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MarinesMOS: 1371
Combat Engineer
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Marines Combat Engineers — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every 1371 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.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$52K–$107K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
10
Federal GS Series
7
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 Combat Engineers (MOS 1371) are trained in construction, demolition, obstacle emplacement and breaching, mine warfare, and field fortifications. 1371s serve in combat engineer battalions (CEBs) and engineer support battalions (ESBs) across the Marine Corps, supporting infantry operations and base camp construction in both garrison and deployed environments.
Training begins at the Marine Corps Engineer School (MCES) at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where 1371s learn basic engineering, demolitions, mine warfare, route clearance, and construction fundamentals. In the fleet, combat engineers operate heavy equipment (bulldozers, excavators, graders, dump trucks), construct fighting positions and defensive obstacles, perform route clearance operations, and build roads, bridges, and structures in austere environments. Many 1371s deploy in direct support of infantry battalions, conducting breaching operations, counter-IED tasks, and mobility/countermobility missions.
The civilian value of a 1371 depends on which part of the job you emphasize. The construction and heavy equipment side maps directly to the construction industry. The demolition and explosives side maps to demolition contractors and blasting operations. The planning and leadership side maps to project management and operations roles. Some 1371s leverage all three — construction management, for example, combines technical building knowledge with the project coordination and leadership skills that senior combat engineers develop by running construction projects in combat zones.
Marine combat engineers don't always think of themselves as "engineers" in the civilian sense — but I worked in federal engineering after the Navy and the demolitions, construction, and project execution side translates faster than the field branding suggests. The 1670 Equipment Specialist series and federal construction supervisor roles routinely hire 1371s. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret (some billets)
ASVAB RequirementGT 100+, MM 95+
TrainingMarine Corps Engineer School (MCES), Camp Lejeune, NC. Training covers basic engineering, demolitions, mine warfare, route clearance, heavy equipment operation, and construction fundamentals. Follow-on training may include Combat Engineer Vehicle (CEV) operation, Assault Breacher Vehicle (ABV) training, and explosive ordnance training.
Certs Earned in ServiceMilitary heavy equipment operator qualifications (varies by command), Demolitions training, Mine warfare, First Aid/CPR/AED, Military driver license (tactical vehicles)
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 Combat Engineer
$56K–$107K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
10 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Combat Engineers lands within the same range as 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 construction industry is the most obvious career path for 1371s, and it is actively hiring. According to BLS (May 2024), First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades Workers earn a median of $76,060, with Construction Managers earning $106,980. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators earn a median of $58,710.
Heavy construction, infrastructure, and civil engineering firms value Marines who can operate multiple pieces of heavy equipment, read construction plans, and lead crews in demanding conditions. Unlike many civilian-trained operators who specialize in one machine, 1371s typically gain experience across bulldozers, excavators, graders, loaders, and dump trucks — that versatility is a real advantage on jobsites.
For 1371s with demolition experience, the blasting industry (mining, quarrying, and demolition contractors) hires operators who understand explosives safety and detonation procedures. BLS categorizes these under Construction Laborers and Helpers (median $45,300) and Extraction Workers, but specialized blasting positions command premiums above those medians.
Electricians ($62,350 median), Welders ($51,000 median), and Plumbers/Pipefitters ($65,190 median) are adjacent trades that some 1371s transition into, particularly those with specific training from construction projects. However, most trade careers require civilian apprenticeship or journeyman certification regardless of military experience — plan accordingly.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Construction Manager O*NET: 11-9021.00 | Construction / Engineering | $106,980 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades O*NET: 47-1011.00 | Construction | $76,060 | About as fast as average (4%) | strong |
Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator O*NET: 47-2073.00 | Construction / Mining | $58,350 | About as fast as average (4%) | strong |
Electrician O*NET: 47-2111.00 | Construction / Maintenance | $62,350 | Much faster than average (11%) | moderate |
Occupational Health & Safety Specialist O*NET: 19-5011.00 | Government / Construction / Manufacturing | $83,910 | Faster than average (12%) | strong |
Carpenter O*NET: 47-2031.00 | Construction | $56,350 | About as fast as average (3%) | moderate |
Demolition Specialist / Blaster O*NET: 47-5032.00 | Construction / Mining / Demolition | $58,350 | About as fast as average (4%) | strong |
Civil Engineering Technician O*NET: 17-3022.00 | Engineering / Government | $61,270 | Little or no change (1%) | moderate |
Construction Manager
Construction / Engineering
$106,980median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 11-9021.00
First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades
Construction
$76,060median
About as fast as average (4%)
O*NET: 47-1011.00
Operating Engineer / Heavy Equipment Operator
Construction / Mining
$58,350median
About as fast as average (4%)
O*NET: 47-2073.00
Electrician
Construction / Maintenance
$62,350median
Much faster than average (11%)
O*NET: 47-2111.00
Occupational Health & Safety Specialist
Government / Construction / Manufacturing
$83,910median
Faster than average (12%)
O*NET: 19-5011.00
Carpenter
Construction
$56,350median
About as fast as average (3%)
O*NET: 47-2031.00
Demolition Specialist / Blaster
Construction / Mining / Demolition
$58,350median
About as fast as average (4%)
O*NET: 47-5032.00
Civil Engineering Technician
Engineering / Government
$61,270median
Little or no change (1%)
O*NET: 17-3022.00
Companies That Hire This Background
One of the largest construction management firms in the U.S. Active military hiring program. Projects include commercial buildings, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure.
Global engineering and construction firm with significant defense and federal contracts. Hires combat engineers for construction management, project controls, and field supervision roles.
Defense contractor with construction and engineering operations worldwide. LOGCAP and other government contracts create steady demand for military construction backgrounds.
One of the largest construction and civil engineering companies globally. Infrastructure, energy, and defense projects. Values military project management and construction supervision experience.
Global infrastructure consulting firm. Federal and defense construction projects, environmental remediation, and program management. Actively recruits military engineers.
National non-residential builder. Healthcare, education, and commercial construction. Superintendent and project engineer roles align well with combat engineer backgrounds.
Infrastructure-focused builder specializing in roads, bridges, tunnels, and heavy civil projects. The heavy civil focus aligns particularly well with combat engineer experience.
The largest public engineering organization in the world. Civilian positions in construction management, project engineering, and safety. Veterans' preference applies. GS-0809 and GS-0810 series.
World's largest construction equipment manufacturer. Service technician, field engineer, and equipment specialist roles value heavy equipment operation and maintenance experience.
Employee-owned general contractor with a strong military hiring reputation. Known for promoting from within and supporting veterans transitioning into construction management.
Global construction and development company. Heavy civil, building, and infrastructure projects across the U.S. Field engineer and superintendent roles for experienced combat engineers.
Defense contractor providing construction, logistics, and base operations support. Overseas and domestic positions supporting military installations. Now operating under Amentum.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your 1371 experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
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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
The federal government hires engineers, engineering technicians, construction managers, and safety specialists across multiple agencies. The Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the largest federal employer of construction professionals, but NAVFAC, GSA, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, and Forest Service also hire from this background.
GS-0809 (Construction Control) is a direct match — these positions oversee federal construction projects and require exactly the kind of hands-on construction knowledge that 1371s bring. GS-0802 (Engineering Technician) covers a broad range of technical positions supporting engineering projects. GS-0018 (Safety and Occupational Health Management) values the explosives and construction safety experience that combat engineers develop.
For 1371s interested in law enforcement, GS-1896 (Border Patrol Agent) and GS-0083 (Police) positions at CBP, USCP, and VA actively recruit Marines with tactical backgrounds. The physical demands and operational mindset transfer directly. GS-0017 (Explosives Safety) positions are available at military installations and agencies that handle energetic materials — your demolitions training is a rare qualification for these roles.
WG (Wage Grade) positions are also worth considering. WG-5716 (Engineering Equipment Operating) and WG-5803 (Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic) positions exist at military installations and federal construction projects, often paying competitive wages with full federal benefits.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5716 | Engineering Equipment Operating | WG-8, WG-9, WG-10 | View Details → | |
| GS-0809 | Construction Control | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0017 | Explosives Safety | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1896 | Border Patrol Agent | GS-5, GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0810 | Civil Engineering | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0083 | Police | GS-5, GS-7 | 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.
Cartographer and Photogrammetrist
$78,380
Geospatial and Mapping(O*NET: 17-1021.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Route reconnaissance and terrain analysisReading and producing tactical maps and overlaysSpatial data interpretation from imagery and survey dataPrecision and attention to detail under field conditions
Combat engineers spend their careers reading terrain, plotting routes, and turning ground recon into usable map products. That spatial-analysis instinct is the core of mapping work in a completely different industry.
How to get there: Most roles want a GIS certificate or an associate or bachelor degree in geography, geomatics, or GIS. Free ArcGIS/QGIS coursework plus a GISP track gets you in the door.
Wind Turbine Service Technician
$62,580
Renewable Energy(O*NET: 49-9081.00)BLS OEWS May 202460% (Much faster than average)
Working at height in hazardous environmentsMechanical and hydraulic systems troubleshootingConfined-space and fall-protection safety disciplineOperating under strict lockout-tagout risk controls
The comfort with heights, hazardous conditions, and unforgiving safety procedures that combat engineers build doing breaching and heavy-equipment work transfers directly to climbing and servicing turbines.
How to get there: Most enter through a 1-year wind energy technician certificate at a community or technical college; GI Bill covers many programs. Some employers train on the job for mechanically inclined hires.
Forest Fire Inspector and Prevention Specialist
$52,380
Wildland Fire and Public Safety(O*NET: 33-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Assessing terrain and environmental hazardsExplosive and fire-hazard risk evaluationPlanning controlled clearance and mitigationOperating safely in austere, dangerous field conditions
Combat engineers already assess hazardous terrain, manage fire and blast danger, and plan mitigation. Wildland fire prevention is that same hazard-assessment work pointed at a different threat.
How to get there: Entry usually needs fire-science coursework plus National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) red-card qualifications. Some agencies hire entry crew members and train the certifications on the job.
Claims Adjuster, Examiner, and Investigator
$76,790
Insurance(O*NET: 13-1031.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-6% (Decline)
Structural damage assessment from blast and impactDocumenting field conditions accuratelyCost and scope estimation for repairsInvestigating cause and reconstructing events
Combat engineers understand how structures fail under blast, impact, and earthworks. That trained eye for damage and cause makes property and casualty claims investigation a natural and non-obvious pivot.
How to get there: Many adjusters enter with a bachelor degree or relevant experience plus a state adjuster license (a short course and exam). Xactimate certification strongly helps for property claims.
Surveying and Mapping Technician
$51,940
Geospatial and Civil(O*NET: 17-3031.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Field measurement and instrument operationTerrain and elevation data collectionRoute and site layoutWorking precisely in remote field conditions
Engineers run recon and lay out routes and obstacles in the field. Survey crews do the civilian version: collecting precise field data on terrain and boundaries for projects and mapping.
How to get there: Often entry-level with on-the-job training; an associate degree in surveying technology or a certificate accelerates advancement toward licensed surveyor.
Emergency Management Director
$86,130
Government and Emergency Management(O*NET: 11-9161.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Operational planning under time pressureCoordinating teams across a chaotic incidentHazard and risk assessmentResource staging and contingency planning
Engineers plan and execute under fire, coordinate units, and manage real hazards on a clock. That incident-command instinct maps onto running emergency operations for a city, county, or agency.
How to get there: Typically requires a bachelor degree in emergency management or public administration plus FEMA ICS/NIMS certifications. Veterans often start as an emergency management specialist and move up.
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 construction companies, demolition contractors, or engineering firms, your terminology is largely understood. Construction supervisors know what a D7 dozer is, and demolition companies know what shaped charges are. This section is for 1371s targeting careers outside of construction and engineering: project management, operations management, safety, emergency management, or corporate roles where the hiring manager has never seen a breaching charge or a hasty fighting position.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Led route clearance team of 12 Marines across 150+ km of MSR, identifying and neutralizing 8 IEDs while maintaining convoy flow and reporting threat intelligence to battalion
After (Civilian)
Led a 12-person field assessment team across 150+ km of operational area, identifying and mitigating 8 critical hazards while maintaining operational continuity and delivering risk intelligence reports to senior management
Before (Military)
Supervised horizontal and vertical construction projects including a 500m improved road, two hardened fighting positions, and a 2,000 sq ft command post, managing a 15-Marine squad over 3 weeks
After (Civilian)
Managed multiple construction projects including roadway improvements, reinforced structures, and a 2,000 sq ft facility, directing a 15-person crew through site preparation, material procurement, and final inspection over a 3-week timeline
Before (Military)
Qualified operator on D7 bulldozer, TRAM, and front-end loader; maintained equipment readiness above 90% through preventive maintenance and fault diagnosis for a 6-vehicle section
After (Civilian)
Maintained 90%+ operational readiness for a 6-vehicle heavy equipment fleet through systematic preventive maintenance scheduling, fault diagnosis, and parts procurement, reducing downtime by implementing standardized inspection procedures
Before (Military)
Planned and executed demolition of 3 reinforced concrete structures using calculated charges, maintaining 100% safety record and completing operations within scheduled timeline
After (Civilian)
Planned and executed controlled dismantlement of 3 structures, performing engineering calculations for safe removal procedures, maintaining a zero-incident safety record, and completing all operations within the scheduled timeline and budget
Before (Military)
Constructed 12 reinforced fighting positions and 800m of triple-strand concertina wire obstacle to MCRP standards, completing battalion defensive plan ahead of schedule with 2 fire teams
After (Civilian)
Constructed 12 engineered structures and 800m of perimeter infrastructure to organizational specifications, completing the project ahead of schedule by coordinating 2 work crews and managing material logistics
Before (Military)
Managed fleet readiness for 12 pieces of combat engineer equipment valued at $8M+, tracking maintenance intervals, ordering parts through the supply system, and maintaining 92% operational readiness rate
After (Civilian)
Directed maintenance operations for a $8M+ heavy equipment fleet of 12 assets, managing preventive maintenance schedules, parts procurement, and operator certification tracking to achieve a 92% operational availability rate
Before (Military)
Conducted engineer reconnaissance of 5 potential construction sites, assessing soil composition, drainage patterns, material requirements, and security considerations to recommend optimal locations for battalion headquarters
After (Civilian)
Conducted feasibility assessments of 5 potential project sites, evaluating soil conditions, drainage requirements, material needs, and environmental considerations to provide data-driven recommendations to senior leadership for facility placement
Before (Military)
Developed and executed training program for 30 Marines on heavy equipment operation, demolition safety, and construction techniques, achieving 100% qualification rate and zero training incidents
After (Civilian)
Designed and delivered technical training programs for 30 employees covering heavy equipment operation, safety compliance, and construction methods, achieving 100% qualification rates and maintaining a zero-incident safety record across all training events
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your 1371 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Construction & Trades
Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
Industry credential for construction management. Demonstrates expertise in project delivery, cost management, and quality control.Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
Cost: $400-500 exam feeTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Requires 48 months of construction management experience — your military construction projects count. Bachelor's degree in related field is preferred but not always required.
AWS Certified Welder
Industry-standard welding certification. Multiple process and material certifications available (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW).American Welding Society (AWS)
Cost: $300-600 per testTime: 1-3 months preparationGI Bill Eligible
For 1371s with welding experience from construction projects. AWS certifications are required or preferred by most construction and fabrication employers.
Emergency Management
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
Professional credential for emergency management careers. Demonstrates expertise across all emergency management phases.International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM)
Cost: $300-500 application and examTime: 3-6 months preparationGI Bill Eligible
For 1371s targeting emergency management careers. Military crisis response and construction emergency experience provides relevant background. Requires combination of education and experience.
Environmental & HAZMAT
HAZWOPER 40-Hour
Required for workers involved in hazardous waste operations and emergency response. Relevant for environmental remediation and emergency response careers.OSHA
Cost: $200-500Time: 1 weekGI Bill Eligible
Relevant for 1371s with HAZMAT experience or those targeting environmental remediation, emergency response, or chemical safety roles.
GIS & Geospatial
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Supply chain management credential. For 1371s pivoting to logistics and supply chain careers.Association for Supply Chain Management
Cost: $500-800 for prep + examTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Equipment and materials logistics from military construction projects provide relevant background. Growing field with strong demand (BLS projects 17% growth for logisticians).
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Universal project management certification recognized across all industries. Not limited to construction.Project Management Institute (PMI)
Cost: $555 (PMI member) exam feeTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Your military construction project experience counts toward the 36-month experience requirement. Strongest certification for 1371s pivoting to non-construction management careers.
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour Construction
Baseline safety credential for the construction industry. Required or preferred for most construction supervisory positions.OSHA
Cost: $150-300Time: 1 weekGI Bill Eligible
Can be completed online before separation. Demonstrates construction safety knowledge to civilian employers. Foundation for CSP pursuit.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
Premium safety credential. The gold standard for occupational health and safety careers.Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP)
Cost: $490 exam feeTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Requires bachelor's degree and 4 years safety experience. BCSP accepts military construction and explosives safety experience toward the requirement. Highest ROI safety certification.
Transportation & Heavy Equipment
NCCCO Crane Operator Certification
Required by many states and employers for crane operation. Multiple crane types available (lattice boom, telescopic boom, overhead).National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
Cost: $300-500 per certificationTime: 1-3 months preparationGI Bill Eligible
Some 1371s may have crane experience from construction operations. NCCCO certification is the industry standard for civilian crane operation.
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A
Required for operating vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR on public roads. Opens doors to equipment transport and heavy haul trucking.State DMV
Cost: $100-300 (testing fees vary by state)Time: 2-6 weeksGI Bill Eligible
Many states offer military-to-CDL expedited testing that waives the skills test for veterans with qualifying military driving records. Check your state DMV for specific programs.
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
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Transition Resources
For Staying in Construction & Engineering
SkillBridge Programs: Several construction and heavy equipment companies participate in DOD SkillBridge. Caterpillar, Komatsu dealers, and union apprenticeship programs have historically offered transition pathways. Search the SkillBridge database for current openings.
Union Apprenticeships: The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and the Laborers International Union (LIUNA) offer apprenticeship programs. Many accept military experience toward apprenticeship hours. Helmets to Hardhats (helmetstohardhats.org) connects veterans to union apprenticeship programs in construction trades.
Heavy Equipment Certification: The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) provides crane operator certifications. Other equipment certifications vary by state — check your state's licensing requirements for the specific equipment you operated.
CDL: Many 1371s already have experience driving military vehicles that exceed CDL weight thresholds. Getting a civilian CDL (Class A or B) is often a straightforward process with your military driving record. Some states offer military-to-CDL expedited licensing.
For Careers Outside of Construction
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) converts your construction project experience into a universal project management credential. Your field construction projects — estimating materials, coordinating equipment, managing timelines, supervising crews — count toward the experience requirement. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member).
Safety & EHS: OSHA 30-Hour Construction is the baseline credential (~$150-300, can take online). For a full safety career, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) from BCSP. Your construction and explosives safety experience counts toward the experience requirement.
Construction Management: The CMAA (Construction Management Association of America) offers the Certified Construction Manager (CCM) credential. Combines your technical construction skills with management certification.
Federal Employment: Create your USAJobs profile. Target GS-0809, GS-0802, GS-0018, and WG-5716 positions at USACE, NAVFAC, and Bureau of Reclamation. Federal resumes are 2 pages max — build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives in your target industry.
Education Benefits: GI Bill covers construction management degrees, trade school programs, and professional certifications. Verify approval at the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
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 1371 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 a 1371 MOS?
The most direct matches are in the construction industry: Construction Equipment Operator (BLS median $58,710), Construction Supervisor ($76,060), and Construction Manager ($106,980). Heavy equipment operators, demolition specialists, and general contractors all value 1371 experience. Beyond construction, former 1371s work in project management ($100,750), safety management ($83,910), and operations management ($102,950). Defense contractors also hire for training support and engineering technician positions.
What is the salary range for construction careers?
According to BLS May 2024 data: Operating Engineers and Construction Equipment Operators earn a median of $58,710. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades earn $76,060. Construction Managers earn $106,980. Electricians earn $62,350, Welders $51,000, and Plumbers/Pipefitters $65,190. Specialized roles (crane operators, blasting specialists) may command premiums above these medians, though BLS does not track them separately in all cases.
Do my military heavy equipment qualifications transfer to civilian construction?
Your operational experience transfers, but civilian certifications and licensing vary by state and employer. Most civilian construction companies will require you to demonstrate proficiency on their specific equipment, even if you operated military equivalents. NCCCO certification is standard for crane operators. CDL is required for operating on public roads. Some union apprenticeship programs through Helmets to Hardhats accept military equipment hours toward apprenticeship requirements — check with IUOE or LIUNA locals in your area.
How do I get into construction management?
Construction management combines technical construction knowledge with project management skills. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) from CMAA is the industry credential. A bachelor's in construction management, civil engineering, or related field is typical for senior positions, though many firms promote from the field based on experience. PMP certification adds cross-industry credibility. Your experience running Marine construction projects — estimating, scheduling, managing crews, coordinating equipment — is directly relevant to civilian construction management.
What federal jobs match the 1371 MOS?
GS-0809 (Construction Control) is the most direct match — overseeing federal construction projects. GS-0802 (Engineering Technician) covers technical engineering support roles. GS-0018 (Safety and Occupational Health Management) values construction and explosives safety experience. GS-0017 (Explosives Safety) is a niche but well-matched series. WG-5716 (Engineering Equipment Operating) positions exist at USACE, NAVFAC, and military installations. GS-1896 (Border Patrol Agent) and GS-0083 (Police) are options for 1371s seeking law enforcement careers.
What if I want to leave construction entirely?
Many 1371s successfully pivot to careers that leverage their leadership and planning skills rather than their construction skills specifically. Project management (BLS median $100,750), operations management ($102,950), safety management ($83,910), and emergency management ($86,130) are all accessible. The key is translating your construction project experience into general management language — you planned projects, managed resources, supervised teams, and delivered results under pressure. See the Career Change Paths section above for specific pivot options.
Is my military demolitions experience valuable in the civilian world?
Yes, in specific sectors. Commercial demolition companies, mining and quarrying operations, and explosive ordnance disposal contractors value candidates who understand explosives safety, blast calculations, and detonation procedures. The GS-0017 (Explosives Safety) federal series specifically requires this expertise. However, civilian blasting licenses are state-regulated and require separate certification regardless of military training — check your state's requirements through the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE).
Should I get a CDL after the military?
If you drove military vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR, getting a civilian CDL is usually straightforward. Many states offer military-to-CDL expedited testing that waives the skills test for drivers with qualifying military experience. A CDL Class A opens doors to heavy equipment transport, heavy haul trucking (BLS median $57,440 for heavy/tractor-trailer drivers), and expands your construction career options. Check your state's DMV for military CDL exemptions.
How does Veterans Preference work for federal construction jobs?
Veterans Preference gives you 5 points (honorable discharge) or 10 points (service-connected disability) on federal hiring assessments. For GS positions at USACE, NAVFAC, and other agencies, apply through USAJobs using the veterans filter. For WG (Wage Grade) trade positions, Veterans Preference also applies. Key tip: apply at GS-7 to GS-11 and WG-8 to WG-10 where Veterans Preference has the most impact. Start your federal resume early — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector resumes.
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Yes. Start 12 months before your EAS. Check Helmets to Hardhats (helmetstohardhats.org) for union apprenticeship connections. At 180 days, you may qualify for SkillBridge with a construction company or heavy equipment dealer. At 6 months: apply to federal positions (slow process), get your OSHA 30-Hour Construction completed, and start your CDL process if needed. Use terminal leave strategically — many construction companies will bring you on immediately if you have the right certifications.
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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