19D Cavalry Scout to Intelligence Analyst: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025)
Transform your 19D reconnaissance and intelligence skills into $60K-$130K+ analyst career. Includes security clearance leverage, GEOINT/HUMINT paths, and cleared contractor roles.
Bottom Line Up Front
Army 19D Cavalry Scouts have direct pathways to intelligence analysis earning $60,000-$130,000+ annually. Your reconnaissance experience, threat assessment, pattern analysis, terrain evaluation, reporting, and observation skills translate directly to intelligence analysis, threat analysis, security analysis, and investigative roles. Entry-level intelligence analysts start at $55,000-$75,000, all-source analysts earn $70,000-$95,000, senior intelligence analysts make $90,000-$120,000, and targeting/SIGINT analysts command $100,000-$140,000+ with clearance. Leverage existing security clearance for 20-40% salary premium. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and federal law enforcement desperately need professionals who understand threat assessment, reconnaissance fundamentals, and operational intelligence.
Why 19D Cavalry Scouts Excel in Intelligence Analysis
Every cavalry scout researching civilian careers hears: "Intelligence work requires advanced degrees." "You're combat arms, not intelligence." "Scout experience doesn't apply to analytical work."
Here's what intelligence employers actually know: The best intelligence analysts come from reconnaissance backgrounds with ground-truth operational experience.
You didn't just "drive around." You:
- Conducted reconnaissance missions gathering critical intelligence
- Assessed terrain, weather, and enemy activity patterns
- Identified and reported threats under time constraints
- Analyzed enemy tactics, techniques, and procedures
- Created sketch maps, overlays, and intelligence products
- Collected HUMINT through observation and interaction
- Maintained situational awareness across large areas
- Prioritized intelligence requirements
- Operated surveillance systems and sensors
- Generated intelligence reports following specific formats
- Briefed commanders on threat assessments
- Tracked enemy movements and patterns
- Distinguished normal activity from threats
- Made judgment calls under ambiguous conditions
That's not "basic scouting" - that's intelligence collection, threat analysis, and decision support. Intelligence analysis is the same analytical thinking applied to broader datasets with more time and better tools.
Intelligence Career Paths for 19D Veterans
Intelligence Analyst (primary career path)
Civilian job titles:
- Intelligence Analyst
- All-Source Intelligence Analyst
- Threat Analyst
- Security Analyst
- Counterintelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry intelligence analyst: $55,000-$75,000
- Intelligence analyst (2-5 years): $70,000-$95,000
- Senior intelligence analyst: $90,000-$120,000
- Lead/principal analyst: $110,000-$140,000+
What translates directly:
- Reconnaissance and information gathering
- Threat assessment and pattern analysis
- Report writing and briefings
- Multi-source information integration
- Time-sensitive analysis
- Terrain and environmental analysis
- Enemy/threat behavior assessment
- Situational awareness maintenance
Certifications needed:
- Maintain active security clearance - Critical advantage - No cost if still active
- Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 610 training - Required for IC work - Employer provides
- CTIA (Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst) - Industry cert - Cost: $495
- Bachelor's degree (any field) - Often required - GI Bill covers
Reality check: Intelligence analysts collect information from various sources, analyze patterns and trends, assess threats, produce intelligence reports, and brief decision-makers. Your reconnaissance experience IS intelligence work.
Defense contractors (Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos, SAIC, BAE Systems) hire thousands of intelligence analysts supporting DoD, DHS, FBI, and intelligence agencies. They want veterans with clearances, operational understanding, and analytical capability.
Entry with active clearance: $65K-$85K. Without clearance: $55K-$70K (but harder to get hired). With bachelor's + clearance: $75K-$95K.
Clearance is your biggest asset. TS/SCI increases salary 30-50% over uncleared positions. Secret clearance adds 15-25%.
Best for: 19D veterans with active clearance who want to leverage reconnaissance experience for analytical career.
GEOINT Analyst (leverages recon/terrain skills)
Civilian job titles:
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
- GEOINT Analyst
- Imagery Analyst
- Geospatial Analyst
- Targeting Analyst
Salary ranges:
- GEOINT analyst: $70,000-$90,000
- Senior GEOINT analyst: $90,000-$115,000
- Lead GEOINT analyst: $110,000-$140,000
- GEOINT manager: $125,000-$160,000+
What translates directly:
- Terrain analysis and evaluation
- Map reading and navigation
- Imagery interpretation
- Pattern of life analysis
- Target identification
- Route reconnaissance
- Observation and surveillance
- Site assessment
Certifications needed:
- Active TS/SCI clearance - Required for most GEOINT positions
- NGA GEOINT Professional Certification - Government standard - Employer-provided training
- USGIF GEOINT certification - Industry credential - Cost: $300-$500
- GIS certifications (Esri, GISP) - Technical skills
Reality check: GEOINT analysts use satellite imagery, aerial photography, and geospatial data to produce intelligence. Your recon experience - terrain analysis, observation, pattern recognition, map use - is perfect foundation.
Every reconnaissance mission analyzing terrain, identifying enemy positions, evaluating routes, creating range cards - that's GEOINT work. Add formal training on imagery exploitation tools and analytical methodologies.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), defense contractors, and military support contractors hire GEOINT analysts. Requires TS/SCI clearance. Salaries: $75K-$120K+ with clearance.
Best for: 19D veterans with clearance who emphasized terrain analysis and reconnaissance planning.
HUMINT Collector / Investigator
Civilian job titles:
- HUMINT Collector
- Investigator
- Background Investigator
- Security Specialist
- Intelligence Officer
Salary ranges:
- Background investigator: $50,000-$70,000
- HUMINT collector: $75,000-$100,000
- Senior investigator: $85,000-$110,000
- Special agent: $95,000-$130,000+
What translates directly:
- Information collection through observation and interaction
- Interview and questioning techniques
- Source assessment and vetting
- Report writing and documentation
- Detecting deception and inconsistencies
- Building rapport and trust
- Operational security
- Cultural awareness
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance - Required
- HUMINT training - IC-provided for government roles
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - Investigation credential - Cost: $400
- PI license - State requirements vary - Cost: $100-$500
Reality check: HUMINT collectors gather intelligence through human sources. Your reconnaissance patrols interacting with locals, assessing situations, gathering information, and evaluating reliability translates directly.
Background investigation is entry path: Companies like CACI, Perspecta, Keypoint hire background investigators ($50K-$65K) for security clearance investigations. Requires travel, writing reports, conducting interviews.
Advancement: After background investigation experience, move to HUMINT collection ($80K-$110K) or federal law enforcement special agent ($90K-$130K+).
Best for: 19D veterans with strong people skills who prefer field work to desk analysis.
Threat Intelligence Analyst (cyber/physical security)
Civilian job titles:
- Threat Intelligence Analyst
- Security Intelligence Analyst
- Cyber Threat Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Protective Intelligence Analyst
Salary ranges:
- Threat analyst: $65,000-$85,000
- Senior threat analyst: $85,000-$110,000
- Lead threat analyst: $105,000-$135,000
- Threat intel manager: $120,000-$160,000+
What translates directly:
- Threat identification and assessment
- Pattern analysis and trend recognition
- Risk evaluation and prioritization
- Intelligence reporting
- Early warning and alert systems
- Adversary tactics and techniques
- Situational awareness
- Protective measures recommendations
Certifications needed:
- CTIA (Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst) - Primary credential - Cost: $495
- GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI) - Advanced cyber focus - Cost: $2,089
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP) - Physical security - Cost: $450
- Security+ or CISSP - Cybersecurity foundation
Reality check: Threat intelligence analysts identify threats to organizations - cyber threats, physical threats, insider threats, terrorism. They monitor threat actors, analyze tactics, assess risks, and provide early warning.
Your scout experience identifying threats, assessing enemy capabilities, recognizing patterns, and providing early warning IS threat intelligence. Corporate security, financial institutions, tech companies, and government all need threat intelligence.
Entry without cyber background: Physical/protective intelligence analyst ($65K-$85K). With Security+ or cyber training: Cyber threat analyst ($75K-$100K).
Best for: 19D veterans interested in protective/security intelligence for corporate or executive protection.
Law Enforcement / Federal Agent
Civilian job titles:
- Police Officer / Detective
- Federal Special Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, HSI)
- Border Patrol Agent
- Criminal Investigator
- Intelligence Officer
Salary ranges:
- Police officer: $50,000-$75,000
- Detective: $65,000-$90,000
- Federal agent (entry): $50,000-$70,000
- Federal agent (GS-13+): $90,000-$130,000+
What translates directly:
- Patrol and surveillance operations
- Threat assessment and response
- Report writing and documentation
- Teamwork and communications
- Firearms and tactical proficiency
- Decision-making under stress
- Attention to detail
- Integrity and trustworthiness
Certifications needed:
- Police academy - Required for state/local LE - Paid during academy (4-6 months)
- Bachelor's degree - Required for federal agents - GI Bill covers
- Military veteran preference - Automatic for federal positions
- State-specific requirements - Varies
Reality check: 19D to law enforcement is common transition. Your reconnaissance, weapons proficiency, tactical experience, and security clearance make you competitive candidate.
Local/state police: Apply directly, attend academy (paid), start as patrol officer ($50K-$65K), advance to detective/investigator ($70K-$90K).
Federal agents (FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, HSI): Requires bachelor's degree + experience. 19D counts as qualifying experience. Entry GS-10: $60K-$75K. Advance to GS-13+: $90K-$130K+ within 5-10 years.
Border Patrol: No degree required, strong veteran hiring, $55K-$75K entry, remote locations pay more.
Best for: 19D veterans wanting law enforcement career with reconnaissance and tactical skills application.
Skills Translation Table (for your resume)
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 19D Cavalry Scout | Intelligence professional with reconnaissance, threat assessment, and analytical capabilities |
| Reconnaissance operations | Intelligence collection, surveillance operations, and information gathering |
| Enemy threat assessment | Threat analysis, pattern recognition, and risk evaluation |
| Observation/surveillance | Technical surveillance, monitoring operations, and early warning systems |
| SALUTE reports | Intelligence reporting, structured analytical products, and time-sensitive reporting |
| Terrain analysis | Geospatial analysis, site assessment, and environmental intelligence |
| Route reconnaissance | Movement analysis, infrastructure assessment, and trafficability evaluation |
| Call for fire/target identification | Targeting intelligence, fire support coordination, and target development |
| Security clearance (Secret/TS/SCI) | Trusted access to classified information and sensitive intelligence |
| Intel support to operations | Decision support, operational intelligence, and customer-focused analysis |
Use active verbs: Assessed, Analyzed, Identified, Reported, Collected, Evaluated, Briefed, Monitored, Investigated, Documented.
Use numbers: "Conducted 200+ reconnaissance patrols identifying 50+ threat indicators," "Assessed terrain over 500 square kilometers supporting brigade operations," "Generated 150+ intelligence reports with 95% accuracy rating," "Maintained surveillance on 30+ named areas of interest."
Certification Roadmap for 19D to Intelligence Analyst
Phase 1: Clearance and Foundation (Months 1-6, Cost: $0-$2,000)
Maintain/Obtain Security Clearance:
- If still active/recently separated: Maintain clearance currency
- Update SF-86 through eQIP system
- Complete any required polygraph or CI screening
- Clearance is worth $15K-$30K annually in salary premium
Bachelor's Degree (if needed for target role):
- Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, International Relations, Political Science
- Online programs: American Military University, Penn State World Campus, etc.
- GI Bill covers tuition
- Time: 2-4 years (faster with military credits)
- Many intelligence roles prefer/require bachelor's
Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 610:
- Foundational intelligence training
- Usually provided by employer for IC-supporting roles
- Covers intelligence cycle, tradecraft, ethics
Phase 2: Professional Certifications (Months 3-12, Cost: $300-$1,000)
CTIA (Certified Threat Intelligence Analyst)
- Primary threat intelligence credential
- Cost: $495 exam
- Study time: 2-3 months
- Self-study or EC-Council training
- Recognized across government and industry
GIAC Intelligence certifications (if cyber focus):
- GCTI (Cyber Threat Intelligence): $2,089
- Advanced but valuable for cyber threat roles
- Consider after entry position and experience
GIS/GEOINT certifications (if GEOINT path):
- Esri ArcGIS training
- USGIF GEOINT Essential Body of Knowledge
- GISP (after 4 years experience)
Phase 3: Specialization (Years 1-3, Cost: varies)
For All-Source Intelligence:
- Advanced analytical training (employer-provided)
- Structured Analytic Techniques courses
- Regional/cultural expertise
- Additional clearance access (SCI, SAP)
For Cybersecurity Intelligence:
- Security+ certification - $370
- CISSP (after 5 years) - $749
- Cyber threat intel platforms training
For HUMINT/Investigations:
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) - $400
- Interview and interrogation training
- PI license (state-specific)
The Value of Security Clearance for 19D Veterans
Active Secret Clearance:
- Salary premium: 15-25% over uncleared
- Entry analyst with clearance: $65K-$80K vs. $50K-$60K uncleared
- Reduces job competition significantly
- Many positions require clearance before application
Active TS/SCI Clearance:
- Salary premium: 30-50% over uncleared
- Intelligence analyst with TS/SCI: $80K-$110K
- Access to specialized intelligence community roles
- Clearance costs employers $50K-$150K to obtain
- You already have it = massive advantage
Maintaining clearance:
- Stay in intelligence/defense contracting
- Accept position before clearance expires
- Avoid security violations or drug use
- Update SF-86 every 5-10 years
- Worth $300K-$500K+ over career in salary premium
Top Companies Hiring 19D Veterans for Intelligence Roles
Defense Contractors (Cleared Positions):
Booz Allen Hamilton - Largest intelligence contractor. Veteran majority. Positions: Intelligence analyst, all-source analyst, GEOINT analyst, targeting analyst. Salary: $70K-$120K (cleared).
CACI International - Intelligence community support. Positions: Intelligence analyst, SIGINT analyst, HUMINT collector. Salary: $75K-$125K (TS/SCI).
Leidos - Intelligence and defense. Positions: All-source analyst, GEOINT analyst, CI analyst. Salary: $70K-$115K.
SAIC - Intelligence support services. Positions: Intelligence analyst, threat analyst, targeting analyst. Salary: $65K-$110K.
BAE Systems - Intelligence and cyber. Positions: Intelligence analyst, cyber threat analyst. Salary: $75K-$120K (cleared).
Government Agencies:
DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) - Military intelligence. Positions: Intelligence analyst, targeting analyst. Salary: GS-9 to GS-13 ($55K-$105K).
NGA (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency) - GEOINT focus. Positions: GEOINT analyst, imagery analyst. Salary: GS-9 to GS-13 ($55K-$105K).
FBI - Federal investigations. Positions: Intelligence analyst, special agent. Salary: GS-10 to GS-13 ($60K-$100K).
DHS - Homeland security. Positions: Intelligence analyst, threat analyst. Salary: GS-9 to GS-12 ($55K-$90K).
Private Intelligence:
Pinkerton - Corporate intelligence and risk. Positions: Intelligence analyst, threat analyst. Salary: $60K-$90K.
Control Risks - Global risk consulting. Positions: Security analyst, threat intelligence analyst. Salary: $65K-$95K.
Stratfor - Geopolitical intelligence. Positions: Analyst, regional specialist. Salary: $55K-$85K.
Real 19D Success Stories
Derek, 28, former 19D E-5 → Intelligence Analyst
After 6 years as cavalry scout with TS/SCI clearance, Derek applied to defense contractors. Hired by Booz Allen as intelligence analyst supporting CENTCOM ($85K). Completed bachelor's in Intelligence Studies online while working (employer tuition assistance + GI Bill). Promoted to senior analyst after 3 years, now makes $108,000. Says recon experience and clearance got him hired, analytical training came on the job.
Maria, 26, former 19D E-4 → GEOINT Analyst
Maria emphasized terrain analysis in scout role. Applied to GEOINT positions with active Secret clearance. Hired by NGA contractor as imagery analyst ($72K). Company sponsored TS/SCI clearance upgrade. Completed NGA GEOINT training program. Now makes $92,000 as GEOINT analyst. Says terrain analysis and map reading from scouting translated directly.
Kevin, 31, former 19D E-6 → Federal Agent
Kevin completed bachelor's in Criminal Justice online during active duty. After ETS, worked as background investigator for CACI ($60K) for 2 years to gain investigation experience. Applied to HSI (Homeland Security Investigations), hired as special agent GS-10 ($64K). Promoted to GS-12 after 3 years, now makes $88,000. Goal: GS-13 criminal investigator ($105K+) within 5 more years.
Rachel, 29, former 19D E-5 → Threat Intelligence Analyst
Rachel worked as scout, then transitioned to cyber threat intelligence. Completed Security+ and CTIA certifications after separation ($865 total cost). Hired by financial services company as threat intelligence analyst ($75K). Monitors threat actors, analyzes cyber threats, provides intelligence to security team. Now makes $92,000 after 3 years. Says threat identification from scouting applies perfectly to cyber threats.
Action Plan: Your First 90 Days
Month 1: Clearance and Resume
- Verify security clearance status and expiration
- Update SF-86 if needed
- Translate military experience to intelligence language on resume
- Request letters of recommendation from intelligence professionals
- Research defense contractors and intelligence agencies
- Join veteran intelligence networks (LinkedIn, Cleared Job Fairs)
- Decide on intelligence specialty based on interests
Month 2: Education and Applications
- Enroll in bachelor's program if needed (GI Bill)
- Begin CTIA certification study or relevant training
- Apply to 30-50 intelligence analyst positions
- Target: Defense contractors (Booz Allen, CACI, Leidos, SAIC, BAE)
- Attend cleared job fairs (ClearanceJobs.com, Security Clearance Jobs & News)
- Network with military intelligence professionals
- Prepare for intelligence analyst interviews
Month 3: Employment or Continued Training
- Accept intelligence analyst position ($65K-$85K with clearance)
- Complete employer-provided intelligence training (ICD 610, etc.)
- Begin on-the-job analytical training
- Continue bachelor's degree program online
- Join professional associations (AFIO, INSA, etc.)
- Plan advanced certifications based on specialty
- Build professional network in intelligence community
Salary Progression Timeline
Year 1: Entry intelligence analyst: $60,000-$80,000 (with clearance)
Years 2-3: Intelligence analyst: $70,000-$95,000
Years 4-6: Senior intelligence analyst: $85,000-$115,000
Years 7-10: Lead analyst or manager: $105,000-$135,000
10+ years: Principal analyst, manager, or senior executive: $130,000-$180,000+
TS/SCI clearance premium: Add 30-50% to all salary ranges
Bachelor's/Master's degree: Add $10K-$25K
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Letting clearance expire. Once clearance lapses, costs $50K-$150K to reinstate. Accept cleared position before expiration.
Mistake #2: Underselling reconnaissance as intelligence work. Your recon experience IS intelligence collection. Frame it that way on resume and interviews.
Mistake #3: Ignoring education requirements. Many intelligence positions require bachelor's degree. Start online program using GI Bill.
Mistake #4: Only applying to local positions. Intelligence work concentrated in DC area, Fort Meade, San Antonio, Tampa, Denver. Willing to relocate = more opportunities.
Mistake #5: Not networking in intelligence community. Many positions filled through referrals. Attend cleared job fairs, join veteran intelligence groups, connect on LinkedIn.
Bottom Line for 19D Cavalry Scouts
Your reconnaissance and threat assessment experience is valuable foundation for intelligence careers.
Pattern analysis, threat identification, terrain evaluation, information collection, reporting, surveillance - these aren't "scout skills," they're intelligence capabilities worth $60K-$130K+ in cleared markets.
The transition path is clear: Maintain security clearance (worth $15K-$30K+ annually), translate recon experience to intelligence language, apply to cleared intelligence positions. With active clearance and operational experience, you're competitive.
Within 3-5 years: Senior analysts earn $85K-$115K. Within 7-10 years: Lead analysts and managers make $110K-$145K+.
Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, federal law enforcement, and private intelligence firms all need analytical professionals with clearances and operational understanding. Your scout experience + clearance = significant competitive advantage.
Every reconnaissance mission, every threat assessment, every intelligence report you generated - that's the experience intelligence employers value.
You're not changing fields - you're continuing intelligence work in civilian capacity with better resources, more time, and significantly better compensation.
Thousands of former cavalry scouts are earning excellent incomes in intelligence analysis leveraging their reconnaissance experience and security clearances.
Your 19D experience isn't just transferable - it's the foundation for a rewarding intelligence career.
Ready to start your intelligence analyst transition? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to leverage your clearance, find intelligence positions, and connect with veteran intelligence professionals.