Home / Military to civilian jobs / Marines / 7041
That is Marines MOS 7041. 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
Processed and disseminated 200+ NOTAMs monthly, coordinating with FAA facilities and aircrews to ensure timely awareness of airfield conditions and flight restrictions
How a hiring manager reads it
Managed regulatory compliance notification system, processing 200+ time-sensitive advisories monthly and coordinating distribution across multiple stakeholder groups to maintain operational safety
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Marine Corps Aviation Operations Specialists (MOS 7041) are the backbone of flight line operations at Marine air stations worldwide. They run Base Operations (BaseOps), processing NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions), coordinating flight plans, delivering weather briefings to aircrews, providing flight following for aircraft in transit, and managing aircraft scheduling across the airfield. They also administer the BASH (Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard) program — tracking wildlife activity patterns and issuing advisories that directly affect flight safety.
Training begins at MCAS Cherry Point, NC or through fleet assignment, where 7041s learn FAA regulations, NOTAM systems, flight plan processing, weather products interpretation, and airfield management procedures. Duty stations include MCAS Cherry Point (NC), MCAS Miramar (CA), MCAS Beaufort (SC), MCAS New River (NC), MCAS Kaneohe Bay (HI), and MCAS Iwakuni (Japan) — wherever Marines fly, Aviation Operations Specialists keep the airfield running.
What makes 7041s valuable to civilian employers is a combination that is hard to find outside the military: real-world aviation regulatory knowledge, complex scheduling and resource planning under pressure, safety program management experience, and direct coordination with FAA facilities and procedures. Many 7041s have processed thousands of flight plans and NOTAMs before they ever separate — that operational tempo and regulatory fluency translates directly to civilian aviation.
7041s have one of the cleanest paths into FAA Air Traffic Control via the Veterans Recruitment Appointment, plus federal aviation operations at AMC contractors and DoD airfields. From the federal hiring side, the flight following and operations coordination experience is exactly what federal aviation offices need. — 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?
Marines mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Aviation Operations Specialist
$49K to $145K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
5 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 28% higher on average
Civilian roles for Aviation Operations Specialists pay about $20K 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.
Aviation Operations Specialists have a clear path into civilian aviation operations — and the industry needs them. Airlines, airports, and Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) all need people who understand flight planning, NOTAMs, weather products, and airfield management. The transition is more direct than many military jobs because civilian aviation uses the same FAA regulatory framework that 7041s already work within.
The most direct civilian match is Flight Dispatcher. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024), dispatchers except police, fire, and ambulance earn a median annual wage of $48,880 (O*NET 43-5032.00). However, FAA-certificated aircraft dispatchers at major airlines earn significantly more — senior dispatchers at legacy carriers can earn $80,000–$150,000+ depending on airline and seniority, though BLS does not track this specialty separately.
Airport Operations Managers and Airport Managers oversee day-to-day airfield operations — runway inspections, tenant coordination, emergency response planning, and FAA compliance. These roles fall under BLS category Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers (11-3071), with a median annual wage of $102,010 (BLS May 2024). Smaller regional airports sometimes hire directly into manager roles, while larger commercial airports typically require an entry-level operations agent position first.
Airline Operations Center (AOC) positions involve real-time flight tracking, delay management, crew scheduling coordination, and irregular operations handling. These roles leverage the same situational awareness and multi-system coordination that 7041s develop managing BaseOps during high-tempo flight operations.
Aviation Safety Coordinators manage safety reporting systems (SMS), wildlife hazard assessments, and regulatory compliance — a natural fit for 7041s who administered the BASH program. Occupational Health and Safety Specialists earn a median of $88,660 (BLS May 2024, O*NET 19-5011.00), and aviation-specific safety roles at airports and airlines often pay above this median.
FBO (Fixed Base Operator) Managers run the private and general aviation side of airports — fuel operations, ramp services, hangar leasing, and customer service for corporate and private aircraft. FBO management combines aviation knowledge with business operations, and some FBO chains like Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support actively recruit veterans.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Dispatcher / Aircraft DispatcherO*NET 43-5032.00 | Airlines / Aviation | $48,880 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
| Airport Operations ManagerO*NET 11-3071.00 | Airport Management / Government | $102,010 | About as fast as average (5%) | strong |
| Aviation Safety CoordinatorO*NET 19-5011.00 | Aviation / Government / Airlines | $88,660 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Airline Operations Center CoordinatorO*NET 43-5032.00 | Airlines | $65,000 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Airport ManagerO*NET 11-3012.00 | Airport Management / Government | $108,390 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
| FBO Manager (Fixed Base Operator)O*NET 11-1021.00 | General Aviation / Business Aviation | $80,000 | About as fast as average | moderate |
| Aerospace Engineering & Operations TechnicianO*NET 17-3021.00 | Aerospace / Defense | $79,830 | Much faster than average (8%) | moderate |
| Air Traffic Controller (FAA)O*NET 53-2021.00 | Federal Government | $144,580 | Slower than average (1%) | moderate |
Major airline with large dispatch and operations center. Hires dispatchers, ops coordinators, and safety specialists. SkillBridge partner.
Operations Control Center in Atlanta. Dispatch, flight tracking, and crew scheduling roles. Strong veteran hiring reputation.
Largest cargo airline. Dispatch and flight operations roles at Memphis hub. 24/7 operations match military shift experience.
Network Operations Control in Dallas. Known for promoting from within. Dispatch and ops center roles available.
One of the largest FBO chains in the US. Operations and management positions at airports nationwide.
Largest FBO network globally. Ramp operations, customer service, and station management roles.
ATC, aviation safety inspectors, airport certification specialists, and operations roles. Veterans preference applies.
Transportation Security Inspectors, Federal Security Directors, and airport operations support. Aviation background valued.
Aviation support contracts for military airfields and FAA facilities. Hires former military aviation operations personnel for contractor roles.
Aviation training systems, airfield operations support, and defense aviation contracts. Values military aviation backgrounds.
Military aviation support contracts including NOTAM systems, flight planning tools, and airfield management support.
Aviation program management, flight test operations, and logistics support. Major veteran employer with active military hiring programs.
Aviation consulting for FAA and DOD. Hires veterans for aviation program analysis and operations improvement roles.
Premium FBO and business aviation services at major airports worldwide. Operations and management roles.
BMR rewrites your 7041 experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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The FAA, TSA, and DoD civilian airfield management offices are where most 7041s land in the federal system. FAA air traffic management and flow control roles value your flight-following and NOTAM experience directly. On the DoD side, AETC and AMC bases hire civilian airfield operations specialists, and NAVAIR has billets for aviation planners who understand military airspace coordination. The key is matching your specific 7041 experience to the right GS series.
The strongest federal match is the GS-2152 Air Traffic Control series — but this requires FAA Academy completion and has strict age requirements (must be hired before age 31, with exceptions for veterans). For 7041s interested in ATC, Veterans' Preference and prior military aviation experience give a real advantage. Air traffic controllers earn a median of $144,580 (BLS May 2024). Related: USMC 5953 Air Traffic Controller career paths.
The GS-2181 Aircraft Operations series covers flight management, airfield operations, and aviation program management within DOD and other federal agencies. This is the most direct federal match for what 7041s actually do — it is essentially the federal civilian version of BaseOps.
Beyond aviation-specific series, 7041s qualify for a broad range of federal positions based on their planning, coordination, and management skills:
TSA airport operations positions are another strong fit — Transportation Security Inspectors and Federal Security Directors work at airports and value candidates who understand airfield operations from the inside. Build your federal resume to target these series, and check the 10 Federal Job Series for Veterans guide for application strategy.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2152 | Air Traffic Control | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1825 | Aviation Safety | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2150 | Transportation Operations | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 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.
7041s pull weather and brief it to crews every day, so the language and judgment of meteorology is already familiar. With the degree, that operational weather instinct becomes a profession.
Transfers: Reading and briefing weather to aircrew, Interpreting NOTAMs and meteorological data, Translating conditions into operational decisions, Concise technical briefing under time pressure.
How to get there: Requires a bachelor degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. The GI Bill covers it, and military weather-briefing experience strengthens the application.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 1% to 2% (Slower than average)
Running base operations is constant scheduling, coordination, and adapting when the plan slips. Event planning is that same orchestration skill aimed at conferences and large gatherings instead of flight lines.
Transfers: Building and adjusting complex schedules in real time, Coordinating many moving parts against a clock, Briefing and synchronizing multiple parties, Calm management of last-minute changes.
How to get there: Most roles start with a bachelor degree or relevant coordination experience. The CMP credential from the Events Industry Council accelerates advancement.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% to 6% (Faster than average)
An ops desk and a 911 floor share the same rhythm: track everything happening at once, talk to the people in the field, and log it cleanly. The transition is short.
Transfers: Coordinating activity from an operations center, Calm, clear voice communication under pressure, Prioritizing competing demands in real time, Accurate logging of every action.
How to get there: Centers hire on a high school diploma plus typing and stress screening, then provide on-the-job and APCO certification training.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% to 4% (Average)
Aviation operations lives in logs, flight records, and status boards that have to be exactly right. That same documentation discipline is what health information management runs on, in a fast-growing field.
Transfers: Meticulous operational recordkeeping, Maintaining logs and status boards to standard, Data accuracy and compliance discipline, Organizing high volumes of detailed information.
How to get there: Earn a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in health information and pursue the RHIT credential. The GI Bill covers the program.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% or higher (Much faster than average)
A live broadcast control room is an ops center: a timeline, a crew on headsets, and someone calling the sequence in real time. The coordination and comms instinct from base ops carries straight over.
Transfers: Coordinating a live, time-critical operation, Sequencing events on a tight timeline, Directing a team by clear, concise comms, Keeping composure when the plan changes mid-run.
How to get there: Most enter through production-assistant roles and work up. A media or communications degree helps but a reel of coordinated live work matters more.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% to 6% (Faster than average)
A grid dispatch desk watches a board, talks to crews in the field, and routes around problems in real time, the same operational picture a 7041 manages in base ops. Utilities value that high-tempo console discipline.
Transfers: Monitoring status boards and live displays, Coordinating field activity by strict protocol, Decisive routing under high stakes, Sustained focus across long operational shifts.
How to get there: Utilities hire on aptitude testing and provide extensive on-the-job training and NERC System Operator certification. A two-year technical degree helps.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -1% or lower (Decline)
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 are staying in aviation operations — at an airline, airport, or FBO — your terminology is the standard. Civilian aviation uses the same FAA framework, the same NOTAM system, and the same weather products. You do not need to translate much.
This section is for careers outside aviation. If you are targeting project management, logistics, safety, compliance, or general operations roles, the hiring manager has no idea what "NOTAM processing" or "BASH program" means. Below are translations that reframe your 7041 experience into language that works in non-aviation industries.
Before, in service
Processed and disseminated 200+ NOTAMs monthly, coordinating with FAA facilities and aircrews to ensure timely awareness of airfield conditions and flight restrictions
After, on the resume
Managed regulatory compliance notification system, processing 200+ time-sensitive advisories monthly and coordinating distribution across multiple stakeholder groups to maintain operational safety
Before, in service
Coordinated daily flight schedules for 3 squadrons (40+ aircraft), deconflicting airspace assignments, maintenance windows, and ramp availability to maximize sortie generation
After, on the resume
Managed daily scheduling for 40+ high-value assets across 3 operational divisions, optimizing resource utilization by coordinating maintenance windows, facility availability, and operational requirements
Before, in service
Delivered pre-flight weather briefings to aircrews, interpreting METAR, TAF, and SIGMET products and advising on route weather hazards and divert options
After, on the resume
Delivered risk assessment briefings to operational teams, interpreting complex technical data from multiple sources and providing clear recommendations for route planning and contingency decision-making
Before, in service
Administered base BASH program: tracked wildlife activity patterns, maintained strike database, coordinated with USDA Wildlife Services, and briefed aircrews on seasonal hazard periods
After, on the resume
Managed environmental safety program including wildlife population monitoring, hazard database maintenance, inter-agency coordination with USDA, and quarterly risk briefings to leadership and operational staff
Before, in service
Maintained flight following for all base aircraft, monitoring real-time positions, fuel states, and weather deviations, and coordinating with FAA ATC facilities for aircraft in transit
After, on the resume
Monitored real-time status of operational assets, tracking location, resource levels, and schedule deviations while coordinating with external regulatory agencies and updating leadership on operational status
Before, in service
Served as Base Operations duty officer, managing airfield operations for 12-hour shifts including runway condition reporting, emergency response coordination, and VIP flight handling
After, on the resume
Served as facility operations supervisor for 12-hour shifts, managing all operational activities including condition monitoring, emergency response coordination, and executive-level service delivery
Before, in service
Processed and filed 150+ IFR and VFR flight plans monthly via DINS and SFIS, verifying route compliance with current airspace restrictions and NOTAM advisories
After, on the resume
Processed 150+ regulatory compliance documents monthly through federal information systems, verifying adherence to current regulations and cross-referencing against active advisory notices
Before, in service
Coordinated daily operations between FAA approach control, RAPCON, squadron operations, meteorology, and airfield management to support 60+ daily flight operations
After, on the resume
Coordinated daily operations across 5 functional groups including external regulatory agencies, operational departments, technical forecasting teams, and facility management to support 60+ daily operational events
Before, in service
Coordinated emergency response for 4 in-flight emergencies and 2 precautionary landings, activating crash/rescue crews, notifying chain of command, and managing communications between tower, approach, and ground units
After, on the resume
Coordinated emergency response for 6 critical incidents, activating response teams, managing real-time communication between field units and command staff, and maintaining incident documentation for post-event review
Before, in service
Trained 8 junior Marines on BaseOps procedures including NOTAM processing, flight plan filing, weather product interpretation, and emergency response protocols over 6-month training pipeline
After, on the resume
Developed and delivered technical onboarding program for 8 new staff members, covering regulatory systems, document processing, data interpretation, and emergency protocols across a 6-month structured training curriculum
BMR turns your 7041 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.
RecommendedCost $500 - $800Time 3-6 monthsIndustry credential for business aviation management. Covers FBO ops, charter management, and safety.
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 1-2 weeksFoundation for safety career outside aviation. Can take online. Complements your BASH and aviation safety experience.
RequiredCost $3,000 - $8,000Time 5-6 weeksGI Bill eligibleRequired by 14 CFR Part 65 for airline dispatch. Your 7041 background covers many exam topics. Several schools accept GI Bill.
RequiredCost $200 - $500Time 3-6 monthsIndustry standard for airport management. Exam covers airport operations, regulations, and management principles.
RecommendedCost $300 - $500 examTime 6-12 monthsGI Bill eligibleGold standard safety credential. Your aviation safety and BASH program experience counts toward the experience requirement.
BeneficialCost $175 exam feeTime 2-4 weeks studyAdds UAS knowledge to your aviation credentials. Useful for airports with drone programs.
RecommendedCost $500 - $1,000Time 1-2 yearsSenior-level airport management credential. Requires C.M. first plus documented experience and a capstone project.
BeneficialCost $400 - $500Time 2-3 monthsGI Bill eligibleIf targeting GS-2210 IT roles. Aviation IT systems experience (NOTAM platforms, flight tracking) plus Security+ opens DOD IT positions.
BeneficialCost Free (online)Time 2-4 weeksFree online courses in emergency management fundamentals. Your airfield emergency response coordination experience applies directly.
RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hoursFederal resumes are 2 pages max and follow different formatting than private sector. Start 6 months before separation.
RecommendedCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement credential valued in operations and logistics roles. Your BaseOps efficiency experience is relevant context.
RecommendedCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleYour flight scheduling and multi-agency coordination experience may count toward the 36 months of project experience requirement.
BeneficialCost $250 - $400Time 2-3 monthsGI Bill eligibleEntry-level PM credential — good stepping stone to PMP if you need more documented project hours.
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.
FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certification: The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate (ADX) is the key credential for airline dispatch careers. Training programs run 5–6 weeks and cover meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, regulations, and flight planning. Your 7041 background covers many of these topics already. Several schools are GI Bill approved — verify current approval status before enrolling.
AAAE (American Association of Airport Executives): The AAAE is the professional association for airport management. Their Certified Member (C.M.) and Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) designations are the industry standard for airport management careers. Student memberships are available, and AAAE runs the airport management training programs that many employers look for.
NBAA (National Business Aviation Association): The NBAA represents the business and corporate aviation sector. If you are interested in FBO management, corporate flight departments, or charter operations, NBAA conferences and networking events are where those jobs get filled. They also offer a Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) credential.
FAA Hiring: The FAA posts positions on USAJobs. For ATC positions specifically, watch for announcements on the FAA careers page — they open periodically and close fast. Veterans with aviation backgrounds receive preference. Age requirement: must be hired before 31 (with veteran exceptions).
SkillBridge: Some airlines and airport operators participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for aviation operations opportunities. Start planning at least 6 months before your EAS.
Project Management: Your flight scheduling, multi-agency coordination, and operational planning experience counts toward PMP eligibility. The PMP certification from PMI opens doors across every industry. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member). Many employers reimburse exam fees.
Safety & Compliance: Start with OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (online, ~$150–300). For a serious safety career, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) — your BASH program and aviation safety experience counts toward the experience requirement. See our best certifications for veterans guide.
Federal Employment: Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Federal resumes are 2 pages max and follow different formatting rules than private sector resumes. Start applying 6 months before separation — federal hiring is slow. Federal resume format guide.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives — completely free for veterans. Also explore best careers for veterans in 2026 and free certification programs for veterans.
Education Benefits: Many certification exam fees and prep courses are covered by the GI Bill. Check the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling. For military-to-civilian career translation help, try our career crosswalk tool.
50 Military Terms with Civilian Equivalents | Cover Letter Template | Build Your Resume Free
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
It depends on which career path you choose. Flight dispatchers earn a median of $48,880 (BLS May 2024, SOC 43-5032), but FAA-certificated dispatchers at major airlines earn significantly more with seniority. Airport operations managers fall under Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers with a median of $102,010 (BLS May 2024, SOC 11-3071). Federal air traffic controllers earn a median of $144,580 (BLS May 2024, SOC 53-2021). Aviation safety roles pay a median of $88,660 (BLS May 2024, SOC 19-5011). Your actual salary depends heavily on whether you stay in aviation and which sector you target.
For airline dispatch specifically, yes — the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate (ADX) is required by federal regulation (14 CFR Part 65). Training programs run 5-6 weeks and cover meteorology, navigation, aircraft systems, and regulations. Your 7041 background gives you a head start on many of these topics. For airport operations, FBO management, and airline operations center roles, the ADX is not required — though it strengthens your resume. Several dispatcher schools accept GI Bill. Verify current approval status before enrolling.
Start with an airport operations agent or coordinator position at a commercial airport. Many airports hire entry-level ops staff who work runway inspections, wildlife management, emergency response coordination, and tenant liaison — all things that overlap with your 7041 experience. The AAAE Certified Member (C.M.) designation is the industry credential for airport management. Smaller regional airports sometimes hire directly into manager roles. Some airports participate in SkillBridge, so check the database before you separate.
Many 7041s hold a standard background investigation rather than a Secret or Top Secret clearance. If you do hold an active clearance, it has real market value — defense contractors and federal agencies will pay a premium. A clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions requiring active clearances. Even without a clearance, your ability to pass a federal background investigation is still an advantage for TSA, FAA, and airport security positions.
You can apply, but 7041 experience alone does not qualify you as an ATC. You must attend and complete the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. The key restriction: you must be hired before age 31, though veterans can add their years of active duty service to extend the age limit. Veterans with aviation backgrounds receive hiring preference. Your 7041 experience with NOTAMs, flight plans, weather briefings, and airfield coordination gives you a strong foundation, but ATC is a separate career path with its own certification. See the USMC 5953 Air Traffic Controller page for more on this path.
Many former 7041s transition successfully into non-aviation careers. Project management specialists earn a median of $100,750 (BLS May 2024, SOC 13-1082). Logisticians earn $80,880 (BLS May 2024, SOC 13-1081) with 18% projected growth. Operations managers earn $102,950 (BLS May 2024, SOC 11-1021). Your transferable skills — complex scheduling, regulatory compliance, multi-agency coordination, safety program management, and real-time situational awareness — are valued across industries. See the Skills Translation and Career Change sections above for how to reframe your experience.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans get 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. For FAA positions specifically, some use Direct Hire Authority which can move faster than normal competitive hiring. TSA also hires veterans for airport operations roles. Key tip: apply to positions at GS-7 through GS-11 initially — Veterans Preference is most powerful at these levels. Build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector.
It depends on your target career. For airline dispatch, the FAA ADX course (5-6 weeks, GI Bill eligible) gives the fastest return on investment. For airport management, the AAAE credential plus experience often matters more than a degree — but an aviation management degree from an accredited school strengthens long-term advancement. For project management, safety, or compliance careers outside aviation, certifications (PMP, CSP, OSHA 30) typically give faster ROI than a 4-year degree. Many employers accept military experience in lieu of a degree, especially combined with professional certifications.
Airlines (United, Delta, American, Southwest, FedEx, UPS) hire dispatchers and operations center staff. Airport operators like municipalities and management companies (Airports Authority, Vantage Airport Group) hire ops managers. FBO chains (Atlantic Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Jet Aviation) hire for ramp, ops, and management roles. Defense contractors (Leidos, L3Harris, CACI) hire for military aviation support contracts. The FAA and TSA are major federal employers. See the Companies section above for a detailed list.
Yes — and you should start early. Begin 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work at a civilian company while still receiving military pay and benefits. At minimum: have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, and apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring takes 3-6 months). If targeting airline dispatch, start your ADX training during terminal leave or SkillBridge. Build your resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — it is free for your first two tailored resumes.
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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