I tried the college route at first but wasn't mature enough out of high school. After a couple of wasted years I told me Dad, an Infantry COL, that I was joining the Army. He asked what subjects I like to which I answered geography. He pointed me to an MOS, Topographic Engineer, 81T, that even the recruiter didn't know existed. It's s mall community but I believe it has since changed to 21U.

Long story short, best decision I ever made. Did 5 years and was lucky enough because I did well at AIT that when I got to Hawaii I was scooped up by Division and luckily didn't get stuck at the battalion or company level where I would have wasted years in the motor pool prior to actually doing my job. Got out, finished up school, and had my choice of jobs in the intel and geospatial community ever since. Probably could make more with my background, clearance, and degree in DC with the three letter agencies but I'm happy making makes at USGS in the sticks of Missouri which is a hell of a lot better than DC.

All that said, Geospatial analysts and to an extent cartographers are in huge demand in all industries, private and government. It is not the most glorious MOS but as my Dad told me when I enlisted, if you want to do a career in the Army Infantry is the way to go, if you don't want to do that find a MOS that will make you money when you get out.