0261 Geospatial Intelligence Specialist
Before any unit moves across unfamiliar terrain, someone has to understand what that terrain looks like, how it will affect movement and weapons, and what the spatial picture means for the mission. The 0261 Geospatial Intelligence Specialist builds that picture. This field goes well beyond drawing maps. It fuses terrain analysis, survey data, positional accuracy, and spatial modeling into intelligence products that commanders rely on for planning, targeting, and decision-making.
Job Role and Responsibilities
The 0261 Geospatial Intelligence Specialist plans, processes, analyzes, exploits, and disseminates spatial information used to understand the operational environment, including terrain, inland and coastal water features, climate, cultural, and positional data. These Marines produce geospatial intelligence products used for weapons delivery, command-and-control system support, route analysis, and all-source intelligence fusion.
Daily Tasks
The daily work of an 0261 Marine is organized around data, spatial analysis, and product production. Typical tasks include:
- Collecting and processing geospatial data from survey operations, imagery, and digital terrain databases
- Producing topographic maps, terrain analyses, and positional accuracy assessments
- Supporting weapons delivery and fire-control systems with accurate positional data
- Operating and maintaining geodetic survey equipment and geospatial software platforms
- Integrating terrain and geographic data into all-source intelligence products and operational planning documents
- Maintaining geospatial databases and ensuring positional data currency for supported units
Specific Roles
| Classification | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PMOS | 0261 | Geospatial Intelligence Specialist |
| Related | 0202 | Intelligence Officer (separate officer track) |
| Related | 0291 | Intelligence Chief (senior enlisted progression) |
Mission Contribution
Accurate terrain and spatial data shapes every aspect of military planning. Poor positional accuracy in weapons systems costs lives; inaccurate terrain analysis leads units into avoidable danger. The 0261 is the Marine who ensures the force is working from accurate, current spatial information before it moves or fires. That foundational role makes geospatial intelligence one of the most operationally consequential technical specialties in the Corps.
Technology and Equipment
0261 Marines work with geodetic survey instruments, Global Positioning System receivers, digital terrain elevation data systems, ArcGIS and other geographic information software, satellite imagery processing platforms, and classified geospatial databases. Weapons delivery support involves working with precision navigation and targeting systems that depend on validated positional data from geospatial surveys.
Salary and Benefits
Financial Benefits
Pay follows the 2026 DFAS active-duty enlisted pay tables, effective January 1, 2026.
| Rank | Grade | Under 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 4 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | E-1 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 |
| Private First Class | E-2 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 |
| Lance Corporal | E-3 | $2,836.80 | $3,015.00 | $3,198.00 |
| Corporal | E-4 | $3,142.20 | $3,303.00 | $3,658.50 |
| Sergeant | E-5 | $3,342.90 | $3,598.20 | $3,946.80 |
Source: dfas.mil, 2026 Enlisted Basic Pay Table.
Additional Benefits
BAS of $476.95 per month applies to all enlisted Marines. BAH varies by duty station, rank, and dependency status. TRICARE Prime provides no-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at public schools and up to $29,920.95 annually at private schools (AY 2025-2026 cap). Tuition Assistance covers up to $4,500 per year during active service.
Work-Life Balance
Geospatial intelligence work involves technical data processing that can be time-intensive during operational planning cycles. Field survey operations require outdoor fieldwork in varying conditions. Garrison schedules are more predictable than combat-arms fields, but operational support requirements can extend hours during exercises and deployments.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Basic Qualifications
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen |
| Age | 17-29 for initial enlistment |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| AFQT minimum | 31 |
| ASVAB line scores | CL 110 or GT 110 minimum |
| Vision | Normal color vision, normal stereoscopic acuity |
| Clearance | SCI eligibility required |
| SSO screening | Required for lateral movers |
| Interview | Lateral movers need an interview by a 0261 GySgt or above |
| Service obligation | 36 months of obligated service remaining after MOS training |
| Lateral move eligibility | Typically Corporal or below; Sergeants considered in limited cases |
The CL 110 or GT 110 threshold reflects the mathematical, spatial, and analytical demands of the job. Survey operations and positional data work require strong mathematical aptitude and the ability to apply technical procedures correctly in field conditions.
Application Process
Entry-level accession is available through intelligence-field enlistment contracts. After Boot Camp and MCT, Marines attend the Basic Geographic Intelligence Specialist Course at Marine Corps Intelligence Schools in Dam Neck, Virginia. Lateral movers must complete an SSO screening, a field interview, and have remaining service obligation within the required rank window.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
Both direct and lateral applicants are screened for SCI eligibility, vision standards, and analytical aptitude. The SSO review and senior-Marine interview for lateral movers assess whether the applicant has the technical aptitude and attention to detail required for survey and geospatial work. A strong record in mathematics or technical fields strengthens the application.
Upon Accession
Entry-level Marines enter at E-1. Standard active-duty enlistment is four years. Current bonus availability for intelligence-field contracts should be confirmed with a recruiter.
- ASVAB Online Course Guided lessons and timed practice for the line score this MOS needs.
- ASVAB Study Guide Self-paced study with full-length practice exams and answer explanations.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
0261 Marines work in both indoor technical environments and outdoor survey settings. Data processing happens in intelligence sections, SCIF workspaces, and geospatial support cells. Survey operations take Marines into the field to collect positional data. Deployed environments include expeditionary command posts and joint intelligence facilities.
Leadership and Communication
Geospatial sections function within intelligence battalions and MEF-level intelligence organizations. The section chief coordinates products and ensures accuracy before dissemination to supported units. Communication with supported units requires the ability to explain spatial concepts to non-specialists clearly.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
Geospatial teams work in coordinated sections where individual accuracy has system-level consequences. A positional error in one product can propagate through multiple dependent systems. The field cultivates a culture of verification and peer review.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Marines who find the intersection of spatial data, technology, and operational relevance intellectually compelling tend to stay. Those who prefer less technically intensive or more physically active work often find the field less engaging than anticipated.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
| Phase | Location | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | MCRD San Diego or Parris Island | 13 weeks | Marine Corps fundamentals |
| Marine Combat Training (MCT) | SOI-West or SOI-East | 29 days | Basic combat skills |
| Basic Geographic Intelligence Specialist Course | Marine Corps Intelligence Schools, Dam Neck, VA | Varies | Survey fundamentals, mapping, geographic data processing, geospatial software, GEOINT product production |
Advanced Training
- NGA advanced geospatial analysis and production courses
- Precision survey operations and geodetic measurement courses
- Advanced GIS platform training including ArcGIS
- Joint GEOINT fusion and integration training
- Defense Joint Military Intelligence Training Center (DJIMT) courses
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
| Rank | Grade | Typical Stage | Primary Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | E-1 | Schoolhouse | Basic Geographic Intelligence Specialist Course |
| Private First Class | E-2 | Initial unit | Supervised geospatial product production |
| Lance Corporal | E-3 | First assignment | Area-specific data processing, survey support |
| Corporal | E-4 | Mid-junior | Independent geospatial analysis, weapons delivery support |
| Sergeant | E-5 | NCO | Senior analyst, section production lead |
| Staff Sergeant | E-6 | Senior NCO | Section chief duties, staff planning support |
| Gunnery Sergeant | E-7 | Senior leader | Intelligence section chief or senior geospatial advisor |
Role Flexibility and Transfers
LATMOVE from 0261 to other MOSs is available with command endorsement. The geospatial and spatial analysis expertise of 0261 Marines translates well into 0241 imagery, 0231 all-source analysis, and engineering-related intelligence roles. NGA and contractor geospatial employment are common post-service options.
Performance Evaluation
Proficiency and conduct marks govern Lance Corporals and below. FITREPs govern Staff Sergeants and above. Product accuracy, positional data quality, and demonstrated technical competence factor into advancement evaluations.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
0261 is not a combat-arms MOS, but geospatial Marines deploy and serve in operational environments including field survey operations. PFT and CFT performance is required for promotion and retention.
| Test | Event | Male 17-20 Minimum | Male 17-20 First Class | Female 17-20 Minimum | Female 17-20 First Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT | Pull-ups | 3 | 23 | 1 | 7 |
| PFT | Crunches (2 min) | 70 | 100 | 70 | 100 |
| PFT | 3-Mile Run | 28:00 | 18:00 | 33:00 | 21:00 |
| CFT | Movement to Contact | 3:38 | 2:55 | 4:40 | 3:48 |
| CFT | Ammunition Lift | 42 | 95 | 42 | 95 |
| CFT | Maneuver Under Fire | 3:37 | 2:27 | 4:20 | 3:15 |
Source: marines.com. Verify current year standards against official Marine Corps publications.
Medical Evaluations
Normal color vision and normal stereoscopic acuity are confirmed at accession and maintained throughout the career. Periodic medical evaluations apply. SCI clearance maintenance includes periodic background reinvestigations.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Geospatial specialists deploy with intelligence battalions and MEF intelligence sections. Survey teams may deploy on shorter-notice taskings to support specific operational requirements. Expeditionary geospatial capabilities have supported operations throughout the Indo-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe.
Location Flexibility
Primary 0261 assignments are at intelligence-heavy installations including Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, Quantico, and overseas positions. Dam Neck is the main schoolhouse location. Assignment preferences are submitted but not guaranteed.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
Field survey operations involve outdoor work in varying conditions including austere environments. Deployed geospatial sections work inside command-post facilities. Positional accuracy errors in weapons-delivery support products carry operational risk, which is why verification processes are rigorous.
Safety Protocols
SCIF security protocols and classification management govern all data handling. Field survey operations follow safety protocols for equipment use in operational environments. Product review chains ensure accuracy before operational release.
Security and Legal Requirements
SCI clearance is required throughout the career. Geospatial products used for targeting are subject to legal review and command authority requirements. All Marines are subject to UCMJ.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Classified work limits what analysts can share with family. Field survey operations and deployments affect family schedules. MCFTB, Military OneSource, and MCCS programs support families at all major installations.
Relocation and Flexibility
PCS moves are typical. 0261 Marines tend to be concentrated at intelligence-heavy installations. Geographic preferences should be discussed with a recruiter before enlistment.
Marine Corps Reserve
Component Availability
0261 is available in the Marine Corps Reserve. Reserve geospatial specialists support operating forces through reserve intelligence units. Both the direct accession and lateral move paths apply under the appropriate reserve program.
Drill Schedule and Training Commitment
Standard reserve commitment is one drill weekend per month and two weeks of Annual Training per year. Reserve geospatial analysts may require additional training to maintain software system access and positional data currency. SSO and SCI clearance requirements apply in the reserve component.
Part-Time Pay
A reserve Corporal (E-4) earns approximately $419 per drill weekend based on 2026 pay rates. Active-duty monthly pay of $3,142.20 for the same grade is significantly higher.
Benefits Differences
| Benefit | Active Duty | Marine Corps Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly pay (E-4) | $3,142.20 | ~$419 per drill weekend |
| Healthcare | TRICARE Prime, no cost | TRICARE Reserve Select (premiums apply) |
| Tuition Assistance | Up to $4,500/year | Available on qualifying orders |
| GI Bill | Full Post-9/11 GI Bill | Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve |
| Retirement | 20-year pension at 40% of high-36 | Points-based, collect at age 60 |
| Deployment tempo | Moderate, unit-based cycles | Lower, mobilization possible |
Deployment and Mobilization
Reserve geospatial specialists can be mobilized under Title 10 orders to support deployed intelligence and survey requirements. Mobilization lengths typically range from six to twelve months.
Civilian Career Integration
0261 experience translates directly into NGA employment, contractor geospatial roles, emergency management, infrastructure planning, and remote sensing. The combination of military operational context and GIS technical training is highly valued in both the federal and commercial geospatial markets. USERRA protections apply.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
The Transition Readiness Program supports career planning. Federal Veterans’ Preference applies. NGA and major geospatial contractors actively recruit cleared veterans with survey and analysis experience. Geographic information science is a high-growth field with strong civilian demand. The GI Bill can fund formal GIS or geography degree programs.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook (BLS) |
|---|---|---|
| Geospatial Analyst / GIS Analyst | $98,800 | +14% |
| Surveyor | $68,350 | +5% |
| Intelligence Analyst | $103,680 | +7% |
| Remote Sensing Specialist | $85,000-$110,000 | Growing |
| Emergency Management Specialist | $79,180 | +5% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
The best 0261 candidates have strong mathematical aptitude, spatial reasoning ability, visual precision, and interest in the intersection of geography and military operations. A CL or GT score of 110 or higher and normal stereoscopic vision are practical prerequisites. Marines who want a technical specialty with strong post-service civilian demand and clear federal career pathways fit this field well.
Potential Challenges
Marines who are not mathematically inclined, who find precision data work tedious, or who prefer physical or outdoor roles over technical analytical environments will find 0261 less satisfying. The vision requirements are non-negotiable and cannot be waived.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
Geographic information science is one of the fastest-growing technical fields in both government and private sectors. The combination of military operational context, SCI clearance, and GIS technical training creates a strong post-service profile. The GI Bill and tuition assistance can add formal education in geography, surveying, or spatial science to complete that picture.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps or any government agency. Verify all information with official Marine Corps sources before making enlistment or career decisions.
More Information
Contact your nearest Marine Corps Recruiting Station to confirm current 0261 contract availability and clearance timelines. In-service Marines should contact their Career Planner and the Marine Corps Intelligence Schools at Dam Neck for current lateral move solicitation information.
Explore more 02 Intelligence roles, including 0231 Intelligence Specialist and 0241 Imagery Intelligence Specialist.
Need score context? Review the ASVAB guide and the PiCAT guide before publishing permanent MOS content.