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Civilian Career Paths & Job Guide
Everything you need to translate your 0671 experience into a civilian career — salary data, companies hiring, resume examples, and certifications by career path.
Marine Corps Data Systems Administrators (MOS 0671) are the backbone of Marine tactical and garrison communications networks. 0671s install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot data network systems including routers, switches, servers, and workstations across every type of Marine unit — from infantry battalions to Marine Air-Ground Task Forces (MAGTFs) to Headquarters Marine Corps.
Training begins at the Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School (MCCES) in Twentynine Palms, California, where 0671s learn network fundamentals, server administration, and tactical data systems. In the fleet, they manage everything from garrison Microsoft enterprise environments to deployed tactical networks using systems like the Tactical Data Network (TDN) and Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S). Many 0671s also work with classified network infrastructure (SIPRNet/JWICS), earning or maintaining security clearances that carry significant value in civilian markets.
What sets 0671s apart from civilian-trained IT professionals is the operational environment. You do not just rack servers in a climate-controlled data center — you deploy communications in austere field conditions, troubleshoot under time pressure during exercises and real-world operations, and maintain network uptime for units that depend on connectivity for mission success. That combination of enterprise-level IT skills and operational adaptability is exactly what employers in both private and public sectors are looking for.
The private sector IT market is one of the strongest landing spots for separating 0671s. Network administration, systems administration, and cybersecurity roles map directly to your daily duties, and employers across industries need these skills — not just defense contractors.
According to BLS (May 2024), the median annual wage for Network and Computer Systems Administrators is $96,800, with employment of roughly 363,100 nationwide. Information Security Analysts earn a median of $124,910 with projected growth of 33% (much faster than average). Computer User Support Specialists — a common entry-level bridge role — earn a median of $60,810.
For 0671s with server and database experience, Database Administrators earn a median of $105,750 and Computer Systems Analysts earn $104,340. The cloud infrastructure boom has also created strong demand for cloud systems administrators and DevOps engineers, though BLS does not track these specialties separately from the broader systems administrator category.
One advantage 0671s carry: experience managing both Windows Server and Linux environments. Many Marines work with Red Hat-based systems on classified networks alongside Windows Active Directory on unclassified networks, giving you cross-platform skills that many civilian IT workers lack. If you also handled Cisco networking equipment (common in 0671 billets), that broadens your options further into network engineering roles.
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Network and Computer Systems Administrator O*NET: 15-1244.00 | Information Technology | $96,800 | 3% (as fast as average) | strong |
Information Security Analyst O*NET: 15-1212.00 | Cybersecurity | $124,910 | 33% (much faster than average) | strong |
Computer User Support Specialist O*NET: 15-1232.00 | Information Technology | $60,810 | 5% (faster than average) | strong |
Database Administrator O*NET: 15-1242.00 | Information Technology | $105,750 | 8% (faster than average) | moderate |
Computer Systems Analyst O*NET: 15-1211.00 | Information Technology | $104,340 | 10% (much faster than average) | moderate |
Computer Network Architect O*NET: 15-1241.00 | Information Technology | $129,840 | 4% (as fast as average) | moderate |
Software Developer O*NET: 15-1252.00 | Technology | $133,080 | 17% (much faster than average) | low |
Computer and Information Systems Manager O*NET: 11-3021.00 | Information Technology | $169,510 | 17% (much faster than average) | moderate |
Federal IT hiring has been aggressive in recent years, driven by cybersecurity mandates and modernization initiatives across agencies. The GS-2210 (Information Technology Management) series is the most direct match — it covers network administration, systems administration, cybersecurity, and data management under one classification. Most 0671s with 4+ years of experience can qualify at the GS-9 to GS-12 level depending on scope of responsibility and certifications held.
Beyond 2210, several other GS series are worth targeting. GS-0332 (Computer Operations) and GS-0391 (Telecommunications) positions exist at agencies with legacy systems or specialized communications infrastructure. GS-0854 (Computer Engineering) and GS-0855 (Electronics Engineering) may be accessible if you have a relevant degree. For those who want to move into management, GS-0340 (Program Management) and GS-0343 (Management and Program Analyst) positions are available across every federal agency.
Key agencies hiring IT professionals include DHS (particularly CISA), DoD civilian agencies (DISA, DCSA), VA, Treasury, and intelligence community agencies. Veterans with active clearances are especially competitive for DoD and IC positions where the clearance backlog can delay civilian candidates by 12-18 months.
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0332 | Computer Operations | GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0391 | Telecommunications | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0854 | Computer Engineering | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0855 | Electronics Engineering | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1550 | Computer Science | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0335 | Computer Clerk and Assistant | GS-5, GS-7 | View Details → |
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Managing network deployments, system migrations, and infrastructure upgrades are project management in everything but name. 0671s coordinate across multiple teams, manage timelines, and brief leadership on progress — exactly what civilian project managers do.
0671s constantly evaluate systems, identify inefficiencies, and implement solutions — the same analytical approach management consultants apply to business problems. Experience troubleshooting complex systems translates to diagnosing organizational issues.
0671s who trained Marines on systems and procedures have direct instructional experience. The ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences is a core corporate training skill.
0671s manage IT equipment inventories, coordinate supply requests, track serialized components, and ensure logistics chains keep systems operational. That supply chain thinking applies directly to civilian logistics roles.
Senior 0671s (E-6+) run communications sections with personnel management, scheduling, maintenance planning, and readiness reporting. These are operations management functions performed in a military context.
0671s working with classified systems follow strict compliance frameworks — NIST, DIACAP/RMF, STIGs. That compliance mindset translates directly to industries with regulatory requirements (healthcare, finance, energy).
0671s write technical documentation constantly — SOPs, network diagrams, trouble tickets, maintenance procedures, system configuration guides. Translating complex technical information into clear language is a daily 0671 task.
If you are applying to IT companies, managed service providers, or defense contractors for network and systems administration roles, your terminology translates directly — recruiters in those industries know what Active Directory, SCCM, and Cisco IOS mean. This section is for Marines targeting careers outside of IT: project management, operations, consulting, or business roles where the hiring manager has never heard of a MAGTF or SIPRNet.
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
SkillBridge Programs: Multiple IT companies participate in DOD SkillBridge, including Amazon (AWS re/Start), Microsoft (MSSA), and Salesforce (VetForce). These programs let you train and work at civilian tech companies during your last 180 days of active duty. Search the SkillBridge database for current openings — new IT partners join frequently.
CompTIA Certifications: CompTIA offers military discounts on exam vouchers and many bases have testing centers. Security+, Network+, and CySA+ are the most marketable. Security+ meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements, making it valuable for both contractor and federal IT positions.
Cisco Certifications: If you worked with Cisco equipment in the fleet, Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP) validate your networking skills. GI Bill covers many Cisco training programs.
Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud all offer free training resources and certification paths. AWS Solutions Architect Associate and Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104) are strong additions to a 0671's resume.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is respected across industries. Your experience managing network deployments and system migrations counts toward the project hours requirement. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member) for the exam.
Federal Employment: Create your USAJobs profile 6 months before separation. GS-2210 positions are posted constantly. Federal resumes are 2 pages max — build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) pairs veterans with corporate mentors in their target industry — free for all veterans.
Clearance Leverage: An active Secret or TS/SCI clearance has real market value. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Defense contractors and IC agencies actively recruit cleared IT professionals. Do not let your clearance lapse during transition.
Education Benefits: GI Bill covers certification exam fees, training boot camps, and degree programs. Verify current approval at the GI Bill Comparison Tool before enrolling.
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