Home / Military to civilian jobs / Navy / AO
That is Navy Rating AO. 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
Led bomb build-up operations for 200+ GBU-38 JDAM munitions, assembling guidance kits to bomb bodies per NAVAIR technical publications with zero defects
How a hiring manager reads it
Led precision product assembly operations for 200+ units, integrating electronic components to structural assemblies per engineering specifications, achieving zero-defect production record
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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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.
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Aviation Ordnancemen (AO) are the Navy's aircraft weapons specialists. AOs store, inspect, assemble, transport, and load every type of ordnance carried on naval aircraft — aerial mines, torpedoes, missiles, rockets, bombs, and gun ammunition. They service bomb, missile, and rocket releasing and launching devices, maintain aircraft armament systems, and supervise operation of aviation ordnance shops, armories, and stowage facilities.
The AO training pipeline begins at Recruit Training followed by Aviation Ordnanceman "A" School at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Florida. There, students learn ordnance handling fundamentals, weapons systems theory, electrical circuitry for weapons release systems, and explosive safety procedures. Advanced training covers specific weapons platforms tied to fleet aircraft — including guided missiles, laser-guided munitions, and electronic countermeasures.
AOs serve aboard aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and at naval air stations worldwide. On a carrier flight deck, AOs are the red shirts — easily identifiable by their red jerseys and cranials, working in one of the most dangerous industrial environments on Earth. They move live ordnance across a pitching deck with jet engines running, catapults firing, and aircraft landing — all simultaneously. The precision, safety discipline, and teamwork required to do this without incident translates directly into civilian careers in explosives handling, quality control, logistics, and safety management.
What makes AOs valuable to civilian employers goes beyond ordnance knowledge. The rating builds systematic inspection skills, strict adherence to technical publications, detailed record-keeping for explosives accountability, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure. Many AOs also earn qualifications in forklift operation, crane signals, hazardous materials handling, and quality assurance — all of which have direct civilian equivalents.
AOs handle aviation munitions under standards most civilian environments couldn't replicate. I worked across federal supply, logistics, and contracting after the Navy and saw consistent demand at DLA, DoD munitions depots, and federal contractor positions for backgrounds with this combination of weapons handling and accountability. — 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 Aviation Ordnanceman
$47K to $121K
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 12% higher on average
Civilian roles for Aviation Ordnancemans pay about $9K 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.
AOs bring a skill set that translates into several civilian career paths — some directly related to ordnance and explosives, others leveraging the inspection, safety, and logistics skills developed in the rating. The civilian explosives and ordnance industry actively recruits veterans who already understand safe handling procedures, accountability standards, and the consequences of cutting corners.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for explosives workers, ordnance handling experts, and blasters is $59,110 (O*NET 47-5032.00). Quality control inspectors earn a median of $47,460 (51-9061.00), though specialized inspectors in aerospace and defense earn considerably more. Occupational health and safety specialists earn a median of $83,910 (19-5011.00), and logisticians earn $80,880 (13-1081.00) with 17% projected growth — much faster than average.
For AOs who earned aircraft maintenance qualifications or want to pursue them, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn a median of $75,400 (49-3011.00) according to BLS. This path requires an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, but AOs with hands-on experience working on weapons release systems, pylons, and aircraft electrical components have a head start on the mechanical aptitude required.
The defense industry is the most natural landing spot. Companies like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman employ former AOs in munitions testing, quality assurance, weapons integration, and technical publications roles. These positions typically require a security clearance — which many AOs already hold.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explosives Worker / Ordnance Handling ExpertO*NET 47-5032.00 | Defense / Mining / Demolition | $59,110 | About as fast as average | strong |
| Quality Control InspectorO*NET 51-9061.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense | $47,460 | Declining (-5%) | strong |
| Occupational Health & Safety SpecialistO*NET 19-5011.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Construction | $83,910 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
| LogisticianO*NET 13-1081.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Transportation | $80,880 | Much faster than average (17%) | moderate |
| Aircraft Mechanic & Service TechnicianO*NET 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | $75,400 | About as fast as average (6%) | moderate |
| Transportation, Storage & Distribution ManagerO*NET 11-3071.00 | Logistics / Transportation / Warehousing | $102,010 | About as fast as average (6%) | moderate |
| Occupational Health & Safety TechnicianO*NET 19-5012.00 | Government / Construction / Manufacturing | $58,440 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
| Industrial Production ManagerO*NET 11-3051.00 | Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace | $121,440 | About as fast as average (3%) | moderate |
Major missile and guided munitions manufacturer. Hires former AOs for weapons testing, quality assurance, munitions integration, and technical publications roles.
Produces fighter aircraft, missiles, and weapons systems. Former AOs valued for weapons integration testing, ordnance handling on production lines, and quality control.
Builds aircraft, weapons systems, and ammunition. AOs transition into munitions testing, systems integration, and quality assurance roles across multiple divisions.
Produces ammunition, explosives, and ship repair services. Ship repair yards in Norfolk, San Diego, Jacksonville value AOs for ordnance handling and weapons systems maintenance.
One of the largest ammunition manufacturers in the US. Produces bombs, projectiles, and propellants. Direct match for AOs with ordnance handling and quality inspection experience.
Produces electronic warfare systems, sensors, and weapons integration electronics. AOs who worked on weapons release systems and electronic countermeasures have relevant experience.
Manufactures cluster munitions, sensor-fuzed weapons, and unmanned systems. AOs bring firsthand knowledge of ordnance handling and weapons deployment.
China Lake and Point Mugu facilities test and evaluate naval weapons systems. Civilian positions for ordnance handlers, safety specialists, and quality assurance inspectors.
Major ordnance research and testing facility in Indiana. Hires explosives safety specialists, ammunition inspectors, and weapons engineers. Strong veteran hiring culture.
Largest conventional ammunition depot in the US. Ammunition production, renovation, and demilitarization. Direct match for AOs with ordnance handling qualifications.
Manages the DOD supply chain including ammunition distribution. Logistics, supply management, and inventory control positions match AO supply chain experience.
Largest military shipbuilder. Newport News and Ingalls shipyards hire former AOs for weapons systems installation, quality assurance, and test and evaluation roles on new-construction carriers.
Produces fighter aircraft, missiles, and weapons integration systems. AOs with F/A-18 or EA-18G weapons experience are directly relevant to Boeing defense production lines.
Counters weapons of mass destruction threats. Explosive ordnance expertise valued for inspection, compliance, and safety assessment positions.
BMR rewrites your AO experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the AO lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow and what to write instead. No account.
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“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
The federal government is one of the largest employers of ordnance and explosives expertise, and AOs are well-positioned for multiple GS series. The most direct match is the GS-6502 (Explosives Safety) series, which covers positions at military installations, ammunition depots, and defense agencies. AOs who supervised ordnance operations or managed magazines and stowage areas already have the experience these positions require.
Beyond explosives safety, AOs should consider these federal career paths:
Key agencies to target: NAVSEA, NAWCWD (Naval Air Weapons Center Weapons Division at China Lake and Point Mugu), NSWC (Naval Surface Warfare Center), Army ammunition depots (McAlester, Crane, Blue Grass), Air Force Materiel Command, and DTRA (Defense Threat Reduction Agency). Create your federal resume on USAJobs at least 6 months before separation — federal hiring moves slowly, and Veterans' Preference is most effective at GS-11 and below.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0017 | Explosives Safety | 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.
Building and testing weapons release systems is electro-mechanical work: you wired firing circuits, mated mechanical assemblies, and proved the whole system functioned before it ever mattered. Factory automation runs on that same hand.
Transfers: Assembly and test of electro-mechanical systems, Reading wiring schematics and electrical diagrams, Fault isolation on combined mechanical and electrical assemblies, Precise build-to-spec under tight tolerances.
How to get there: Most roles want an associate degree or certificate in mechatronics or industrial automation. Many manufacturers hire veterans into trainee roles and fund the schooling.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Slower than average (1% to 2%)
You diagnosed and repaired the electrical release and arming circuits on aircraft. Industrial equipment repair is the same loop: meter the circuit, find the fault, prove it works, sign it off.
Transfers: Troubleshooting electrical and electronic firing and control circuits, Component-level diagnosis with test equipment, Following technical manuals exactly, Calibration and functional checks before release.
How to get there: Employers want a certificate or associate degree in electronics technology. Your military electronics background often counts toward it, and many firms run paid apprenticeships.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Decline (-1% or lower)
Few people are trained to handle materials that can kill you if you skip a step. You moved and stored live ordnance to the letter of the procedure. Remediation crews need exactly that discipline around toxic and energetic materials.
Transfers: Handling high-energy hazardous materials under strict procedure, Reading and following safety data and PPE protocols, Containment and controlled disposal of dangerous materials, Zero-tolerance attention to procedural compliance.
How to get there: Entry requires OSHA HAZWOPER (40-hour) certification, which is short and often employer-paid. Asbestos, lead, or radiation endorsements open higher-paying specialties.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Slower than average (1% to 2%)
Arming aircraft and prepping a surgical field reward the same trait: laying out and inspecting every critical item with no margin for a missed step, then performing flawlessly when it counts.
Transfers: Zero-defect assembly and inspection of critical instruments, Sterile and contamination-controlled procedure, Anticipating the next step in a high-stakes sequence, Calm precision when a mistake has consequences.
How to get there: Complete a 12 to 24 month surgical technology program (community college) and earn the CST credential. GI Bill covers most accredited programs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (5% to 6%)
Ordnance work is built on test, measure, and certify-to-spec. Calibration labs pay for exactly that: verifying that instruments read true and documenting every check so the result holds up to audit.
Transfers: Precision inspection and functional testing, Documenting results against exact tolerances, Maintaining and verifying test equipment, Traceable, audit-ready recordkeeping.
How to get there: Employers favor an associate degree in electronics or instrumentation. Military metrology or test experience counts, and ASQ or NCSLI certifications strengthen the move.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (5% to 6%)
You wired and tested electrical systems where a loose connection was unacceptable. Solar arrays are the same electrical-mechanical build, in one of the fastest-growing trades in the country.
Transfers: Wiring and connecting electrical systems to spec, Working safely around stored electrical energy, Mechanical mounting and torque-to-spec assembly, Functional testing before energizing.
How to get there: Entry is on-the-job or through a short certificate (NABCEP PV Associate). Electrical experience accelerates it, and the field hires veterans heavily.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (7% or higher)
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 defense contractors, ammunition depots, or other ordnance-related employers, your terminology translates directly. They know what a bomb build-up is. They know what HERO testing means.
This section is for AOs targeting careers outside the ordnance and weapons industry — quality control, safety management, logistics, warehouse operations, or any corporate role. The hiring manager at a manufacturing plant has no idea what "AVCAL management" means. The translations below reframe your AO experience into language that resonates in non-ordnance industries. These are not just word swaps — they show how to quantify and contextualize your work for a completely different audience.
For more military-to-civilian translation guidance, see our complete military terms glossary and hidden military skills guide.
Before, in service
Led bomb build-up operations for 200+ GBU-38 JDAM munitions, assembling guidance kits to bomb bodies per NAVAIR technical publications with zero defects
After, on the resume
Led precision product assembly operations for 200+ units, integrating electronic components to structural assemblies per engineering specifications, achieving zero-defect production record
Before, in service
Managed AVCAL of 1,200+ line items valued at $45M across 14 weapons types, maintaining 100% accountability through quarterly inventories and continuous reconciliation
After, on the resume
Managed controlled materials inventory of 1,200+ line items valued at $45M, maintaining 100% accountability through quarterly physical inventories, cycle counts, and reconciliation with enterprise resource planning system
Before, in service
Supervised 8-person weapons load crew during flight operations, loading 60+ air-to-ground munitions per cycle on carrier flight deck during combat deployment
After, on the resume
Supervised 8-person hazardous materials handling team in high-tempo industrial environment, processing 60+ units per shift while maintaining strict safety protocols and zero workplace incidents
Before, in service
Managed 6 ship magazines containing $120M in conventional ordnance, maintaining temperature logs, compatibility separation, and access control per NAVSEA OP-4 requirements
After, on the resume
Managed 6 hazardous materials storage facilities containing $120M in controlled inventory, maintaining environmental monitoring systems, regulatory separation requirements, and restricted access protocols per federal safety standards
Before, in service
Performed quality assurance inspections on 500+ munitions per deployment, identifying 23 discrepancies and preventing issue of 8 unserviceable weapons through detailed visual and gauge inspections
After, on the resume
Conducted quality assurance inspections on 500+ units per production cycle, identifying 23 nonconformances and preventing release of 8 defective products through systematic visual and dimensional inspection procedures
Before, in service
Conducted HERO testing and verification for all ordnance operations within 500 feet of shipboard radar systems, ensuring compliance with NAVSEA OP-3565
After, on the resume
Performed electromagnetic compatibility verification testing for all operations within regulated emission zones, ensuring compliance with federal safety standards and documenting results for regulatory audit trail
Before, in service
Executed all ordnance handling procedures per NAVAIR 11-140 series technical publications, maintaining step-by-step compliance documentation with supervisor verification at critical points
After, on the resume
Executed all product handling procedures per regulatory technical manuals, maintaining step-by-step compliance documentation with quality assurance verification at critical process checkpoints
Before, in service
Served as Armament Division Work Center Supervisor for 24 personnel, managing daily operations, training schedules, qualification tracking, and maintenance completion for F/A-18E/F weapons systems
After, on the resume
Supervised operations department of 24 personnel, managing daily production schedules, employee development programs, certification tracking, and equipment maintenance completion rates across multiple product lines
Before, in service
Managed ordnance handling crew certification program for 45 personnel across 6 work centers, tracking qualifications for 12 ordnance types and coordinating recertification training to maintain 95% crew readiness
After, on the resume
Managed hazardous operations certification program for 45 employees across 6 departments, tracking qualifications for 12 process categories and coordinating recertification training to maintain 95% workforce readiness
Before, in service
Coordinated ordnance transfer during 12 underway replenishments, directing movement of 400+ weapons and 50,000 lbs of ammunition between ships using highline and vertical replenishment methods
After, on the resume
Coordinated 12 inter-facility hazardous materials transfer operations, directing movement of 400+ controlled units totaling 50,000 lbs between locations using specialized material handling equipment and documented chain-of-custody procedures
BMR turns your AO 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 $5,000 - $20,000 (A&P school)Time 18-24 monthsGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost Included with A&P schoolTime Included with A&PGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $150 - $500Time 5 days
RecommendedCost $200 - $500Time 2-3 days
RecommendedCost $100 - $500 (varies by state)Time 1-4 weeks (exam + application)
RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hours
RecommendedCost $1,500 - $2,500 (exam + materials)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $150 - $300Time 1-2 months
RecommendedCost $50 - $200Time 1 day
BeneficialCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $250 - $400Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 3-4 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligible
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 4 days (available online)
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 4 days (available online)
RecommendedCost $300 - $500 exam feeTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligible
BeneficialCost $250 - $400 exam feeTime 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligible
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.
SkillBridge Programs: Defense contractors like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and BAE Systems participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing AOs to work in munitions testing, quality assurance, or weapons integration roles during their last 180 days of service. Check the SkillBridge database for current openings. NAWCWD China Lake and other Navy weapons centers have also offered SkillBridge positions.
ISEE (International Society of Explosives Engineers): The ISEE is the primary professional association for explosives professionals. Membership includes networking, continuing education, and access to the Blaster's Handbook. Annual conference is where industry connections are made.
Navy COOL Credentialing: Navy COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) at cool.osd.mil lists credentials funded for AOs while on active duty — including forklift certification, OSHA cards, and quality assurance credentials. Use this before separation while the Navy pays for it.
Ammunition & Explosives Safety Courses: The Defense Ammunition Center (DAC) at McAlester, OK offers courses in explosives safety, ammunition management, and transportation of hazardous materials. Some are open to transitioning service members and carry civilian certifications.
Safety & EHS Careers: Start with OSHA 30-Hour General Industry or Construction (can take online, ~$150-300). Target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals for the highest-paying safety roles. Your AO explosive safety background counts toward the experience requirement.
Quality Assurance / Six Sigma: AOs who performed weapons inspections and acceptance checks already think in terms of quality control. ASQ (American Society for Quality) certifications — CQI, CQA, Six Sigma Green Belt — are valued across manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. Visit asq.org for details.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) opens doors in any industry. Senior AOs — especially those who led bomb build-ups, managed ordnance shops, or coordinated weapons loads for deployment — already have documented project hours. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member) for the exam.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Use the "Veterans" filter. Key agencies for AOs: NAVSEA, NAWCWD, NSWC, Army ammunition depots, DTRA, and DLA. Federal resumes are 2 pages max — build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You get paired with someone in your target industry. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: If you hold an active Secret or higher clearance, that has real market value with defense contractors. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions that require active clearances. Do not let yours lapse during transition.
Education Benefits: GI Bill covers many certification exam fees and prep courses. Check the GI Bill Comparison Tool before enrolling anywhere.
Best Careers for Veterans 2026 | AD Aviation Machinist's Mate Career Guide | AE Aviation Electrician's Mate Career Guide | GM Gunner's Mate Career Guide | 2W0X1 Munitions Systems Career Guide | 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
AOs have several career paths. The most direct matches are explosives workers and ordnance handling specialists (BLS median $59,110), quality control inspectors ($47,460), and ammunition/munitions technicians at defense contractors. Beyond ordnance, AOs transition well into occupational health and safety specialist roles ($83,910), logistics coordinator positions ($80,880), and warehouse/inventory management. Defense contractors like Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman actively recruit former AOs for weapons testing, integration, and quality assurance positions.
It depends on your career path. According to BLS May 2024 data: explosives workers and ordnance handlers earn a median of $59,110, quality control inspectors earn $47,460, occupational health and safety specialists earn $83,910, and logisticians earn $80,880. AOs who move into management roles see higher figures — operations managers earn a median of $102,950 and industrial production managers earn $121,440. Defense contractor positions with a security clearance typically pay above BLS medians for the same job title.
It depends on the specific role and employer. Many defense contractors and federal agencies accept military ordnance training as equivalent experience, especially with documented qualifications from your training record. For commercial blasting work, you may need a state blasting license — requirements vary by state. For broader safety careers, OSHA 30-Hour and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credentials are the standard. Check Navy COOL (cool.osd.mil) before separating — some certifications are funded while you are on active duty.
Many AOs do exactly that. Your transferable skills — systematic inspection methodology, strict adherence to technical procedures, inventory accountability for controlled items, and the ability to perform under extreme pressure — apply across industries. Common non-ordnance paths include project management (BLS median $100,750), safety management ($83,910), logistics ($80,880), and operations management ($102,950). See the Career Change Paths and Skills Translation sections on this page for specifics on reframing your experience.
Yes — significantly. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and some energy companies require clearances. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically requiring active clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed, so start your job search before it lapses.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. Some positions use Direct Hire Authority, which can bypass normal competitive processes — ammunition depots and Navy weapons centers frequently use this. Apply to positions at GS-11 and below initially, where Veterans Preference is most effective. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different formatting rules than private sector.
It depends on your target career. For ordnance and explosives work at defense contractors, certifications and your military experience are usually enough — a degree may not be required. For safety management and quality assurance roles, certifications (OSHA 30, CSP, ASQ) deliver faster return on investment than a four-year degree. For engineering, management, or highly technical positions, a degree may be required. Many employers in defense, logistics, and safety will accept military experience in lieu of a degree, especially combined with professional certifications. Always verify GI Bill approval with the VA Comparison Tool before enrolling.
Prioritize based on your target career. For ordnance/explosives: check state blasting license requirements and ISEE membership. For safety: OSHA 30-Hour General Industry or Construction (available online). For quality assurance: ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI). For logistics: APICS CSCP. Universal recommendations: keep your First Aid/CPR current, get your forklift certification documented if you have it, and use Navy COOL to fund as many credentials as possible while still on active duty. COOL funding disappears the day you separate.
Defense contractor hubs offer the most direct opportunities: the DC Metro area (Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, NAVSEA), Southern California (NAWCWD Point Mugu and China Lake), the Gulf Coast (Eglin AFB area, Pensacola), and Central Indiana (Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane). Army ammunition depots in McAlester OK, Blue Grass KY, and Hawthorne NV also hire former ordnance handlers. For non-ordnance careers, any major metro area works — safety, logistics, and quality control roles exist in every industry.
Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAOS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian company while still receiving military pay. At minimum: have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring is slow), and check Navy COOL for funded certifications. Use terminal leave strategically as your transition runway.
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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