Air Force AFSC · Combat & Infantry
1Z4X1 Special Reconnaissance
Overview
Special Reconnaissance specialists deploy deep behind enemy lines to collect and exploit information and develop targets. They use airborne, maritime, and land based platforms to surveil and prepare the battlespace.
Minimum clearance: Top Secret
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Skill levels: 1Z411 helper · 1Z431 apprentice · 1Z451 journeyman · 1Z471 craftsman
Core Skills
- special reconnaissance and surveillance
- signals collection and reporting
- tactical cyber and electronic sensing integration
- sensor emplacement and remote monitoring
- target development and battlespace characterization
- small unit tactics and fieldcraft
- data collection, triage, and secure reporting
- use of advanced optics and ISR sensors
- geospatial navigation and terrain analysis
- mission planning and debriefing
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Amazon Web Services AWS software
- Apache Hadoop
- Apache Hive
- Apache Kafka
- Apache Spark
Civilian Career Paths
- Intelligence Analysis
- Signals Intelligence
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Private Security
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Intelligence Fundamentals Professional Certification (IFPC)
- Remote Pilot
- Physical Security Professional (PSP)
- Associate Protection Professional (APP)
Career Growth
- GEOINT Professional Certification GEOINT Collection (GPC GC-II)
- GEOINT Professional Certification Imagery Analysis (GPC IA-II)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
What the Work Involves
- Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
- Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
- Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
- Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.
Related Occupations
- Digital Forensics Analysts
- Security Managers
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Information Security Analysts
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 1Z4X1. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Similar Specialties
703C
Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Tactical Information Operations (TIO) Analyst
Navy
771B
Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Tactical Information Operations (TIO) Operator
Navy
IS
Intelligence Specialist
Coast Guard
2631
Electronic Intelligence/Electromagnetic Warfare Analyst
Marine Corps
1A8X2
Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Operator
Air Force
C09A
Military Operational Electronic Intelligence (OPELINT) Signals Analyst
Navy
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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