1303 Career Guide
1303: Naval Aviator (Former)
Career transition guide for Navy Naval Aviator (Former) (1303)
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Top civilian roles for 1303 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Airline Pilot
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Air Traffic Controller
Skills to develop:
Project Manager (Aviation/Defense)
Skills to develop:
Aviation Insurance Underwriter
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 1303 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
As a Naval Aviator, you constantly monitored your surroundings, including weather conditions, aircraft performance, and the positions of other aircraft and vessels, to make informed decisions in dynamic environments.
This translates to a keen ability to perceive and understand complex environments, anticipate potential problems, and react effectively – a valuable asset in any leadership or risk management role.
Rapid Prioritization
During flight operations or tactical scenarios, you regularly had to quickly assess competing priorities – such as engine malfunction, navigating, responding to threats, or completing mission objectives – and make split-second decisions under pressure.
This demonstrates an aptitude for rapidly assessing complex situations, identifying critical issues, and allocating resources effectively, making you adept at handling crisis situations and leading teams in fast-paced environments.
Team Synchronization
Whether flying as part of a crew or coordinating with other units, you understand how to maintain synchronized and efficient operations with a team to achieve common goals.
Your experience fosters skills in coordinating complex projects, and understanding different personalities to meet deadlines efficiently. Your experience as a Naval aviator allows you to quickly form cohesive units and build a safe environment.
Resource Optimization
Managing fuel consumption, ordnance, and maintenance schedules were crucial for mission success. You were entrusted with the careful balance between operational needs and available resources to ensure sustainability and effectiveness.
This skill showcases your ability to make sound decisions regarding budgets, inventory, and personnel, maximizing output while minimizing waste and potential complications.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Emergency Management Director
SOC 11-9161.00You've been trained to handle high-stress, rapidly evolving situations, assess risks, coordinate resources, and make critical decisions under pressure – all essential skills for directing emergency response efforts.
Airfield Operations Specialist
SOC 53-2011.00You possess intimate knowledge of aircraft operations, safety procedures, and air traffic control principles. You also are familiar with maintaining the safety of runways and flight paths.
Logistics Manager
SOC 11-3071.00You've been responsible for coordinating the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies to support military operations. This background equips you with the expertise to manage complex supply chains, optimize inventory levels, and ensure timely delivery of goods in the civilian sector.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and Officer Professional Development, various locations
Topics Covered
- •Resume Writing and Interview Skills
- •Financial Planning and Management
- •Veteran Benefits and Resources
- •Civilian Career Exploration and Networking
- •Leadership Transition and Management Principles
- •Current Naval Aviation Policy and Strategy
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Differences in FAA regulations and specific aircraft type ratings. Study FAA regulations and complete necessary flight hours in civilian aircraft.
Formal project management methodologies, specific PMI terminology, and documentation standards. Study the PMBOK Guide and practice project management principles.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar | Advanced weather and navigation radar systems used in commercial aviation (e.g., Honeywell IntuVue 3-D Weather Radar) |
| Link 16 Tactical Data Link | Secure data communication and networking systems for private aviation and emergency response (e.g., L3Harris secure communications, Motorola APX series radios) |
| Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) | Differential GPS (DGPS) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) in commercial aviation for precision landings (e.g., WAAS-enabled GPS receivers, Collins Aerospace GLU-925 flight management system) |
| AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM) System | Advanced threat detection and avoidance systems for executive aviation and high-value asset protection (e.g., BAE Systems Threat Management Systems) |
| Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) | Commercial satellite communication systems and secure messaging platforms for remote operations and crisis management (e.g., Iridium satellite phones, encrypted messaging apps) |
| Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) | FAA-approved aircraft maintenance programs and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) used by commercial airlines and aviation maintenance providers (e.g., SAP Aviation MRO, Rusada ENVISION) |
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