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Live · Guide v1.00681 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USMC · 0681Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.0681.R.04
0681 · USMC · Enlisted

Information Security
Technician.

Marine Corps 0681 (Information Security Technician). 240 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $85K–$120K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours240DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 3 semester hours recommended in Information Systems Security
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your 0681 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge

The gap, named.

What 0681 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have05
  • 01
    Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) OperationKey Management Systems (KMS) administration
  • 02
    COMSEC Incident ReportingSecurity incident handling and response
  • 03
    Procedural ComplianceAdherence to security policies and regulations
  • 04
    Situational AwarenessThreat detection and risk assessment
  • 05
    Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Development for COMSECDisaster recovery and business continuity planning
To learn05

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.

+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+SIEM tools (e.g., Splunk, ELK stack)+Compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)+Scripting with Python or Bash+Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing)
How VWC fits

Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.

See VWC Programs →
/ 03 · Civilian Pathways

Where your code lands.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 5
P.01

Information Security Analyst

$98K
High match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
  • Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)
  • Vulnerability assessment tools
  • Incident response procedures
P.02

Cryptographer

$120K
Good match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Advanced mathematics
  • Algorithm design
  • Knowledge of modern cryptographic techniques
P.03

Compliance Officer

$85K
Good match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks (e.g., NIST, HIPAA, GDPR)
  • Auditing skills
  • Risk management principles
P.04

Network Security Engineer

$110K
Good match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
  • Network security protocols
  • Firewall management
  • Intrusion detection/prevention systems
P.05

IT Security Consultant

$105K
Moderate match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Client communication
  • Project management
  • Security frameworks (ISO 27001, etc.)
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 0681 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict Communications Security (COMSEC) regulations and protocols for handling sensitive cryptographic materials and equipment. Ensuring every action, from installation to destruction, follows precise guidelines.

Transfers to

Meticulously following established protocols and regulations to ensure accuracy, security, and compliance in highly regulated environments. Maintaining detailed records and demonstrating unwavering commitment to process integrity.

S.02

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant vigilance over the status of COMSEC materials, potential security breaches, and system vulnerabilities. Proactively identifying and addressing potential risks to safeguard critical information.

Transfers to

Staying keenly aware of surroundings and potential threats to quickly recognize and address risks, vulnerabilities, and unusual activities. Anticipating problems and taking preventative measures to ensure safety and security.

S.03

System Modeling

Understanding the intricate architecture of Electronic Key Management Systems (EKMS) and Secure Voice Products (SVP) to troubleshoot issues, implement updates, and maintain overall system integrity. Visualizing data flows and dependencies to optimize system performance.

Transfers to

Developing a deep understanding of complex systems and their interdependencies to identify potential issues, implement improvements, and optimize performance. Analyzing data to create models that predict system behavior and inform decision-making.

S.04

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing COMSEC incidents or Practice Dangerous to Security (PDS) situations. Taking immediate action to mitigate risks and prevent data breaches, even under pressure.

Transfers to

Evaluating incoming tasks or incidents and quickly determining the order of importance to ensure critical issues are addressed first. Making sound decisions under pressure and efficiently allocating resources to maximize impact.

/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches

Roles the recruiter won't suggest.

Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-2000

You've been entrusted with safeguarding highly sensitive materials. Your meticulous adherence to procedures and ability to identify vulnerabilities make you a perfect fit for ensuring companies comply with regulations.

Adjacent · Match

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2011

You've been trained to recognize and report security incidents, indicating a keen eye for anomalies. You can leverage this skill to investigate fraudulent activities and protect assets for businesses or government agencies.

Adjacent · Match

Data Center Technician

SOC 15-1231

You've developed a strong understanding of electronic systems and security protocols. You can leverage this knowledge to maintain the physical and digital security of data centers, ensuring data integrity and availability.

Adjacent · Match

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3051

You have experience with managing and tracking sensitive COMSEC material, which translates well to managing supply chains and inventories for various industries.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Information Security Technician Course

Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, CA
240hHours
6wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 3 semester hours recommended in Information Systems Security

Topics · 8
  • Electronic Key Management System (EKMS) Operation
  • Communications Security (COMSEC) Procedures
  • COMSEC Incident Reporting
  • Key Management Infrastructure (KMI)
  • Secure Voice Products (SVP) Management
  • Emergency Action Plan (EAP) Development for COMSEC
  • Local Management Device/Key Processor (LMD/KP) Suite Operation
  • Data Transfer Device (DTD) Operation
Partial coverage · 2
  • CompTIA Security+60%

    While the 0681 role covers many aspects of information security and key management, studying broader IT security concepts, risk management, and compliance frameworks would be beneficial.

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)30%

    The 0681 role provides a foundation in security operations. Filling gaps in enterprise security architecture, governance, risk management, and compliance is needed.

Recommended next · 03
  • Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)Adjacent
  • GIAC Security Certifications (e.g., GSEC, GCIA, GCIH)Adjacent
  • CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
Electronic Key Management System (EKMS)Key Management Systems (KMS) for data encryptionOperations
Local Management Device/Key Processor (LMD/KP)Hardware Security Modules (HSM)Operations
Data Transfer Device (DTD)Secure USB drives with encryptionOperations
Secure Telephone Unit (STU)/Secure Telephone Equipment (STE)Encrypted VoIP PhonesOperations
FORTEZZA CardSmart Cards / PKI Authentication TokensOperations
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)Digital Certificate Management SystemsOperations
/ Translator · Live

Translate 0681 into a resume that ships.

Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.