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13D3 Career Guide

Air Force

13D3: Special Tactics Officer

Career transition guide for Air Force Special Tactics Officer (13D3)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 13D3 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist CertificationFamiliarity with civilian ATC systems

Emergency Management Director

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certificationExperience with local/state emergency management agencies

Security Consultant

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (PMP, etc.)Business development skills

Wildland Firefighter/Helitack Crew Member

$60K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Wildland firefighting certifications (e.g., NWCG)Specific medical certifications (e.g., EMT)Physical fitness

Search and Rescue (SAR) Coordinator

$70K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Incident Command System (ICS) trainingLocal SAR certificationsGrant writing

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 13D3 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the surrounding environment, including potential threats, friendly forces, and mission objectives, in dynamic and high-pressure combat situations. This includes anticipating changes and quickly adapting plans as needed during reconnaissance, terminal control, and personnel recovery missions.

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipate potential issues, and adapt plans accordingly. This skill is critical for identifying risks and opportunities in complex and rapidly changing situations.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing tasks in high-stakes environments, such as during a personnel recovery operation or when providing terminal attack control. This involves making critical decisions under pressure to ensure the safety of personnel and the successful completion of the mission.

The capacity to efficiently evaluate and rank tasks or information based on urgency and importance, especially under pressure. This skill ensures that critical issues are addressed promptly and resources are allocated effectively.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating and synchronizing actions with team members and other units during complex operations. This includes clear communication, understanding roles and responsibilities, and ensuring that everyone is working together effectively towards a common goal during reconnaissance, terminal control, and personnel recovery.

The ability to seamlessly coordinate and integrate individual efforts within a team to achieve a common objective. This involves effective communication, mutual understanding of roles, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Resource Optimization

Effectively managing and allocating available resources, such as personnel, equipment, and time, to achieve mission objectives. This includes making the most of limited resources and finding creative solutions to overcome challenges during reconnaissance, terminal control, and personnel recovery missions.

The capability to efficiently manage and distribute available resources, including personnel, finances, and time, to maximize productivity and achieve desired outcomes. This involves strategic planning, creative problem-solving, and effective decision-making.

Adversarial Thinking

Anticipating the actions and reactions of potential adversaries in order to plan and execute successful missions. This includes identifying potential threats, developing countermeasures, and adapting strategies to stay one step ahead of the enemy during reconnaissance, terminal control, and personnel recovery operations.

The capacity to anticipate and understand the perspectives, strategies, and potential actions of competitors or opponents. This skill is essential for strategic planning, risk management, and developing effective countermeasures in competitive environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been orchestrating complex operations in high-pressure environments, similar to coordinating disaster response and mitigation efforts. Your experience in personnel recovery and resource management translates directly to leading teams, managing budgets, and ensuring community safety during crises. Plus, your knowledge of reconnaissance and planning can be used for assessing risks and developing emergency plans.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been managing resources and coordinating complex operations. That experience will let you oversee supply chain operations, plan material flow, and improve processes. Your attention to detail and ability to plan will allow you to thrive as a Logistics Manager.

Corporate Security Manager

SOC 33-1011.00

You've honed your situational awareness and risk assessment skills. You can now apply that expertise to safeguarding corporate assets, personnel, and information. You can develop and implement security protocols, conduct investigations, and respond to security incidents, leveraging your military training to ensure a safe and secure work environment.

Wilderness Guide and Outfitter

SOC 39-3092.00

You've mastered survival skills, navigation, and risk management in austere environments. Now you can leverage these skills to lead and guide outdoor adventures, ensuring the safety and well-being of clients while providing unforgettable experiences. Your ability to plan, adapt, and respond to emergencies will be invaluable in this role, as will your experience in reconnaissance and teamwork.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Special Tactics Training Squadron, Pope Field, NC

1,800 training hours48 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in military science and air traffic control studies

Topics Covered

  • Air Traffic Control
  • Terminal Attack Control
  • Personnel Recovery
  • Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
  • Special Reconnaissance
  • Small Unit Tactics
  • Parachuting Operations
  • Combat Trauma Care

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Certification80% covered

Requires specific joint terminal attack controller (JTAC) training and currency requirements as stipulated by governing directives. Need to demonstrate proficiency in practical application and maintain currency through ongoing evaluations.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)60% covered

Requires additional training in civilian emergency medical protocols, pharmacology, and patient assessment techniques. Must pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

Wilderness First Responder (WFR)70% covered

While SERE covers some aspects of wilderness survival and medicine, formal WFR certification requires more in-depth training on extended patient care in remote environments, environmental medicine, and evacuation techniques specific to civilian standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)Commercial Pilot License (CPL)Air Traffic Controller (ATC)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack RadioMotorola APX Series Two-Way Radios with GPS and Encryption
DAGR (Defense Advanced GPS Receiver)Garmin Foretrex Series GPS Units
AN/PVS-15 Night Vision GogglesFLIR Breach PTQ-136 Compact Thermal Monocular
Joint Fires Observer (JFO) Target Designation SystemsLaser rangefinders and target designators used in surveying and construction
BAE Systems Head-Up Display (HUD) for situational awarenessAftermarket heads-up displays for automotive and aviation use
TacRoverBoston Dynamics Spot

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