Home / Military to civilian jobs / Navy / AG
That is Navy Rating AG. 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
Conducted daily METOC briefings to the CAG and senior staff aboard CVN-72 supporting 80+ aircraft and 5,000 personnel.
How a hiring manager reads it
Delivered daily operational briefings to senior leadership synthesizing complex data into clear go/no-go recommendations — directly influencing mission timing and resource deployment.
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
Build a resume for a real jobYou pick the job. We write it from your AG experience. Free to start.
Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 71,892 resumes built so far.
One page, built in our template, with the military experience translated into the civilian terms hiring managers and screening software read. Use it as a reference for your own. Leave an email and the download link comes to you.
Free. Occasional job-search tips come with it. Unsubscribe anytime.
Navy Aerographer's Mates (AG) are the Navy's atmospheric and oceanographic science specialists. AGs forecast weather for flight operations, naval surface warfare, and amphibious landings. They operate sophisticated equipment including TESS (Tactical Environmental Support System), AN/SMQ-11 weather satellite receivers, rawinsonde upper-air sounding systems, and meteorological observation stations aboard ships and at shore-based Naval Oceanography facilities.
AGs train at the Naval Technical Training Center at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi — collocated with the Air Force weather school — which gives them shared instruction with AF 1W0X1 meteorologists and a deep grounding in atmospheric science fundamentals. Graduates go on to serve aboard carriers (CVIC weather shops), at Naval Oceanography commands, and in direct support of SEAL and MARSOC teams providing tactical environmental intelligence. This is a genuine science and technology rating, not a general operations role.
What makes AGs particularly valuable in transition is the combination of formal meteorological training, hands-on instrument operation and maintenance, and experience translating complex environmental data into actionable decisions under operational pressure. That combination is rare — and civilian employers pay well for it.
Aerographer's Mates have an underrated pipeline into NOAA, the National Weather Service, FAA Aviation Weather, and DoD weather support roles — the GS-1340 Meteorology series exists exactly for this background. I've seen AGs land $70K+ federal weather positions in their first year out when the resume actually translates the operational forecasting work into NWS language. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Navy mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Aerographer's Mate
$72K to $98K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
1 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 20% higher on average
Civilian roles for Aerographer's Mates pay about $14K 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.
AGs have one of the most direct civilian career translations in the Navy. The skills that powered weather forecasting for carrier flight ops are the same skills civilian meteorologists, environmental scientists, and climate analysts use every day — except now those skills are in high demand across energy, aviation, agriculture, insurance, and technology sectors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 OEWS), atmospheric and space scientists earn a median annual wage of $86,720, with the top 25% earning over $110,000. Environmental scientists and specialists come in at $80,890 median. Geoscientists and oceanographers earn $98,090 median. For AGs willing to move into data analysis and modeling roles, the compensation ceiling climbs further — environmental data scientists and climate modelers at companies like IBM or Raytheon routinely clear $100,000+.
The energy sector is one of the strongest landing zones. Offshore oil and gas companies (BP, Shell, Chevron) employ meteorologists and oceanographers full-time to support offshore platform operations, where accurate weather windows directly affect safety and production. Airlines — Delta, United, American — have internal meteorology teams. The commercial weather industry (AccuWeather, DTN, The Weather Company/IBM) employs former military weather specialists directly. Defense contractors like Raytheon Intelligence and Space and L3Harris build and maintain the same METOC systems AGs operated on active duty.
For AGs who want to stay in weather-focused work, no skills translation is needed — your training, qualifications, and experience speak directly to the role. The key is documenting what you did: aircraft type supported, geographic areas of responsibility, observation platforms operated, and any special mission support (SOF weather, ship routing, hurricane tracking).
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MeteorologistO*NET 19-2021.00 | Government / Research | $86,720 | Faster than average (6–8%) | Direct |
| Weather ForecasterO*NET 19-2021.00 | Commercial / Aviation | $82,000 | Faster than average | Direct |
| Physical ScientistO*NET 19-2099.01 | Federal / Research | $83,910 | Average | Strong |
| OceanographerO*NET 19-2042.00 | Government / Research / Energy | $98,090 | Average | Strong |
| Environmental ScientistO*NET 19-2041.00 | Consulting / Government | $80,890 | Faster than average (7%) | Strong |
| Climate Data AnalystO*NET 15-2041.00 | Technology / Finance / Insurance | $95,000 | Much faster than average | Strong |
| GIS AnalystO*NET 15-1299.02 | Government / Environmental / Defense | $72,000 | Faster than average | Moderate |
| Emergency Management SpecialistO*NET 11-9161.00 | Government / Nonprofit | $76,730 | Faster than average (6%) | Moderate |
| Intelligence Analyst (METOC)O*NET 33-3021.00 | Defense / Intelligence Community | $88,000 | Average | Strong |
| Aviation Weather SpecialistO*NET 19-2021.00 | Aviation / FAA | $79,000 | Average | Direct |
The largest civilian employer of meteorologists in the US. NWS has forecast offices in nearly every major metro area. Former AGs frequently qualify at GS-7 or GS-9 with promotion potential to GS-13. NOAA also employs physical scientists, oceanographers, and environmental specialists across multiple offices.
One of the world's largest commercial weather data providers, now part of IBM. Employs meteorologists, data scientists, and software engineers to build weather forecasting products used by airlines, logistics companies, and energy firms. Former military weather personnel are recognized hires.
One of the largest private weather companies. Employs meteorologists, broadcast weather presenters, data analysts, and product developers. AGs with forecasting and observation experience are competitive candidates for operational meteorologist roles.
Provides weather intelligence for agriculture, energy, and logistics. Employs meteorologists and data scientists to build decision-support tools. Strong fit for AGs with agricultural weather or offshore weather support experience.
Builds and maintains many of the METOC systems AGs operated on active duty, including weather satellite systems and environmental sensor networks. Cleared former AGs are competitive for systems engineering, program management, and field support roles. Active Secret clearance is a significant advantage.
Defense contractor with substantial METOC systems and environmental intelligence programs. Former AGs with TESS, AN/SMQ-11, or rawinsonde system experience have direct relevance to hardware and software support roles. Active clearance holders are prioritized.
Large defense contractor with environmental intelligence, modeling, and simulation programs supporting DoD METOC requirements. AGs with data analysis or SOF weather support experience are good candidates for program analyst and systems support roles.
Employs meteorologists and physical oceanographers to support offshore platform operations, vessel routing, and marine safety. Weather and sea-state forecasting directly affects production schedules and crew safety. Strong fit for AGs with maritime METOC experience.
One of the largest operators of offshore energy infrastructure globally. Employs marine meteorologists and oceanographers for Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, and deepwater operations. AGs with ship-based METOC and surface weather observation experience translate directly.
Major oil and gas operator with offshore weather and oceanography support requirements for platforms and drill ships. AGs with maritime operational weather forecasting experience are strong candidates for environmental and marine operations roles.
Major airline with an internal meteorology team supporting flight dispatch and route planning. Former military weather personnel with aviation meteorology experience are recognized candidates. AGs who worked in carrier-based flight ops weather are well-positioned.
Employs meteorologists for flight operations weather support and dispatch. Internal weather teams work closely with flight dispatch to optimize routes around severe weather. AG experience in aviation weather for flight ops is directly applicable.
Finnish company that manufactures weather observation and measurement systems, including radiosonde and rawinsonde equipment used by military and civilian met organizations worldwide. AGs with rawinsonde and upper-air sounding experience are directly relevant for technical sales, field support, and applications engineering roles.
Defense and technology company with significant NOAA and DoD environmental intelligence contracts. Employs meteorologists, data scientists, and program managers on weather and environmental monitoring programs. AGs with cleared backgrounds are competitive for both technical and program management roles.
Provides satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence products to government and commercial clients. Weather satellite and remote sensing experience from the AN/SMQ-11 and similar platforms is relevant for imagery analyst and geospatial scientist roles. Many positions require active clearances.
BMR rewrites your AG experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
Free to start. 2 tailored resumes included.
Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the AG lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow and what to write instead. No account.
Free. Your file is never stored.
“I am wrapping up a 21 year Naval career, all of which was working on fighters. I had picked up a job as a contractor for a company on the same base I’ve been at for the last ten years. I submitted that resume while on deployment and it worked great. Thanks again Brad. Dave ”
David · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Navy · Aviation
AGs are well-positioned for federal careers across several agencies, not just in weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the most obvious destination — it employs meteorologists, physical scientists, oceanographers, and environmental scientists across its National Weather Service (NWS), National Ocean Service (NOS), and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. NOAA actively recruits veterans and has SkillBridge partnerships in some locations.
The National Weather Service alone has forecast offices in nearly every major metro area plus Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico — meaning geographic flexibility is real for former AGs. NWS Meteorologists typically enter at GS-7 or GS-9 depending on education and experience, with promotion potential to GS-13.
Beyond NOAA, the federal landscape for AGs is broad:
Veterans' preference gives former AGs a real advantage on USAJobs. AGs with a Secret clearance (the typical minimum) are competitive for GS-7 through GS-11 positions at NOAA, DoD, and intelligence community agencies. For federal resumes, use the BMR Federal Resume Builder — federal applications follow different rules than private sector resumes.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1301 | General Physical Science | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 4 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.
AGs work with large, multi-variable atmospheric datasets every day. The analytical foundation is there — the pivot requires adding formal programming skills (Python, R) and data science methodology. The growing climate risk field in insurance and finance specifically values atmospheric science knowledge.
Transfers: Large dataset analysis, Atmospheric data modeling, Pattern recognition, Python/statistical software familiarity, Operational briefing and communication.
How to get there: Complete Google Data Analytics Certificate or equivalent; build Python skills via free resources (Kaggle, DataCamp); target entry-level data analyst roles first, then advance. A bachelor's in atmospheric science or math strengthens candidacy for senior roles.
BLS May 2024 OEWS (data scientists median) · Much faster than average (36%)
AGs who tracked tropical systems, supported disaster response, or coordinated multi-agency environmental operations have direct experience in emergency management fundamentals. The transition is natural — and former AGs bring forecasting credibility that pure administrators lack.
Transfers: Severe weather operations, Crisis decision-making under time pressure, Multi-agency coordination, Operational watch standing, Threat assessment and risk communication.
How to get there: Complete FEMA PDS online (free); pursue Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credential from IAEM; target local, state, or FEMA regional positions via USAJobs or local government postings.
BLS May 2024 OEWS (emergency management directors) · Faster than average (6%)
METOC work is fundamentally geospatial — plotting weather systems, analyzing sea surface temperature anomalies, and tracking storm tracks all require spatial reasoning. AGs who operated the AN/SMQ-11 or similar systems have direct remote sensing experience. GIS is a natural direction.
Transfers: Geospatial data interpretation, Satellite imagery analysis, Environmental mapping, Remote sensing operations, Spatial pattern analysis.
How to get there: Earn ESRI ArcGIS Desktop Specialist certification; build a portfolio project using public weather or environmental data; target entry GIS analyst roles at USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, NOAA, or environmental consulting firms.
BLS 2024 estimate for GIS analysts · Faster than average
AGs who supported carrier flight ops have direct experience in aviation weather decision-making. Airlines, charter operators, and cargo companies need people who understand how weather affects flight planning and dispatch. This path is especially strong for AGs who worked heavily in TAF production and flight ops briefings.
Transfers: Aviation weather forecasting, Terminal aerodrome forecast (TAF) production, Flight planning support, Go/no-go decision criteria, Coordination with air traffic control.
How to get there: Target airline operations or flight dispatch roles; consider FAA air traffic management programs; leverage aviation weather experience in resume bullets. Federal Aviation Administration also hires for aviation weather specialist roles.
BLS May 2024 OEWS (airfield operations specialists) · Average
Environmental consulting firms (Arcadis, AECOM, TRC) hire people who understand atmospheric data, air quality monitoring, and environmental measurement. AGs with surface weather observation and atmospheric science backgrounds fit into environmental monitoring, permitting support, and air quality consulting roles.
Transfers: Atmospheric monitoring and data collection, Environmental compliance assessment, Technical report writing, Air quality measurement, Regulatory interpretation.
How to get there: Target junior environmental scientist roles at consulting firms; CEP certification from NAEP adds credibility; a bachelor's in environmental science or atmospheric science accelerates advancement. Many firms accept relevant military experience in lieu of degree for entry roles.
BLS May 2024 OEWS (environmental scientists) · Faster than average (7%)
Insurance and reinsurance firms (Munich Re, Swiss Re, RMS, Verisk AIR Worldwide) actively recruit meteorologists and atmospheric scientists for catastrophe modeling teams. AGs who tracked tropical systems or performed probabilistic forecasting have the core skill set. Climate risk is one of the fastest-growing areas in financial services.
Transfers: Probabilistic forecasting, Uncertainty quantification, Tropical system track analysis, Extreme weather event assessment, Data-driven decision support under uncertainty.
How to get there: Target catastrophe modeling analyst roles at reinsurers or insurance companies; firms like Verisk AIR Worldwide, RMS (Moody's), and CoreLogic hire atmospheric scientists directly. A bachelor's in atmospheric science or math is preferred but not always required for entry roles. The AMS CCM credential strengthens candidacy.
BLS 2024 estimate for risk analysts · Much faster than average
Senior AGs — E-7 and above, or those in AOIC/OIC positions — often managed entire METOC departments, supervised junior personnel, oversaw equipment maintenance programs, and briefed senior military leaders. That experience maps directly to program and operations management in defense or government contracting.
Transfers: Multi-team operations coordination, Shift scheduling and watch management, Technical program oversight, Briefing senior leadership, Budget and equipment accountability.
How to get there: Pursue PMP certification; target GS-0343 (Program Analyst) or GS-0301 (Program Manager) roles via USAJobs; defense contractors with METOC programs (Raytheon, L3Harris, SAIC) also hire former senior AGs for program management and customer liaison roles.
BLS May 2024 OEWS (general and operations managers) · Average (3%)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you're applying to NOAA, the NWS, a defense contractor METOC program, or a commercial weather company, you likely don't need this section — those hiring managers know what TESS is and what a rawinsonde launch means.
But if you're targeting data analytics, emergency management, project management, GIS, risk analysis, or any role outside of meteorology and oceanography, the hiring manager has never heard of METOC. Here's how to translate your AG experience into language that lands in non-weather industries.
Before, in service
Conducted daily METOC briefings to the CAG and senior staff aboard CVN-72 supporting 80+ aircraft and 5,000 personnel.
After, on the resume
Delivered daily operational briefings to senior leadership synthesizing complex data into clear go/no-go recommendations — directly influencing mission timing and resource deployment.
Before, in service
Conducted twice-daily rawinsonde launches to collect upper-air data; analyzed temperature, humidity, and wind profiles to support flight planning.
After, on the resume
Operated precision scientific instruments to collect environmental data; analyzed and interpreted multi-variable datasets to support time-sensitive operational planning.
Before, in service
Operated TESS to process and disseminate environmental products supporting surface warfare and aviation operations.
After, on the resume
Managed mission-critical operational software systems; processed and disseminated time-sensitive data products to support multi-platform operational planning across a carrier strike group.
Before, in service
Tracked Tropical Storm Maria, produced 24/72/120-hour forecasts, and briefed fleet commanders on routing recommendations to avoid storm threat.
After, on the resume
Developed probabilistic risk forecasts under uncertainty; communicated risk exposure to senior decision makers and recommended mitigation actions with documented rationale.
Before, in service
Stood 12-hour METOC watch in a 24/7 operations center; served as the single on-duty weather authority for a 5-ship surface action group.
After, on the resume
Managed 24/7 operational functions across rotating shifts; exercised sole decision authority during periods of limited supervision; maintained continuous operational output in high-tempo environments.
Before, in service
Provided tailored METOC support for NSW squadron operations, including surf zone assessments and parachute jump window analysis.
After, on the resume
Delivered mission-specific environmental risk assessments to specialized operational teams; translated complex technical data into actionable go/no-go criteria for non-technical decision makers.
Before, in service
Provided optimal ship routing recommendations to reduce heavy weather exposure, protecting $1.2B in naval assets during cross-Pacific transit.
After, on the resume
Conducted data-driven logistics optimization analysis; identified routing efficiencies that reduced operational risk exposure and protected high-value assets during time-sensitive transits.
Before, in service
Operated AN/SMQ-11 satellite receiver to acquire DMSP and NOAA polar-orbiting satellite imagery; processed and analyzed imagery to produce cloud analysis products.
After, on the resume
Operated satellite remote sensing systems to acquire and process geospatial imagery; conducted spatial analysis of environmental data to produce operational decision-support products.
Before, in service
Produced terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs) and winds/temperature aloft products supporting 100+ daily sorties from CVN-75.
After, on the resume
Developed safety-critical risk assessments for flight operations; produced time-sensitive go/no-go decision products supporting high-tempo operational scheduling for 100+ daily events.
BMR turns your AG 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.
DoD-required baseline cybersecurity certification (DoD 8570/8140). Valuable for AGs moving into IT or cleared contractor roles. Many DoD positions require it.Cost $370–$400 (exam)Time 2–3 months self-studyGI Bill eligibleGI Bill eligible for exam prep. AGs operating networked METOC systems (TESS, satellite terminals) have relevant technical background. Opens doors to cleared IT and cybersecurity roles.
Widely recognized entry-level data analytics credential. Covers SQL, R, Tableau, and data-driven decision making. Often free for veterans through Coursera for Campus or workforce grants.Cost Free–$200 (varies by access)Time 6 months part-timeStrong starting point for AGs pivoting to data analyst roles. Military weather data management experience pairs well with formal analytics training.
Recognized credential for data visualization. Climate and environmental data visualization is a growing niche at insurers, energy firms, and tech companies.Cost $250 (exam)Time 1–3 months self-studyAGs with experience plotting METOC data have a natural fit for visualization-focused data roles. Tableau is widely used in energy and financial sectors for environmental data.
The recognized professional credential for emergency management careers at local, state, and federal levels. AGs with severe weather response and disaster support experience are competitive candidates.Cost $150–$300Time 6–12 months to qualifyRequires documented EM experience and education. AGs who supported hurricane tracking, tropical storm response, or disaster relief operations have directly relevant experience.
Free online series of FEMA courses covering emergency management fundamentals. The baseline credential for entry-level EM roles at government agencies and NGOs.Cost FreeTime 2–4 weeks onlineAlways free and always relevant. AGs should complete this before separating if targeting any EM role. Can be done during terminal leave.
Recognized credential for environmental science professionals in consulting, government, and industry.Cost $300–$600Time 3–6 months to prepareRequires documented environmental experience. AGs with atmospheric monitoring, environmental data collection, or hazmat experience are eligible.
Recognized by EPA, DoD, and state agencies. Valuable for AGs moving into environmental health and safety or environmental compliance roles.Cost $400–$700Time 3–6 monthsGI Bill eligibleGI Bill may cover exam prep courses. Military environmental experience counts toward the eligibility requirements.
Entry-level GIS credential recognized across government agencies and private sector. Good starting point for AGs moving into geospatial analysis.Cost $100–$200 (exam)Time 1–3 months self-studyMETOC work is inherently geospatial — AGs have strong intuition for spatial data. ArcGIS is the dominant GIS platform in government.
Senior-level GIS credential. Recognized by federal agencies, state governments, and major GIS employers. Requires documented experience and education.Cost $475 (exam + application)Time 12–24 months to qualifyMid-to-senior credential. AGs with significant geospatial work (weather mapping, maritime charting, atmospheric data visualization) build toward this after entry-level GIS roles.
The senior professional credential for practicing meteorologists in the private sector. Requires documented experience, peer review, and written exam.Cost $300–$500Time 6–12 months to prepareRequires AMS membership, demonstrated meteorological practice, and an extensive application. AGs with significant operational forecasting experience may qualify.
Required credential for on-air TV meteorologists. Also used by commercial weather communication professionals. AMS-recognized.Cost $200–$400Time 3–6 months to prepareRequires AMS membership and a passing exam. Relevant for AGs targeting media meteorology or commercial weather communication roles.
Legacy credential still recognized in the industry. Relevant for AGs targeting broadcast or media weather roles.Cost $150–$300Time 2–4 monthsLess commonly required than CBM for new hires, but still recognized. Good entry point for broadcast weather careers.
The gold-standard project management credential. Recognized across defense, energy, tech, and federal sectors. Senior AGs who managed forecast operations, multi-team coordination, or equipment maintenance programs often meet the experience requirement.Cost $405–$555 (exam; PMI member/non-member)Time 3–6 months prepGI Bill eligibleGI Bill may cover exam prep courses. AGs should document project hours from duty statements before applying. See also: /blog/career-transition/pmp-certification-veterans-military-experience
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
American Meteorological Society (AMS): The AMS is the primary professional society for meteorologists. Their Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) credentials are recognized across the private sector. Membership is discounted for students and early-career professionals. Conferences like the AMS Annual Meeting are prime networking events for former military weather personnel.
National Weather Service Internship and Entry Programs: NWS posts entry and mid-level meteorologist positions on USAJobs year-round. Former AGs often qualify at the GS-7 or GS-9 level. Check USAJobs with series 1340 filter and the "Veterans" preference checkbox.
NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps: AGs with a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science, oceanography, or a related field may be competitive for the NOAA Corps — a uniformed service that operates research vessels and aircraft. Applications open periodically; check NOAA Corps for current status.
SkillBridge in Weather / METOC: Some DoD contractors (Raytheon, L3Harris, SAIC) with METOC programs participate in SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database and filter by your target company. Start this process 12 months before separation — SkillBridge slots fill fast.
Data Analytics: AGs who worked with large environmental datasets have a strong foundation for data analyst roles. Google's Data Analytics Professional Certificate (Coursera, ~6 months, often free for veterans through MyCAA or workforce programs) is a solid entry point. For deeper capability, consider the Tableau Desktop Specialist cert — climate and environmental data visualization is a growing niche. See also: Veterans in Data Analytics.
GIS and Spatial Analysis: METOC work is inherently geospatial. ESRI's ArcGIS certification is the most recognized credential in GIS. The GIS Professional (GISP) certification from URISA is the senior-level credential for career GIS analysts. Many federal agencies — USGS, Army Corps, NOAA — actively seek veterans with GIS experience.
Emergency Management: FEMA's Professional Development Series (PDS) is free and online — it's the baseline credential for emergency management roles at the local, state, and federal level. The Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) from IAEM is the recognized professional credential. Former AGs with severe weather, hurricane tracking, or disaster support experience are strong candidates.
Project Management: Senior AGs who managed forecast operations, instrument maintenance schedules, or multi-team coordination are good candidates for PMP. The PMP exam requires documented project hours — your operations logs and duty statements likely qualify. Learn more: PMP Certification for Veterans.
Security Clearance Jobs: Many AGs hold Secret or above. Defense contractors who build and maintain METOC systems actively seek cleared candidates who understand the operational side. ClearanceJobs.com is the primary marketplace. Learn more about leveraging your clearance: What Your Clearance Is Worth.
Free Certifications for Veterans: Don't pay out of pocket for certifications without checking veteran programs first. See: Free Certification Programs for Veterans 2026.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Set up your USAJobs profile before you separate — don't wait. Use the Veterans filter and target GS-7 through GS-11 to maximize veterans' preference. For federal resumes, format matters — the private sector one-pager will get you screened out. Build your federal resume here.
If you're researching how your training compares to similar specialties, see: AF 1W0X1 Weather | Navy OS (Operations Specialist) | Navy AC (Air Traffic Controller) | CG OS
Military to Civilian Career Crosswalk | Military Resume Builder | Federal Resume Builder | Best Careers for Veterans 2026 | Military Terms Glossary
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
Former AGs are strong candidates for meteorologist, atmospheric scientist, weather forecaster, physical scientist, oceanographer, environmental scientist, GIS specialist, data analyst, and emergency management roles. In the private sector, energy companies, airlines, commercial weather services, and defense contractors are the top hirers. In the federal government, NOAA and the National Weather Service are the most direct paths, but DoD agencies, EPA, USGS, and FAA also employ AGs in weather and science-adjacent roles.
Your AG training — especially from the Naval Technical Training Center at Keesler AFB — covers atmospheric science fundamentals taught alongside Air Force weather trainees. Some colleges offer credit for military training through ACE (American Council on Education) credit recommendations. The AMS Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) require formal education and experience — check with AMS directly to assess where your training and service record put you. Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) coursework completed during training may transfer as well.
According to BLS May 2024 OEWS data, atmospheric and space scientists earn a median annual wage of $86,720, with the top 25% earning over $110,000. In the federal government, NWS Meteorologists typically start at GS-9 ($57,000–$74,000 depending on location and locality pay) with promotion potential to GS-13 ($107,000–$140,000+). Private sector roles at energy companies and commercial weather firms often start higher — offshore weather support roles at oil and gas companies can reach $90,000–$130,000+.
Yes. Many AGs hold Secret clearances, and some with METOC intelligence roles may have held Top Secret/SCI. Defense contractors who build and maintain systems like TESS, the AN/SMQ-11, and other METOC platforms actively seek cleared candidates who understand operational use. Your clearance is a marketable asset — don't let it lapse during transition. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions requiring active clearances. An active Secret saves employers $5,000–$15,000+ in investigation costs.
NOAA and NWS are strong options, but don't overlook the broader federal landscape. The FAA Aviation Weather Center, DoD weather support commands, EPA atmospheric monitoring programs, and intelligence community METOC analysis shops all hire former AGs. Start on USAJobs with series 1340 (Meteorology), 1360 (Oceanography), and 1301 (General Physical Science). Use the Veterans preference filter and apply to positions within your GS target range — veterans' preference is most powerful at GS-11 and below. Apply 6 months before separation — federal hiring is slow.
Your AG experience translates well to data analytics, GIS, emergency management, risk analysis, and project management — none of which require staying in meteorology. The pattern recognition, large dataset management, shift operations leadership, and equipment maintenance background all map cleanly to non-weather roles. See the Skills Translation section on this page for specific language to use on your resume when targeting non-weather employers. Many AGs also move into aviation management and logistics, leveraging their knowledge of flight operations support.
Some defense contractors with METOC programs — Raytheon, L3Harris, SAIC — participate in SkillBridge. Check the SkillBridge database (skillbridge.osd.mil) and filter by company and location. NOAA also has limited fellowship and internship programs that may be accessible near separation. Start planning 12 months out — SkillBridge slots fill quickly and require command approval. Your career counselor and installation Transition Assistance Program (TAP) office are your starting points.
Focus on the skills, not the rating title. Hiring managers outside weather don't know what TESS is or what a rawinsonde launch means. Translate to outcomes: instead of 'operated TESS to support flight ops,' write 'analyzed real-time atmospheric data to support 200+ aircraft sorties, providing time-critical go/no-go recommendations to flight leadership.' Quantify where you can — number of aircraft supported, geographic area of responsibility, observation platforms operated. The Skills Translation section above has direct before/after examples. For resume help, use the <a href='/military-resume-builder'>BMR Military Resume Builder</a>.
It depends on your target career path. For staying in meteorology: AMS membership and working toward CBM or CCM credentials. For GIS: ESRI ArcGIS Desktop certification is a strong starting point. For data analytics: Google Data Analytics Certificate (Coursera) is widely recognized and often free for veterans. For emergency management: complete FEMA's free Professional Development Series online. For project management: start PMP prep — your operations coordination experience likely meets the experience requirement. Universal: keep your clearance active and get your USAJobs profile set up before you separate.
Yes — this is one of the strongest non-government paths for former AGs. Offshore oil and gas companies (BP, Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil) employ meteorologists and physical oceanographers to assess weather windows for platform operations, vessel routing, and emergency response planning. Accurate weather and sea state forecasting directly affects safety and production schedules offshore. These roles often offer competitive salaries ($80,000–$130,000+) and can be based in Houston, New Orleans, or Aberdeen (UK) for international ops. Wind energy companies also employ meteorologists for site assessment and turbine performance analysis.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.
Tailored resumes
Rewritten for each job posting
Cover letters
Matched to the role
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
Company research reports
Know who you are applying to
Job tracker
Every application in one place