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NavyRating: AO
Aviation Ordnanceman
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Aviation Ordnancemans — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AO has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Navy in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$47K–$121K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
14
Companies Hiring
10
Resume Examples
1
Federal GS Series
8
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
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
Security ClearanceSecret
ASVAB RequirementVE+AR+MK+AS=184
TrainingAviation Ordnanceman A School at NATTC Pensacola, FL (~11 weeks). Covers ordnance handling fundamentals, weapons release systems, electrical circuitry, explosive safety, and aircraft armament systems. Advanced schools available for specific weapons platforms (Harpoon, JSOW, JDAM, Maverick, etc.) and specialized skills (HERO testing, ammunition management).
Certs Earned in ServiceExplosive handling certification, Forklift operator qualification, Crane signaling qualification, HAZMAT handling certification, Quality assurance qualification (some billets), First Aid/CPR/AED
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Navy mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Aviation Ordnanceman
$47K–$121K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
1 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+12% on average
Civilian roles for Aviation Ordnancemans pay ~$9K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
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 Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Explosives Worker / Ordnance Handling Expert O*NET: 47-5032.00 | Defense / Mining / Demolition | $59,110 | About as fast as average | strong |
Quality Control Inspector O*NET: 51-9061.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense | $47,460 | Declining (-5%) | strong |
Occupational Health & Safety Specialist O*NET: 19-5011.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Construction | $83,910 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
Logistician O*NET: 13-1081.00 | Government / Manufacturing / Transportation | $80,880 | Much faster than average (17%) | moderate |
Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician O*NET: 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Aerospace / Defense | $75,400 | About as fast as average (6%) | moderate |
Transportation, Storage & Distribution Manager O*NET: 11-3071.00 | Logistics / Transportation / Warehousing | $102,010 | About as fast as average (6%) | moderate |
Occupational Health & Safety Technician O*NET: 19-5012.00 | Government / Construction / Manufacturing | $58,440 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
Industrial Production Manager O*NET: 11-3051.00 | Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace | $121,440 | About as fast as average (3%) | moderate |
Explosives Worker / Ordnance Handling Expert
Defense / Mining / Demolition
$59,110median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 47-5032.00
Quality Control Inspector
Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense
$47,460median
Declining (-5%)
O*NET: 51-9061.00
Occupational Health & Safety Specialist
Government / Manufacturing / Construction
$83,910median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 19-5011.00
Logistician
Government / Manufacturing / Transportation
$80,880median
Much faster than average (17%)
O*NET: 13-1081.00
Aircraft Mechanic & Service Technician
Aviation / Aerospace / Defense
$75,400median
About as fast as average (6%)
O*NET: 49-3011.00
Transportation, Storage & Distribution Manager
Logistics / Transportation / Warehousing
$102,010median
About as fast as average (6%)
O*NET: 11-3071.00
Occupational Health & Safety Technician
Government / Construction / Manufacturing
$58,440median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 19-5012.00
Industrial Production Manager
Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace
$121,440median
About as fast as average (3%)
O*NET: 11-3051.00
Companies That Hire This Background
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.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
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Real Navy success story
“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
→ AviationFederal Career Paths
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:
- GS-0019 (Safety Technician) — Entry-level safety positions at military bases, shipyards, and federal facilities. AOs' explosive safety training provides a strong foundation.
- GS-0018 (Safety Management) — For senior AOs with supervisory safety experience. Manages safety programs across installations.
- GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration) — The broadest GS series. AOs with administrative, supply, or training duties qualify for a range of positions.
- GS-1910 (Quality Assurance) — AOs who performed weapons inspections, munitions acceptance, or quality checks translate directly into QA specialist roles.
- GS-1670 (Equipment Specialist) — Technical positions managing weapons systems, aircraft support equipment, or maintenance programs.
- GS-6505 (Munitions Destruction) — Demilitarization and disposal of conventional ordnance at ammunition depots and DRMO facilities.
- GS-0346 (Logistics Management) — AOs who managed ordnance supply chains, requisitions, and inventory accountability fit this series.
- GS-2001 (General Supply) — Supply management positions at any federal agency. AOs handle ordnance inventory daily.
- GS-0085 (Security Guard) — Armed security positions at federal buildings and military installations value ordnance and weapons familiarity.
- GS-1171 (Ammunition Inspector) — Direct match for AOs who performed munitions inspections and serviceability checks.
- GS-6511 (Ammunition Handler/Specialist) — Positions at ammunition supply points, depots, and distribution centers.
- GS-0081 (Fire Protection & Prevention) — AOs understand fire hazards around ordnance and ammunition stowage.
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.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0017 | Explosives Safety | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technician
$70,760
Manufacturing(O*NET: 17-3024.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Slower than average (1% to 2%)
Assembly and test of electro-mechanical systemsReading wiring schematics and electrical diagramsFault isolation on combined mechanical and electrical assembliesPrecise build-to-spec under tight tolerances
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.
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.
Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
$71,300
Industrial Equipment(O*NET: 49-2094.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Decline (-1% or lower)
Troubleshooting electrical and electronic firing and control circuitsComponent-level diagnosis with test equipmentFollowing technical manuals exactlyCalibration and functional checks before release
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.
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.
Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
$48,490
Environmental Remediation(O*NET: 47-4041.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Slower than average (1% to 2%)
Handling high-energy hazardous materials under strict procedureReading and following safety data and PPE protocolsContainment and controlled disposal of dangerous materialsZero-tolerance attention to procedural compliance
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.
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.
Surgical Technologist
$62,830
Healthcare(O*NET: 29-2055.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (5% to 6%)
Zero-defect assembly and inspection of critical instrumentsSterile and contamination-controlled procedureAnticipating the next step in a high-stakes sequenceCalm precision when a mistake has consequences
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.
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.
Calibration Technologist and Technician
$65,040
Metrology and Manufacturing(O*NET: 17-3028.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (5% to 6%)
Precision inspection and functional testingDocumenting results against exact tolerancesMaintaining and verifying test equipmentTraceable, audit-ready recordkeeping
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.
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.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
$51,860
Renewable Energy(O*NET: 47-2231.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Wiring and connecting electrical systems to specWorking safely around stored electrical energyMechanical mounting and torque-to-spec assemblyFunctional testing before energizing
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.
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.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
Free · No credit card · Try unlimited career angles
Skills Translation Guide
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.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
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 (Civilian)
Led precision product assembly operations for 200+ units, integrating electronic components to structural assemblies per engineering specifications, achieving zero-defect production record
Before (Military)
Managed AVCAL of 1,200+ line items valued at $45M across 14 weapons types, maintaining 100% accountability through quarterly inventories and continuous reconciliation
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Managed 6 ship magazines containing $120M in conventional ordnance, maintaining temperature logs, compatibility separation, and access control per NAVSEA OP-4 requirements
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Conducted HERO testing and verification for all ordnance operations within 500 feet of shipboard radar systems, ensuring compliance with NAVSEA OP-3565
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
Executed all product handling procedures per regulatory technical manuals, maintaining step-by-step compliance documentation with quality assurance verification at critical process checkpoints
Before (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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 (Military)
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 (Civilian)
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
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your AO duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Aviation Maintenance
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
RecommendedFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $5,000 - $20,000 (A&P school)Time: 18-24 monthsGI Bill Eligible
FAA General Mechanic Certificate
BeneficialFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: Included with A&P schoolTime: Included with A&PGI Bill Eligible
Environmental & HAZMAT
HAZWOPER 40-Hour
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150 - $500Time: 5 days
DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation
RecommendedDepartment of Transportation
Cost: $200 - $500Time: 2-3 days
EOD & Explosives
State Blasting License
RecommendedState regulatory agency (varies by state)
Cost: $100 - $500 (varies by state)Time: 1-4 weeks (exam + application)
Federal Employment
Federal Resume + USAJobs Profile
RequiredN/A
Cost: Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time: 1-2 hours
GIS & Geospatial
APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
RecommendedASCM (formerly APICS)
Cost: $1,500 - $2,500 (exam + materials)Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
BeneficialManufacturing Skill Standards Council
Cost: $150 - $300Time: 1-2 months
Forklift Operator Certification
RecommendedOSHA-compliant training provider
Cost: $50 - $200Time: 1 day
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
BeneficialPMI
Cost: $400 - $600Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Quality Assurance
ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)
RecommendedAmerican Society for Quality
Cost: $250 - $400Time: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA)
BeneficialAmerican Society for Quality
Cost: $300 - $500Time: 3-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
BeneficialASQ or IASSC
Cost: $300 - $500Time: 2-4 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150 - $300Time: 4 days (available online)
OSHA 30-Hour Construction
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150 - $300Time: 4 days (available online)
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
RecommendedBoard of Certified Safety Professionals
Cost: $300 - $500 exam feeTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Associate Safety Professional (ASP)
BeneficialBoard of Certified Safety Professionals
Cost: $250 - $400 exam feeTime: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
For Staying in the Ordnance / Explosives Field
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.
For Careers Outside of Ordnance
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.
BMR Career Resources
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
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored AO resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs can a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman get?
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.
What is the salary range for former AOs in civilian careers?
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.
Do I need additional certifications to work in civilian explosives or ordnance?
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.
What if I want to leave ordnance work entirely?
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.
Is my security clearance valuable outside the military?
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.
How does Veterans Preference work for federal jobs?
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.
Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?
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.
What certifications should I get before separating?
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.
Where are the best job markets for former AOs?
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.
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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