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MarinesMOS: 0861
Fire Support Marine
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Marines Fire Support Marines — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every 0861 has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Marines in the first place.
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$75K–$145K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
10
Federal GS Series
6
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
Marine Corps Fire Support Marines (MOS 0861) coordinate indirect fire and close air support between infantry units and supporting arms — artillery, mortars, naval gunfire, and aviation. 0861s serve as the link between the ground commander who needs fire support and the assets that deliver it, operating in fire support coordination centers (FSCCs) and forward observer positions embedded with infantry companies and platoons.
Training begins at Field Artillery Fire Support Man Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma (now part of the Fires Center of Excellence), followed by the Joint Fires Observer (JFO) course for advanced qualifications. In the fleet, 0861s work within the Fire Support Coordination section at battalion and regiment levels, calling for fire, deconflicting airspace, building fire support plans, and maintaining the common operational picture. Many 0861s deploy as part of fire support teams (FiSTs) embedded directly with rifle companies.
What makes 0861s valuable beyond fire support is the analytical and coordination skill set. You process real-time information from multiple sources, make rapid calculations under pressure, maintain communication across disparate organizations (ground units, artillery batteries, air wings, naval vessels), and produce plans that synchronize complex operations. These are not common skills — they translate to careers in operations planning, intelligence analysis, emergency management, and project coordination.
Fire Support Marines coordinate complex inputs under time pressure with serious consequences — and that translates to operations management and project management at strong rates. From the federal hiring side, the cleared FO/JTAC workflow plus joint operations experience is the package, but the resume has to do the translation work. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret (minimum), TS/SCI for some billets
ASVAB RequirementGT 100+
TrainingField Artillery Fire Support Man Course at Fort Sill, OK (Fires Center of Excellence). Follow-on training includes Joint Fires Observer (JFO) course, and some 0861s attend Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) training. Advanced courses include Fire Support Coordination Officer training for commissioned officers.
Certs Earned in ServiceJoint Fires Observer (JFO) qualification (select Marines), First Aid/CPR/AED, HAZMAT awareness
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Marines mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Fire Support Marine
$75K–$101K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
10 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+23% on average
Civilian roles for Fire Support Marines pay ~$16K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
The private sector does not have a direct equivalent to "fire support coordinator," which means 0861s need to translate their skills rather than their job title. The strongest career matches leverage the analytical, coordination, and decision-making skills that define the MOS rather than fire support specifically.
Operations Research Analysts earn a median of $83,640 (BLS May 2024) and use the same type of analytical problem-solving — processing data from multiple sources to optimize outcomes. Emergency Management Directors earn a median of $86,130 and coordinate multi-agency responses to complex incidents, mirroring the multi-asset coordination 0861s perform in combat.
For 0861s with geospatial skills from target location work, Surveyors earn a median of $76,730 and Cartographers/Photogrammetrists earn $75,430. The defense and intelligence sector also values fire support experience — companies like L3Harris, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon hire targeting analysts and fires integration specialists who understand the kill chain from firsthand experience.
Management Analyst positions (BLS median $101,190) are accessible for 0861s who can frame their fire support planning experience as operational planning and process optimization. The ability to produce a fire support plan that synchronizes artillery, air, and ground maneuver is fundamentally a management analysis exercise applied to a combat scenario.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operations Research Analyst O*NET: 15-2031.00 | Defense & Analytics | $83,640 | 23% (much faster than average) | strong |
Emergency Management Director O*NET: 11-9161.00 | Government & Emergency Services | $86,130 | 3% (as fast as average) | strong |
Management Analyst O*NET: 13-1111.00 | Consulting & Business | $101,190 | 10% (much faster than average) | moderate |
Intelligence Analyst O*NET: 15-2031.00 | Defense & Intelligence | $83,640 | 23% (much faster than average) | strong |
Logistician O*NET: 13-1081.00 | Supply Chain & Logistics | $80,880 | 17% (much faster than average) | moderate |
Surveyor O*NET: 17-1022.00 | Construction & Geospatial | $76,730 | 1% (little or no change) | moderate |
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist O*NET: 17-1021.00 | Geospatial & GIS | $75,430 | 4% (as fast as average) | moderate |
Project Management Specialist O*NET: 13-1082.00 | Cross-Industry | $100,750 | 6% (faster than average) | moderate |
Operations Research Analyst
Defense & Analytics
$83,640median
23% (much faster than average)
O*NET: 15-2031.00
Emergency Management Director
Government & Emergency Services
$86,130median
3% (as fast as average)
O*NET: 11-9161.00
Management Analyst
Consulting & Business
$101,190median
10% (much faster than average)
O*NET: 13-1111.00
Intelligence Analyst
Defense & Intelligence
$83,640median
23% (much faster than average)
O*NET: 15-2031.00
Logistician
Supply Chain & Logistics
$80,880median
17% (much faster than average)
O*NET: 13-1081.00
Surveyor
Construction & Geospatial
$76,730median
1% (little or no change)
O*NET: 17-1022.00
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
Geospatial & GIS
$75,430median
4% (as fast as average)
O*NET: 17-1021.00
Project Management Specialist
Cross-Industry
$100,750median
6% (faster than average)
O*NET: 13-1082.00
Companies That Hire This Background
Major defense electronics and communications company. Hires targeting analysts and fires integration specialists who understand joint fires systems (AFATDS, C2 systems).
Produces precision munitions and fire control systems. Values candidates who understand the fires kill chain from the user perspective.
Develops targeting systems and C4ISR solutions. Hires former fire support personnel for systems testing, training support, and analyst positions.
Provides C2 and fires integration systems to the military. Understanding of AFATDS and fire support coordination from the user side is directly valuable.
Provides intelligence analysis, training support, and operational planning services to DoD. Hires analysts with targeting and fires backgrounds.
Supports DoD training commands and intelligence organizations. Former 0861s work as training support contractors at fires schools and exercises.
Defense and intelligence consulting firm. Hires analysts and operational planners with military targeting and coordination experience.
Intelligence and information services contractor. Values fire support Marines' analytical skills for intelligence analysis and operational planning roles.
Leading GIS software company. 0861s with geospatial and mapping experience from fire support can transition to GIS analyst and solutions engineer roles.
Federal emergency management agency. Multi-agency coordination skills from fire support translate directly to emergency operations center management.
Produces unmanned systems and weapon systems used in close air support. Hires former fires personnel for testing, training, and program analysis roles.
Produces artillery systems and fire control technology. Former 0861s provide user perspective for system development and training programs.
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Real Marines success story
“Hey Brad, Just wanted to send out a quick thank you. You've created something amazing with BMR and your continued advocacy for transitioning service members does not go unnoticed. It was the most effective resource I used in my transition and I know it played a key role in landing a six figure…”
Dominic· Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)· Marines
→ Project ManagerFederal Career Paths
Federal agencies offer several pathways for former 0861s. The GS-0132 (Intelligence) series is a natural fit — target analysis, pattern of life development, and fires intelligence all build the analytical foundation that intelligence agencies value. DIA, NGA, and the intelligence components of each service branch hire analysts with this background.
GS-0089 (Emergency Management) positions at FEMA, DHS, and military installations use the same multi-agency coordination skills that 0861s develop managing fire support across infantry, artillery, and aviation elements. GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration and Program) covers a wide range of coordination and planning positions across federal agencies.
For 0861s with Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) or Joint Fires Observer (JFO) qualifications, defense agencies and combatant commands hire civilian fires advisors and targeting analysts — these positions often fall under GS-0301 or GS-0132 with specialized duties. The GS-0340 (Program Management) series is accessible for senior 0861s who managed fire support sections and coordinated across multiple organizations.
Veterans Preference gives former 0861s 5 or 10 additional points on federal assessments. Apply to positions at GS-7 to GS-11 initially, where Veterans Preference has the most impact. Many DoD civilian positions at training commands (Fort Sill, Quantico) specifically seek fire support expertise for instructional and doctrinal roles under GS-1712 (Training Instruction).
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1712 | Training Instruction | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0089 | Emergency Management | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0083 | Police | GS-5, GS-7 | View Details → | |
| GS-0346 | Logistics Management | GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0080 | Security Administration | GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
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.
Air Traffic Controller
$144,580
Aviation(O*NET: 53-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (As fast as average)
Real-time deconfliction of multiple moving elements in shared spaceContinuous synthesis of position, altitude, and timing dataVoice-procedure communication under time pressureSpatial and geometric reasoning across a three-dimensional battlespace
Coordinating artillery, mortars, fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and naval gunfire through the same airspace is the same deconfliction problem an air traffic controller solves with aircraft. Both keep multiple fast-moving objects from converging on the same point.
How to get there: Apply through the FAA off-the-street hiring bidding or a partner AT-CTI school, pass the ATSA aptitude test, then complete the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Veteran fire-support experience is a recognized aptitude advantage.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
$107,240
Utilities(O*NET: 51-8012.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Real-time data synthesis from multiple sensor and telemetry feedsSplit-second routing and load-balancing decisionsMonitoring a live grid and reacting to changing conditionsStrict procedure discipline in a high-consequence control environment
A grid dispatcher watches dozens of live data feeds and reroutes power the instant conditions change, which mirrors how a fire-support Marine fuses observer reports, gun data, and clearance status into one continuous picture and acts on it in seconds.
How to get there: Most utilities hire from within or from a 2-year power systems program, then provide NERC System Operator certification and 12-18 months of on-console training. Veterans enter as trainee dispatchers.
Commercial Pilot
$122,670
Aviation(O*NET: 53-2012.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Three-dimensional spatial and geometric reasoningCalm precision under physical and time stressContinuous synthesis of instrument and position dataStandardized communication and checklist discipline
Fire-support work builds the exact mental model a pilot needs: tracking objects through three-dimensional space, calculating intercepts, and making precise decisions from instrument data while the situation keeps moving.
How to get there: Earn FAA Commercial Pilot certificate ratings (private, instrument, commercial) at a Part 141 or 61 flight school. GI Bill covers flight training at approved schools. Build hours as a flight instructor before regional or charter work.
Actuary
$125,770
Insurance and Finance(O*NET: 15-2011.00)BLS OEWS May 202422% (Much faster than average)
Applied probability and quantitative modelingFire-direction trigonometry and ballistic computationTranslating numeric models into actionable decisionsPrecision math under deadline pressure
The fire-direction math behind every mission, trajectory, probability of effect, and error correction, is the same quantitative reasoning actuaries use to price risk. Both turn numbers into a decision someone is going to act on.
How to get there: Pass the first two SOA or CAS actuarial exams (Probability and Financial Mathematics) while self-studying, then enter as an actuarial analyst. A quantitative degree helps but exams matter more than the major.
Atmospheric Scientist, Including Meteorologist
$97,450
Science and Weather Services(O*NET: 19-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Synthesizing multiple live sensor and observation feeds into a single pictureGrid and coordinate-based spatial analysisForecasting outcomes from changing real-time inputsCommunicating time-sensitive conclusions to decision-makers
A forecaster pulls radar, satellite, and station data into one continuously updating picture and calls what happens next, which is the same data-fusion and prediction loop a fire-support Marine runs on the battlefield.
How to get there: Earn a bachelor degree in atmospheric science or meteorology, GI Bill eligible. Some operational forecasting and broadcast roles hire on coursework plus demonstrated modeling skill rather than a graduate degree.
Cost Estimator
$77,070
Construction and Manufacturing(O*NET: 13-1051.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (As fast as average)
Quantitative estimation under uncertaintyBreaking a complex objective into measured componentsGeometric and dimensional calculationBuilding defensible numbers others base decisions on
Estimators measure a job, compute quantities, and produce a number a project is built around, which draws on the same disciplined, geometry-driven calculation a fire-support Marine uses to turn a target into a firing solution.
How to get there: Enter as an estimating assistant in construction or manufacturing. A construction-management associate degree or AACE Certified Cost Technician credential accelerates the move into full estimator roles.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
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Skills Translation Guide
If you are applying to defense contractors, intelligence agencies, or military training organizations, your fire support terminology is understood — they know what a call for fire is, what a FSCC does, and what JFO means. This section is for 0861s targeting careers outside the defense sector: project management, operations, emergency management, or corporate planning roles where the hiring manager has never heard of a fire support matrix or a target list worksheet.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Processed 45+ fire missions during a battalion-level exercise, coordinating artillery, mortars, and CAS assets simultaneously
After (Civilian)
Managed 45+ time-critical resource requests during a large-scale operational exercise, coordinating assets from three separate departments with zero errors and 100% on-time delivery
Before (Military)
Developed the fire support annex to the battalion operations order for a 30-day training exercise
After (Civilian)
Created comprehensive operational support plans coordinating resources from multiple departments across a 30-day operational timeline, with contingency actions for 12 identified risk scenarios
Before (Military)
Managed the battalion FSCC during a 96-hour continuous operation, coordinating fires for four infantry companies
After (Civilian)
Directed operations coordination center during a 96-hour continuous operation, synchronizing resources for four operational divisions and maintaining real-time status tracking for all assets
Before (Military)
Conducted target analysis for the battalion targeting board, developing prioritized target lists based on intelligence and commander's guidance
After (Civilian)
Performed critical asset analysis for executive planning sessions, developing prioritized action lists based on data analysis and leadership objectives with measurable impact criteria
Before (Military)
Deconflicted airspace for CAS and artillery fires within the battalion battlespace across three company operating areas
After (Civilian)
Managed cross-functional resource scheduling across three operational areas, preventing conflicts between concurrent operations and ensuring safe execution of all activities
Before (Military)
Maintained the battalion COP including friendly positions, fire support assets, targets, and restricted areas
After (Civilian)
Managed real-time operational dashboard tracking team positions, resource availability, active projects, and restricted zones — providing leadership with current status at all times
Before (Military)
Coordinated fire support requirements between battalion, regiment, and division fire support elements
After (Civilian)
Managed stakeholder requirements across three organizational levels, ensuring alignment between departmental needs and executive-level priorities while maintaining clear communication channels
Before (Military)
Delivered daily fire support briefings to the battalion commander covering asset availability, ammunition status, and weather impacts
After (Civilian)
Presented daily operational capability assessments to senior leadership covering resource availability, supply status, and external factors affecting operational capacity
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Compliance & Regulatory
Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
Industry credential for compliance careers. Validates knowledge of regulatory compliance programs.Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE)
Cost: $400-600 exam feeTime: 2-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Fire support coordination operates under strict regulatory frameworks (FSCMs, ROE, restricted fire areas). That compliance discipline transfers to corporate and government regulatory roles.
Defense Contracting
CompTIA Security+
Meets DoD 8570/8140 requirements for IT positions. Valuable for 0861s targeting defense contractor analyst positions that involve classified systems.CompTIA
Cost: $350-404 (military discount available)Time: 1-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Not directly related to fire support, but required for many defense contractor positions that involve access to classified networks and systems.
Emergency Management
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
Gold-standard credential for emergency management careers. Demonstrates expertise in mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Cost: $300-500 application and examTime: 3-6 months preparationGI Bill Eligible
Requires combination of education, experience, and professional contributions. Military emergency coordination experience counts toward requirements.
FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800
Foundational certifications required for most emergency management positions. Free courses available online.FEMA Emergency Management Institute
Cost: FreeTime: 1-2 weeks total
These four courses are prerequisites for many federal and state emergency management positions. Complete them before separating — they are free and available online at training.fema.gov.
GIS & Geospatial
Esri ArcGIS Desktop Professional
GIS certification for geospatial analysis careers. Validates proficiency with industry-standard mapping and analysis software.Esri
Cost: $250-400 exam feeTime: 2-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Relevant for 0861s with target location and geospatial skills. Esri ArcGIS is the industry standard for GIS analysis in both government and private sector.
Certified Logistics Professional (CLP)
Logistics management credential. Validates expertise in supply chain and logistics operations.International Society of Logistics (SOLE)
Cost: $300-500 exam feeTime: 2-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
For 0861s pivoting to logistics careers. Your experience coordinating ammunition and fire support asset logistics provides relevant background.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Industry-standard project management certification. Recognized across all industries and government.Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost: $555 (PMI member) exam feeTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Fire support planning hours count toward the 36-month project management experience requirement. One of the highest-ROI certifications for career changers.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
Entry-level project management certification. Good stepping stone to PMP for those who need more experience hours.Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost: $300 (PMI member) exam feeTime: 1-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Does not require the same experience hours as PMP. Good option for junior 0861s who want to demonstrate project management competency immediately.
Safety & EHS
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Premier safety credential. Demonstrates expertise in occupational health and safety management.Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
Cost: $490 exam feeTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
BCSP accepts military safety experience toward the CSP experience requirement. Your fire support risk assessment background counts. Requires bachelor's degree and 4 years safety experience.
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
Baseline safety certification. Required or preferred for many safety and operations management positions.OSHA
Cost: $150-300Time: 1 weekGI Bill Eligible
Can be completed online. Good foundation before pursuing CSP. Demonstrates commitment to workplace safety for non-safety career paths as well.
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Transition Resources
For Staying in Defense & Fires
Defense Contractor Positions: Companies like L3Harris, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics hire former fire support Marines as targeting analysts, fires integration specialists, and training support contractors. Many of these positions are at Fort Sill, Camp Pendleton, Camp Lejeune, and Quantico. Check company career pages and ClearanceJobs.com for cleared positions.
Training Command Roles: TECOM and Marine Corps training commands hire civilian instructors with fire support backgrounds. These positions (GS-1712) are available at Quantico, Twentynine Palms, and Fort Sill.
SkillBridge: Search the SkillBridge database for opportunities with defense contractors and training organizations during your last 180 days of service.
For Careers Outside of Defense
Emergency Management: FEMA's Emergency Management Institute offers free online courses (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800) that are prerequisites for emergency management positions. Your multi-agency coordination experience from fire support planning is directly applicable.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the standard credential. Fire support planning is project management — scoping requirements, coordinating resources, managing timelines, and executing to standard. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member).
GIS & Geospatial: 0861s with target location and mapping experience can leverage GIS certifications from Esri. GI Bill covers many GIS degree programs.
Federal Employment: Create your USAJobs profile early. Target GS-0132, GS-0089, and GS-0301 positions. Federal resumes are 2 pages max — build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. This is particularly valuable for 0861s making career changes since a mentor in your target industry can help translate your experience.
Clearance Leverage: Many 0861s hold Secret or TS/SCI clearances from working with classified fire support systems and intelligence products. ClearanceJobs.com and USAJobs clearance-required positions give you a significant competitive advantage.
BMR Career Resources
Marine Infantry Resume Guide | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored 0861 resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs can I get with an 0861 MOS?
There is no direct civilian equivalent to fire support coordinator, but your skills translate to several career paths. Operations Research Analysts (BLS median $83,640), Emergency Management Directors ($86,130), Management Analysts ($101,190), and intelligence analysts are strong matches. Defense contractors also hire targeting analysts and fires integration specialists who understand the joint fires kill chain. The key is translating your coordination and analytical skills, not your specific fire support knowledge.
What is the salary range for careers available to former 0861s?
It varies significantly by career path. According to BLS May 2024 data: Operations Research Analysts earn a median of $83,640, Emergency Management Directors earn $86,130, Management Analysts earn $101,190, Logisticians earn $80,880, and Project Management Specialists earn $100,750. Defense contractor targeting analyst positions vary but typically range from $65,000 to $110,000 depending on clearance level and location.
How do I explain fire support experience in a non-defense job interview?
Focus on the transferable process, not the military application. Instead of calling for fire, you coordinated time-sensitive requests across multiple organizations with competing priorities. Instead of building a fire support plan, you developed operational plans synchronizing resources from different departments against specific objectives with measurable outcomes. Quantify everything — how many simultaneous requests you managed, team sizes, coordination timelines, and outcomes achieved.
Is my security clearance valuable outside the military?
Yes. Many 0861s hold Secret or TS/SCI clearances from working with classified targeting data and fire support systems. An active clearance saves employers months and thousands of dollars in investigation costs. Defense contractors, intelligence agencies, and DHS all require cleared personnel. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically requiring active clearances. Important: your clearance remains active for up to 24 months after separation.
What federal jobs match the 0861 MOS?
The strongest federal matches are GS-0132 (Intelligence) for targeting and analysis experience, GS-0089 (Emergency Management) for multi-agency coordination skills, GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration and Program) for planning and coordination roles, GS-0340 (Program Management) for senior 0861s, and GS-1712 (Training Instruction) for positions at military training commands. Veterans Preference gives you 5-10 additional points on federal assessments.
What if I want to leave the defense sector entirely?
Many former 0861s successfully transition to civilian operations, emergency management, and consulting. Your fire support planning skills — analyzing complex situations, coordinating multiple stakeholders, making time-critical decisions, and producing actionable plans — are valued in emergency management (BLS median $86,130), project management ($100,750), and management consulting ($101,190). See the Career Change Paths section above for specific options with entry paths.
Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?
Depends on your target career. For intelligence or geospatial careers, a degree in intelligence studies, GIS, or international relations provides credibility. For emergency management, FEMA offers free foundational courses — use GI Bill for a bachelor's in emergency management. For project management, PMP certification gives faster ROI than a degree. For operations or consulting, an MBA or business degree opens the most doors long-term. Many employers accept military experience plus certifications for mid-level roles.
What certifications should I get before separating?
Prioritize based on your target career. For defense/intelligence: CompTIA Security+ (DoD 8570 compliance). For emergency management: FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800 (all free online). For project management: start PMP prep — your fire support planning hours count toward experience requirements. For GIS careers: Esri ArcGIS certifications. Universal: keep First Aid/CPR current and get your OSHA 30-Hour if targeting operations or safety roles.
How does Veterans Preference work for federal jobs?
Veterans Preference gives you 5 points (honorable discharge) or 10 points (service-connected disability) on federal hiring assessments. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form for verification. Some positions use Direct Hire Authority which can bypass normal competitive processes — DoD training commands and intelligence agencies frequently use this. Apply to positions at GS-7 to GS-11 where Veterans Preference has the most impact.
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Yes, and you should start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may qualify for DOD SkillBridge to work at a civilian company while still drawing military pay. At 6 months out: start applying to federal positions (slow hiring), build your USAJobs profile, and connect with defense contractor recruiters. Complete FEMA IS courses if targeting emergency management. Use terminal leave as your transition runway. Networking early through ACP and industry events is critical for career changers.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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Elevator pitch generator
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Company research reports
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Job tracker
Manage every application in one place
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