insights.
  • Geospatial AnalysisUsing geospatial data and tools to solve real-world problems.
  • Remote Sensing PrinciplesUnderstanding how to collect and interpret data from remote sensors.
  • Target IdentificationIdentifying and classifying objects or features in imagery and other data sources.
  • Damage AssessmentAssessing the impact of events or activities on infrastructure and other assets.
  • Intelligence ReportingCommunicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Pattern RecognitionIdentifying meaningful patterns and trends in large datasets.
  • Situational AwarenessUnderstanding the surrounding environment and anticipating potential changes.
  • After-Action AnalysisCritically evaluating past events and identifying areas for improvement.
  • Rapid PrioritizationQuickly assessing situations and prioritizing actions based on their importance and urgency.

Skills to Learn

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not generic.

Python (pandas, scikit-learn)SQLData warehousing conceptsETL processesCloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Machine learning fundamentalsDeep learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch)Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)Systems Analysis Techniques

How VWC fits

Vets Who Code accelerates the parts we teach — software engineering fundamentals, web development, AI tooling. For everything else above, the path is doable independently with the resources we link to.

See VWC Programs

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1N070 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Geospatial Intelligence Analyst

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Intelligence Analyst

$88K
High matchHigh demand

Remote Sensing Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific GIS software certificationsCivilian remote sensing techniques

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technician

$75K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certificationSpecific UAS platform training

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency management certifications (e.g., FEMA)Incident Command System (ICS) trainingKnowledge of disaster response protocols

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1N070 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

Analyzing multisensor imagery to identify patterns in enemy activity, infrastructure, and equipment, discerning subtle changes or anomalies that indicate potential threats or operational changes.

The ability to identify meaningful patterns and trends in large datasets, visual information, or complex systems, allowing for proactive decision-making and problem-solving.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a constant understanding of the operational environment through imagery analysis, incorporating intelligence from various sources to anticipate threats and inform strategic decisions.

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipating potential changes and making informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

After-Action Analysis

Preparing damage assessment reports detailing structural damage and weapons effects, analyzing the effectiveness of operations, and identifying lessons learned for future missions.

The ability to critically evaluate past events or projects, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in order to optimize future performance.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing imagery collection requirements based on the immediacy of the threat and operational objectives, ensuring that critical intelligence needs are met efficiently.

The ability to quickly assess situations, identify critical tasks, and prioritize actions based on their importance and urgency, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and effective response to evolving circumstances.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Insurance Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-1031

You've been meticulously analyzing images and data to identify anomalies and assess damage for the military. As an Insurance Fraud Investigator, you'll use those same skills to examine claims, identify inconsistencies, and uncover fraudulent activity. Your ability to recognize patterns and assess situations will be invaluable in protecting insurance companies from financial losses.

Geospatial Analyst

SOC 15-1121

You've spent your time in the military precisely measuring objects in images to determine geographic locations. As a Geospatial Analyst, you’ll use similar skills to analyze spatial data for a variety of purposes, such as urban planning, environmental monitoring, or disaster response. Your expertise in remote sensing and data interpretation will make you a sought-after professional in this growing field.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 13-1161

You've developed keen observational skills by monitoring counterinsurgency operations and assessing the likelihood of various activities. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll apply those same skills to analyze consumer behavior, market trends, and competitor strategies. Your ability to identify patterns and predict future outcomes will help companies make informed business decisions and gain a competitive edge.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Imagery Analyst Training Program, Goodfellow Air Force Base, TX

1,240 training hours31 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Imagery Interpretation
  • Geospatial Analysis
  • Remote Sensing Principles
  • Target Identification
  • Damage Assessment
  • Intelligence Reporting
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operations
  • Mensuration Techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Geospatial Intelligence Professional (CGIP)60% covered

Requires knowledge of advanced geospatial analysis techniques, photogrammetry principles, and specific software applications beyond standard military training. Study advanced remote sensing, GIS, and photogrammetric concepts.

Remote Sensing Professional Certification (RSP)50% covered

Requires additional knowledge in advanced remote sensing principles, data processing techniques, and specific sensor systems not typically covered in standard military training. Focus on hyperspectral imaging, LiDAR data processing, and advanced classification algorithms.

Recommended Next Certifications

Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
NSG (National System for Geospatial Intelligence)Geospatial intelligence platforms (e.g., Esri ArcGIS, Google Earth Engine)
SOCET GXP (BAE Systems)Geospatial image processing software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE)
FMV (Full Motion Video) exploitation toolsVideo analytics platforms (e.g., Milestone Systems, BriefCam)
MAGE (Multi-Source Analytical Geospatial Environment)Data fusion and analytics platforms (e.g., Palantir, IBM i2 Analyst's Notebook)
DCGS-AF (Distributed Common Ground System - Air Force)Cloud-based data processing and dissemination systems (e.g., Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure Government)
JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition)GPS Guided bombs with laser guidance kit upgrades.
RQ/MQ-1 Predator A/B sensor suiteCommercial drone imagery platforms (e.g., DJI Matrice series) with various sensor payloads (EO/IR cameras, LiDAR)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 1N070 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free