Cadet Bluesmon del Vecchio, a Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence major, recently received the Army Achievement Medal in recognition of his geospatial expertise during a command post exercise.

“My job in the Army focuses on the interaction between military operations and the civilian population (Civil Affairs),” explained del Vecchio. “We use geospatial products extensively to understand things like infrastructure systems, demographics and population distribution, and we use those products to assist in planning operations such as large-scale humanitarian aid distribution. During this exercise our unit’s ability to create geospatial products was impacted by limited personnel who had access to training and as part of the stress test some systems broke down. Because of the excellent education I’ve received here at USC in spatial sciences I was able to step up and create multiple maps, overlays and briefings, and train others in the basics of geospatial engineering and analysis on the fly,” he added.

His award citation commended del Vecchio for providing exceptional geospatial support, knowledge and professionalism that far exceeded his rank and experience. His dedication to duty and commitment to excellence was recognized as reflecting great credit to him, his battalion, brigade and the United States Army.

On behalf of the Spatial Sciences Institute, Dr. Darren M. Ruddell and Dr. Diana Ter-Ghazaryan congratulated del Vecchio. He replied, “Thank you for giving me these real-world skills. I am proud that I could represent the program well!”

Learn more about the USC SSI B.S. in Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence program here.