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12V Career Guide

Army

12V: Horizontal Construction Engineer

Career transition guide for Army Horizontal Construction Engineer (12V)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 12V veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Construction Manager

$98K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certifications (PMP, CCM)Software proficiency in construction management tools (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam)Familiarity with local building codes and regulations

Civil Engineering Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

AutoCAD or similar CAD software proficiencySurveying techniques and equipment operationMaterials testing and quality control procedures

Highway Maintenance Supervisor

$72K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)Specific knowledge of highway maintenance procedures and equipmentBudget management and resource allocation

Concrete Finisher

$45K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

On-the-job experienceCertification in concrete finishing (ACI)Knowledge of different concrete mixes and applications

Quality Control Inspector

$60K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationBlueprint reading and interpretationKnowledge of quality control standards and procedures

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 12V training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a 12V, you managed resources for concrete and asphalt production, ensuring efficient use of materials, equipment, and personnel to meet project deadlines and specifications.

This translates to effectively managing budgets, timelines, and inventory in a civilian setting, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated the activities of supporting units and led teams in construction and combat engineering missions, ensuring everyone worked together effectively.

This means you can effectively lead and coordinate teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficient execution of tasks in a civilian environment.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to quality control plans, safety standards, and job specifications at construction sites.

This translates to a strong ability to follow protocols, regulations, and quality standards in any industry, ensuring consistent and reliable outcomes.

Situational Awareness

You performed ground and aerial reconnaissance, collected intelligence data, and maintained awareness of surroundings during combat engineering missions.

This means you can quickly assess situations, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions in dynamic and challenging environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Construction Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been managing complex construction projects in the military. As a Construction Project Manager, you'll use your skills in planning, resource allocation, and team coordination to oversee civilian construction projects from start to finish. Your experience with quality control and safety standards will be invaluable.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for the logistics of construction projects, coordinating materials, equipment, and personnel. As a Logistics Manager, you'll apply these skills to manage the supply chain and distribution of goods for various industries, ensuring efficient and timely delivery.

Quality Control Specialist

SOC 19-4041.00

You've enforced job specifications and safety standards on construction sites. As a Quality Control Specialist, you'll ensure products and processes meet specific requirements and standards in manufacturing or other industries, leveraging your attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Horizontal Construction Engineer Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Concrete Production and Placement
  • Asphalt Production and Paving
  • Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • Blueprint Reading and Site Surveying
  • Quality Control Procedures
  • Supervisory Techniques and Project Management
  • Combat Engineering Tactics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

OSHA 30-Hour Construction70% covered

Study specific OSHA regulations, focus on topics like electrical safety, hazardous materials, and machine guarding not explicitly covered in the 12V description.

Project Management Professional (PMP)30% covered

Study the PMBOK guide, focusing on the ten knowledge areas, five process groups, and project management methodologies not covered by military construction projects. Focus on stakeholder management, risk management, and communications management.

Certified Asphalt Technician60% covered

Study specific asphalt mix designs, testing procedures, and quality control measures not covered in the 12V description. Focus on local regulations and industry best practices.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)LEED Green AssociateCertified Professional Constructor (CPC)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Concrete Mobile MixerMobile Concrete Batching Plant
Asphalt PlantAsphalt Mixing Plant
Asphalt DistributorAsphalt Tanker Truck
Aggregate SpreaderGravel Spreader
Asphalt KettleAsphalt Melter
Asphalt Paving EquipmentAsphalt Paver
Critical Path Method (CPM)Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6)
Combat Engineer Construction ToolsHeavy Civil Engineering Equipment (e.g., bulldozers, excavators, graders)

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