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That is Air Force AFSC 1W0X1. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Delivered mission weather briefings to wing commander and flight crews for 200+ sorties, including go/no-go recommendations based on ceiling, visibility, and crosswind analysis
How a hiring manager reads it
Presented data-driven risk assessments to executive leadership for 200+ operational decisions, synthesizing complex analytical findings into clear recommendations with direct business impact
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 71,892 resumes built so far.
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Air Force Weather specialists (1W0X1) are the military's tactical and operational meteorologists. They produce mission-critical weather forecasts for flying operations, ground maneuvers, and special operations across every branch of the military. Weather Airmen generate surface observations (METARs), terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs), severe weather warnings, and detailed mission execution forecasts that directly affect whether aircraft launch, troops move, or operations get scrubbed.
Training begins at the 335th Training Squadron, Keesler AFB, Mississippi — the Department of Defense's only weather training schoolhouse. The initial weather course covers atmospheric physics, surface observations, upper-air analysis, satellite and radar interpretation, and forecasting techniques. Advanced training includes combat weather team operations, where Weather Airmen embed with Army units, Special Operations forces (Special Tactics Squadrons), and joint task forces in austere environments.
Equipment proficiency includes the TMQ-53 Tactical Meteorological Observing System, FMQ-19 Automated Surface Observing System, Doppler weather radar, satellite imagery systems, and various portable weather kits deployed with combat weather teams. Many 1W0X1 personnel also work with numerical weather prediction models and mesoscale analysis tools used for mission planning.
What makes Weather Airmen valuable in the civilian workforce is a combination that's hard to find: rigorous data analysis skills, real-time forecasting under pressure, the ability to brief senior leaders with confidence, and a deep working knowledge of atmospheric science. Combat weather team experience adds leadership, austere-environment adaptability, and joint operations coordination that translates well beyond meteorology.
Weather specialists have an underrated pipeline into NOAA, the National Weather Service, FAA Aviation Weather, and DoD weather support roles — the GS-1340 Meteorology series exists exactly for this background. I've seen 1W0s land $70K+ federal weather positions in their first year out when the resume actually translates the operational forecasting work into NWS language. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Air Force mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Weather
$55K to $108K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
2 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 14% higher on average
Civilian roles for Weathers pay about $10K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The private sector offers several paths for former Weather Airmen, but it's important to be upfront about degree requirements. Many private-sector meteorologist positions — especially at television stations, private weather companies, and consulting firms — require at minimum a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related field. If you completed your degree while serving (or plan to use GI Bill for one), these doors are wide open. If not, you still have strong options that leverage your forecasting and analysis skills without the degree requirement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists is $104,340 (O*NET 19-2021.00). This covers the full range from entry-level forecasters to senior research scientists. Employment is projected to grow about 5% through 2033.
Private weather companies like DTN, The Weather Company (IBM), AccuWeather, and WSI hire forecasters for aviation weather services, energy sector forecasting (wind and solar generation predictions), agricultural weather consulting, and marine forecasting. Your military aviation weather background is directly relevant to aviation weather specialist roles — you already speak the language of TAFs, METARs, PIREPs, and SIGMETs that these companies deal with daily.
Broadcast meteorology is a visible but competitive path. It almost always requires a degree plus the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal. Smaller-market TV stations are the typical entry point.
Renewable energy is a growing field where weather forecasting skills are in high demand. Wind farm operators and solar energy companies need accurate short-range and seasonal forecasts to predict power generation. Companies like NextEra Energy, Vestas, and Pattern Energy hire meteorologists and forecast analysts.
Climate risk analysis is an emerging field in insurance, finance, and consulting. Companies need people who can interpret weather and climate data to assess risk exposure. Your ability to analyze atmospheric data and communicate findings to non-technical decision-makers (which is exactly what mission weather briefings are) translates directly to this work.
For those without a meteorology degree, data analyst roles are a strong pivot. Your experience with numerical data, pattern recognition, statistical analysis, and data visualization tools positions you well. The median salary for Data Scientists is $108,020 (BLS May 2024, O*NET 15-2051.00), and many positions accept candidates with demonstrated analytical experience plus relevant certifications rather than a specific degree.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmospheric Scientist / MeteorologistO*NET 19-2021.00 | Weather Services / Government / Energy | $104,340 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| Meteorological TechnicianO*NET 19-4099.00 | Government / Aviation / Weather Services | $55,000 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Aviation Weather SpecialistO*NET 19-2021.00 | Aviation / Private Weather Companies | $75,000 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Data ScientistO*NET 15-2051.00 | Technology / Finance / Consulting | $108,020 | Much faster than average (36%) | moderate |
| Environmental ScientistO*NET 19-2041.00 | Environmental Consulting / Government | $78,980 | Faster than average (6%) | moderate |
| GIS Analyst / Remote Sensing SpecialistO*NET 15-1299.09 | Government / Environmental / Defense | $72,000 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| Climate Risk AnalystO*NET 19-2021.00 | Insurance / Finance / Consulting | $85,000 | Faster than average | moderate |
| Broadcast MeteorologistO*NET 27-2023.00 | Media / Television | $62,000 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Major private weather company providing aviation, energy, agriculture, and marine forecasting services. Hires operational meteorologists and forecast analysts with military weather backgrounds.
Global weather data and forecasting platform. Roles in weather analytics, data science, and forecast operations. Military weather experience valued for operational forecasting positions.
One of the largest private weather companies. Hires forecasters, broadcast meteorologists, and weather data analysts. Aviation and severe weather forecasting experience is directly relevant.
Specializes in aviation weather products and services. Military aviation weather experience (TAFs, METARs, PIREPs) is a direct match for their operational roles.
The largest federal employer of meteorologists. Forecast offices nationwide hire GS-1340 and GS-1341 positions. Veterans Preference applies. Rural offices have less competition.
Hires civilian meteorologists to support Air Force weather operations at bases worldwide. Direct continuity from military weather work. GS-1340 series.
Largest generator of renewable energy from wind and solar in the world. Hires meteorologists and forecast analysts for wind and solar power generation predictions.
Global leader in wind turbine manufacturing. Employs meteorologists for wind resource assessment, site selection, and operational forecasting for wind farms.
Defense contractor with weather satellite and environmental monitoring contracts. Your clearance and weather systems knowledge are valued. Positions in Colorado Springs, DC Metro, and Huntsville.
Builds weather radar systems and environmental monitoring technology for DOD. Technical positions that leverage your understanding of weather systems and military requirements.
Defense contractor with environmental satellite programs and intelligence analysis contracts. Weather and environmental analysis positions that require clearances.
Hires environmental analysts with atmospheric science backgrounds and active clearances. Geospatial intelligence work that leverages satellite imagery analysis skills.
Aviation weather positions supporting air traffic management. Your TAF and METAR experience is directly applicable to FAA weather operations.
Consulting firm with significant defense and intelligence contracts. Data analytics, environmental analysis, and program management roles for cleared veterans.
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JaMontae · Staff Sergeant (E-5) · Air Force · Information Technology and Computer Science
The federal government is the single largest employer of meteorologists in the United States, and your 1W0X1 background gives you a direct path in. The National Weather Service (NWS), part of NOAA, is the primary federal employer for operational meteorologists. NWS hires into the GS-1340 (Meteorology) series, which is the direct-match job series for Weather Airmen. However, NWS meteorologist positions typically require 24 semester hours of meteorology coursework — so if you completed your degree, you're competitive. If not, the GS-1341 (Meteorological Technician) series has lower education requirements and still puts you in weather operations.
Beyond NWS, federal weather and weather-adjacent positions exist across multiple agencies. The Air Force Civilian Service hires meteorologists to backfill military weather positions. NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) hires satellite analysts. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employs aviation weather specialists. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and intelligence agencies hire for environmental analysis roles where your clearance adds value.
Here are the GS job series where 1W0X1 veterans are competitive. Build your federal resume targeting these series on USAJobs:
Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Start your federal resume early — federal hiring timelines often stretch 3-6 months. Apply to positions at or below GS-11 initially where Veterans' Preference has the most impact.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1301 | General Physical Science | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | 3 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Forecasting is applied operations research: take noisy sensor data, model what happens next, and give a commander a probability to act on. Operations research analysts do the same math to optimize logistics, pricing, and scheduling for companies and agencies.
Transfers: Probabilistic and statistical modeling, Turning messy data into decisions, Quantitative forecasting, Briefing leaders on likely outcomes.
How to get there: Typically requires a bachelor's in math, statistics, or operations research, with a master's preferred for senior roles. Weather airmen already have the quantitative foundation and often qualify after a focused analytics or data-modeling course.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 21% (Much faster than average)
A forecaster lives in probability, estimating the odds of an event and the cost of being wrong. Actuaries do the identical work, pricing the probability of accidents, deaths, and claims for insurers and pension funds.
Transfers: Probability and statistical risk modeling, Long-range quantitative forecasting, Translating models into clear briefings, Working with large historical datasets.
How to get there: A bachelor's degree plus passing the early SOA or CAS actuarial exams. This is an exam-heavy path, but weather airmen with strong statistics backgrounds frequently pass the first exams while still working.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 22% (Much faster than average)
Weather airmen already feed aviation decisions and read live sensor feeds to keep aircraft safe. Air traffic controllers work the same airspace problem in real time, turning radar and data into safe routing calls.
Transfers: Real-time interpretation of sensor and radar data, High-stakes decisions under time pressure, Briefing pilots and decision-makers clearly, Sustained situational awareness.
How to get there: Requires completion of the FAA Academy and meeting age and medical standards. Veterans with aviation-weather experience are strong candidates and the FAA actively recruits from military aviation-support backgrounds.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 1% (Little or no change)
Running a weather station means calibrating, troubleshooting, and validating a wall of sensors and instruments. That hands-on instrumentation skill transfers directly to engineering labs and manufacturers that build and test electronic measurement systems.
Transfers: Sensor calibration and maintenance, Instrumentation troubleshooting, Reading and validating sensor output, Quality control on measurement systems.
How to get there: Usually requires an associate degree in electronics or engineering technology. Veterans with sensor-maintenance experience often qualify directly or finish a short associate program on the GI Bill.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 1% (Little or no change)
No one understands flight weather better than the person who forecast it. Weather airmen already make the go or no-go call from the ground, and that expertise gives them an unusual edge moving into the cockpit.
Transfers: Deep applied weather knowledge, Risk-based go or no-go decisions, Reading instruments and forecasts in real time, Calm decision-making under pressure.
How to get there: Requires FAA commercial pilot certification and accumulated flight hours, which veterans often fund through the GI Bill and flight schools that specialize in veteran training.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 4% (As fast as average)
Forecasting markets and forecasting weather use the same toolkit: read the historical data, model where the trend is heading, and quantify the uncertainty. Financial analysts apply that pattern-recognition to markets and company performance.
Transfers: Time-series and trend analysis, Modeling future outcomes from historical data, Quantifying and communicating risk, Briefing decision-makers on forecasts.
How to get there: Requires a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a quantitative field. Weather airmen with strong statistics backgrounds often add the CFA Level I or a finance certificate to make the jump credible.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 6% (Faster than average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you're staying in meteorology or atmospheric science, your terminology is already the industry standard. METAR, TAF, SIGMET, mesoscale analysis — civilian weather employers know exactly what these mean. This section is for careers outside of weather, where a hiring manager has no idea what a "mission weather brief" or "combat weather team" means.
Below are translations that reframe your 1W0X1 experience for non-weather industries. These aren't just word swaps — they show how to reposition your skills for data analysis, project management, risk assessment, and other career fields. For a comprehensive list of military-to-civilian terminology, see the Military Terms to Civilian Equivalents glossary.
Before, in service
Delivered mission weather briefings to wing commander and flight crews for 200+ sorties, including go/no-go recommendations based on ceiling, visibility, and crosswind analysis
After, on the resume
Presented data-driven risk assessments to executive leadership for 200+ operational decisions, synthesizing complex analytical findings into clear recommendations with direct business impact
Before, in service
Produced 24-hour terminal aerodrome forecasts for 3 airfields using numerical weather prediction models, satellite imagery, and surface observations with 92% verification accuracy
After, on the resume
Developed predictive analytical models using multiple data sources and statistical techniques, achieving 92% accuracy rate on 24-hour forward-looking projections across 3 operational locations
Before, in service
Analyzed multispectral satellite imagery and Doppler radar returns to identify mesoscale weather features, track severe weather development, and produce warnings
After, on the resume
Analyzed multispectral remote sensing data and real-time sensor networks to identify patterns, track developing anomalies, and generate time-critical alerts for operational stakeholders
Before, in service
Performed hourly surface weather observations following FMH-1 standards, encoding METARs and SPECIs for dissemination to FAA and DoD users
After, on the resume
Conducted standardized data collection at scheduled intervals following federal quality assurance protocols, encoding findings in industry-standard formats for distribution to regulatory and operational stakeholders
Before, in service
Led 4-person combat weather team attached to Army brigade, providing continuous weather intelligence during 8-month deployment with no fixed infrastructure
After, on the resume
Led a 4-person technical field team during an 8-month remote deployment, providing continuous analytical support to a 3,000+ person organization while operating independently with minimal infrastructure
Before, in service
Issued 45 severe weather warnings during storm season, coordinating base-wide shelter actions and flight line evacuations affecting 8,000+ personnel
After, on the resume
Authored and distributed 45 critical risk alerts during a high-activity period, coordinating protective actions across an 8,000+ person facility and preventing potential losses through timely communication
Before, in service
Analyzed output from GFS, NAM, ECMWF, and mesoscale models to produce operational forecasts, identifying model biases and applying local corrections
After, on the resume
Interpreted output from multiple computational prediction models, identified systematic biases through statistical analysis, and applied localized corrections to improve forecast accuracy by 15%
Before, in service
Maintained TMQ-53 and FMQ-19 observing systems, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting sensor failures, and coordinating depot-level repairs
After, on the resume
Administered automated sensor networks and data collection systems, performing preventive maintenance, diagnosing technical failures, and coordinating vendor repairs to maintain 98% system uptime
Before, in service
Supervised 8-person weather flight providing 24/7 forecast support to a fighter wing, managing shift schedules, training programs, and quality control reviews
After, on the resume
Managed an 8-person 24/7 operations center, overseeing shift scheduling, staff development programs, and quality assurance reviews while maintaining continuous service delivery to 2,000+ customers
Before, in service
Coordinated weather support for joint task force operations involving Air Force, Army, and Navy units with different weather threshold requirements and briefing formats
After, on the resume
Coordinated technical service delivery across multiple business units with distinct requirements, adapting deliverables and communication formats to each stakeholder group while maintaining consistent quality standards
BMR turns your 1W0X1 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
BeneficialCost $100 - $300 examTime 1-2 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $350 - $450 examTime 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $200 - $400Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $200 - $400Time 4-6 monthsGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hours
RecommendedCost $250 - $400Time 2-4 months prep
BeneficialCost $300 - $600Time 2-3 monthsGI Bill eligible
RequiredCost $300 - $500 applicationTime 1-3 months prep
RecommendedCost $400 - $600 application + examTime 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $400 - $600 examTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $200 - $300 examTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligible
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
American Meteorological Society (AMS): The AMS is the primary professional organization for meteorologists. Membership provides access to job boards, conferences, and the Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) credentials. Student memberships are discounted if you're using GI Bill for a meteorology degree.
National Weather Association (NWA): The NWA focuses on operational meteorology and is more practitioner-oriented than AMS. Their annual meeting is a strong networking event, and they offer the NWA Seal of Approval for broadcasters. Many NWS forecasters are NWA members.
NWS Hiring: NWS posts positions on USAJobs under the GS-1340 and GS-1341 series. Internship programs (like the Pathways Program) are available for those completing meteorology degrees. NWS forecast offices across the country hire regularly — rural offices have less competition than major metro offices.
SkillBridge: Some weather-related companies and NWS offices participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing you to work civilian weather jobs during your last 180 days of service. Check the SkillBridge database and ask your chain of command about unit approval timelines.
GI Bill for Meteorology Degree: If you don't have a degree yet, the GI Bill covers BS programs in meteorology/atmospheric science at universities like OU, Penn State, Colorado State, and University of Miami. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval and compare BAH rates before enrolling.
Data Analytics & Data Science: Your analytical background translates well. Google Data Analytics Certificate and IBM Data Science Professional Certificate (both on Coursera) are affordable entry points that many employers recognize. Your weather data analysis experience gives you real examples to discuss in interviews. See best tech careers for veterans without a degree for more options.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard. Your experience coordinating weather support across multiple units, managing observation schedules, and leading combat weather teams counts toward the experience requirement. Cost: approximately $555 for PMI members.
GIS & Remote Sensing: Your satellite imagery analysis experience is a direct bridge to GIS careers. Esri offers free training through their training site, and the GISP (GIS Professional) certification builds credibility. Environmental firms, government agencies, and defense contractors hire GIS analysts. Check free certification programs for veterans for more options.
Federal Employment (Non-Weather): Don't limit yourself to meteorology series. Create your USAJobs profile and search the GS series listed in the Federal Paths section above. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours at bestmilitaryresume.com.
Clearance Leverage: Your Secret clearance has real market value with defense contractors and intelligence agencies. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation — don't let it lapse during transition.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You'll get paired with someone in your target industry. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Best Careers for Veterans 2026 | Cover Letter Template | 10 Federal Job Series for Veterans | Build Your Resume Free | Explore More Military Career Transitions
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for Atmospheric Scientists and Meteorologists is $104,340 (O*NET 19-2021.00). Entry-level positions at the National Weather Service typically start around GS-5 to GS-7 ($39,576 to $54,727 depending on locality). Private sector salaries vary widely. Broadcast meteorologists in small markets may earn $40,000 to $60,000, while senior meteorologists at private weather companies or in energy forecasting can exceed $120,000.
For most professional meteorologist positions, yes. The National Weather Service requires 24 semester hours of meteorology coursework for GS-1340 positions. Private weather companies and broadcast stations typically require a BS in meteorology or atmospheric science. However, the GS-1341 Meteorological Technician series has lower education requirements. And many non-meteorology careers (data analyst, GIS analyst, project manager) leverage your weather skills without requiring the degree. If you want to stay in meteorology and do not have a degree yet, the GI Bill covers BS programs at top atmospheric science universities.
Combat weather team experience is one of the strongest differentiators a 1W0X1 can have. It demonstrates leadership in austere environments, the ability to operate independently with minimal supervision, joint operations coordination with Army and SOF units, and the ability to brief senior military leaders under high-pressure conditions. For meteorology jobs, it shows you can forecast in data-sparse environments with real consequences. For non-weather careers, it translates to autonomous field leadership, cross-functional team coordination, and executive-level communication skills. All highly valued in project management, consulting, and operations roles.
Many 1W0X1 veterans successfully transition into data analytics (median $108,020), project management (median $100,750), GIS and remote sensing, environmental consulting, IT systems management, and operations management (median $102,950). All BLS May 2024 data. Your analytical thinking, briefing skills, and ability to work with complex datasets are transferable across industries. The Career Change Paths section above has specific salary data, O*NET codes, and entry paths for each option.
Yes. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000 to $15,000 or more and months of processing time. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies (NGA, DIA, CIA), and some federal agencies require clearances for weather and environmental analysis positions. The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency specifically hires people with atmospheric science backgrounds and active clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation. Start your job search before it lapses. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions that require active clearances.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 extra points (or 10 points for disabled veterans) on federal hiring assessments. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. For NWS and NOAA positions, Veterans Preference applies to competitive hiring. Some positions use Direct Hire Authority which can bypass the normal competitive process. Apply at or below GS-11 initially where Veterans Preference has the most impact. Start your USAJobs profile and federal resume 6 months before separation because federal hiring timelines are slow.
Yes. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition, fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend at accredited universities. Top meteorology programs include the University of Oklahoma, Penn State, Colorado State, Florida State, and University of Miami. Some universities offer accelerated programs for veterans with military weather experience. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval and compare BAH rates by location before enrolling. Many programs also accept military weather training for course credit. Check with the admissions office.
For meteorology careers: Norman, OK (NWS and OU), Silver Spring, MD (NOAA HQ), Kansas City, MO (NWS), and Asheville, NC (NCEI) are major hubs. For energy weather: Houston, TX and Oklahoma City, OK for oil and gas forecasting. For renewable energy forecasting: anywhere with major wind or solar installations including Texas, Iowa, California, and Colorado. For defense contractor roles: DC Metro, Colorado Springs, CO, and Omaha, NE (near Offutt AFB and USSTRATCOM). For broadcast meteorology: smaller markets are easier to break into, then work your way up.
Prioritize based on your target career. For staying in meteorology: ensure your AMS membership is current and consider the CCM (Certified Consulting Meteorologist) if you have enough experience. For data analytics: Google Data Analytics Certificate is affordable and widely recognized. For project management: start PMP prep because your weather operations experience counts toward the hours requirement. For any federal job: build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com and create your USAJobs profile before you separate. Universal: keep First Aid/CPR current and start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out.
Yes, and you should start 12 months before separation. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian company while still receiving military pay. Some NWS offices and private weather companies participate in SkillBridge. At minimum: build your resume 6 months out, start applying to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring is slow), network on LinkedIn, and attend AMS or NWA conferences if timing works. Use terminal leave strategically as your transition runway.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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