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Engineering · Army career profile

12Y Geospatial Engineer

As a Geospatial Engineer, you’ll provide invaluable visualization of the land and battlefield in advance of sending troops into unfamiliar terrain. From conditions and effects of terrain and weather on vehicles and troop movements, to points of tactical interest during missions, you’ll examine all aspects of the battlefield before boots ever hit the ground. You’ll extract and analyze geographic data from satellite imagery, photography, and field reconnaissance, then use this data to create different types of maps and databases. You will also use the information you gather to support military and civilian operations for Disaster Relief and Homeland Security.

ASVABST 100 and GT 100
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training
Physical demandsSignificant
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Geospatial Engineer, you’ll provide invaluable visualization of the land and battlefield in advance of sending troops into unfamiliar terrain.
  • From conditions and effects of terrain and weather on vehicles and troop movements, to points of tactical interest during missions, you’ll examine all aspects of the battlefield before boots ever hit the ground.
  • You’ll extract and analyze geographic data from satellite imagery, photography, and field reconnaissance, then use this data to create different types of maps and databases.
  • You will also use the information you gather to support military and civilian operations for Disaster Relief and Homeland Security.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Data Collection & AnalysisMaps & GeographyComputer DraftingEffectively use computersAbility to convert ideas into drawings or modelsAnalyze information and make decisions

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 3–12 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (20 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 12Y experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Land Surveyor

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Construction firms, Utilities, Public works agencies

Credential note: Additional education and a civilian license or professional certification are typically required.

Search current Land Surveyor jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Cartographer

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Construction firms, Utilities, Public works agencies

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Cartographer jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Civil Engineer

Illustrative salary information: $45,000–$100,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and required credentials

Example employers: Construction firms, Utilities, Public works agencies

Credential note: A college degree may be required or preferred; some employers may also require professional certification or licensing.

Search current Civil Engineer jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related engineering MOS options

12BCombat EngineerSupports mobility, construction, obstacle reduction, and field engineering missions.12CBridge CrewmemberAs a Bridge Crewmember, you'll help construct bridges and rafts to help Soldiers cross rough terrain, bodies of water, and barriers they might encounter in the field. You'll help create floating bridges and rafts from a boat as well as help combat engineers create safe crossings on land by building structures or demolishing obstacles.12DDiverAs a Diver, you’ll have the unique skills to conduct reconnaissance, demolition, and salvage underwater. You’ll also assist with underwater construction and specialize in either scuba diving or deep-sea diving. You’ll support special warfare and explosive ordnance disposal troops while using diving gear.12GQuarrying SpecialistAs a Quarrying Specialist, you'll be responsible for moving earth and materials with heavy types of machinery to help construct airfields, roads, dams, and buildings. You will also operate heavy construction equipment such as rock crushers, explosives, and jackhammers to remove rock and debris from construction sites.

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