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1135 Career Guide

Navy

1135: Special Warfare Officer (SEAL)

Career transition guide for Navy Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) (1135)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1135 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Security Consultant

$130K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, CISM)Consulting experienceProject Management Professional (PMP)

Emergency Management Director

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certifications (e.g., NIMS)Grant writingPublic administration knowledge

Private Investigator

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

State licensureLegal knowledgeSurveillance techniques training

Corporate Security Manager

$110K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Security management certifications (CPP)Risk assessment methodologiesKnowledge of corporate security protocols

Wildland Firefighter

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wildland firefighting certifications (NWCG)Paramedic or EMT certificationPhysical endurance training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1135 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

In fast-evolving combat scenarios, SEALs must instantly assess threats, mission objectives, and available resources to decide which actions take precedence, often with incomplete information.

This translates to the ability to quickly identify the most critical tasks and delegate effectively under pressure, a key skill in high-stress civilian environments.

Situational Awareness

SEALs maintain a constant, detailed understanding of their surroundings, including terrain, enemy positions, and civilian presence, to anticipate threats and make informed decisions.

This heightened awareness translates into the ability to quickly grasp complex situations, anticipate potential problems, and proactively adjust strategies in a civilian business context.

Team Synchronization

SEALs operate in small, highly coordinated teams where precise communication and mutual trust are essential for mission success and survival.

This experience translates to exceptional teamwork, the ability to lead and follow effectively, and a deep understanding of how to foster collaboration within a civilian organization.

Adversarial Thinking

SEALs are trained to anticipate enemy actions, identify vulnerabilities, and develop counter-strategies to gain a tactical advantage.

This translates to a proactive and strategic mindset, the ability to anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions in competitive civilian markets.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When equipment fails or communication is disrupted, SEALs must adapt and continue the mission using alternative methods and improvised solutions.

This translates to resilience, adaptability, and the ability to maintain effectiveness even when facing unexpected obstacles or resource limitations in civilian projects.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Crisis Management Consultant

SOC 11-9199.09

You've been trained to thrive under pressure and make critical decisions in chaotic environments. Your expertise in risk assessment, strategic planning, and rapid response is directly transferable to helping businesses navigate crises and protect their operations.

Corporate Security Manager

SOC 33-1011.00

Your experience in threat assessment, security protocols, and covert operations makes you exceptionally qualified to protect corporate assets and personnel. You've been handling high-stakes situations, and now you can bring that expertise to the corporate world.

Logistics and Supply Chain Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for coordinating complex operations and ensuring the timely delivery of resources in challenging environments. Your skills in planning, problem-solving, and resource management will ensure efficient and secure supply chains.

Intelligence Analyst (Private Sector)

SOC 15-2051.00

Your experience in reconnaissance, surveillance, and intelligence gathering translates directly to the private sector, where you can analyze market trends, assess competitive threats, and provide valuable insights to business leaders.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S), Naval Special Warfare Center, Coronado, CA

3,120 training hours78 weeksUp to 20 semester hours recommended in physical education, military science, and advanced tactical operations

Topics Covered

  • Physical Conditioning and Water Competency
  • Underwater Demolition
  • Land Warfare
  • Small Unit Tactics
  • Close Quarters Combat (CQC)
  • Special Reconnaissance
  • Combat Diving
  • Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)70% covered

Requires additional training in wilderness medicine protocols, extended patient care in remote environments, and specific evacuation techniques.

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)40% covered

Requires studying business principles, security management, legal aspects of security, and risk assessment methodologies specific to the private sector. Lacks focus on maritime environment and underwater ops.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)60% covered

Requires additional study on civilian medical protocols, pharmacology, and specific emergency medical procedures that differ from military protocols. This role also lacks the practical application and certification.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)OSHA Safety Certifications

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC)Zodiac Military Grade Inflatable Boats
Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR)FN America, LLC. Commercial Firearms
AN/PVS-15 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)FLIR Systems, Inc. Thermal/Night Vision Devices
Enhanced Maritime Interdiction Communication System (EMICS)Encrypted Satellite Communication Systems
Diver Propulsion Device (DPD)Commercial Underwater Scooters
Global Positioning System (GPS) with SAASMTrimble GPS Systems, Garmin GPS Systems
Multi-Band Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR)Motorola MOTOTRBO Two-Way Radios

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