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13M1 Career Guide

Air Force

13M1: Airfield Operations Manager

Career transition guide for Air Force Airfield Operations Manager (13M1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 13M1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certificationProficiency in civilian ATC systems

Airport Operations Specialist

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) certificationKnowledge of FAA regulations (Part 139)Familiarity with airport-specific software

Emergency Management Director

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certificationHAZMAT trainingExperience with civilian emergency response protocols

Logistics Manager

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certification (e.g., CSCP)Experience with civilian logistics softwareKnowledge of inventory management techniques

Aviation Safety Inspector

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Safety Inspector certificationIn-depth knowledge of 14 CFR regulationsCommercial pilot's license is often required

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 13M1 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Airfield operations require constant monitoring of dynamic environments, including aircraft movements, weather conditions, and potential hazards, demanding heightened situational awareness to maintain safety and efficiency.

The ability to maintain a high level of awareness of your surroundings and anticipate potential issues translates directly to industries where safety and proactive decision-making are critical.

Rapid Prioritization

Managing air traffic and airfield operations involves constant evaluation and prioritization of tasks, especially during emergencies or peak periods, ensuring critical actions are addressed promptly and effectively.

Quickly assessing and prioritizing tasks in high-pressure environments is valuable in many civilian roles where deadlines and unexpected challenges are common.

Procedural Compliance

Airfield operations are governed by strict regulations and procedures to ensure safety and operational effectiveness. Adhering to these protocols and ensuring others comply is paramount.

Your experience with strict protocols makes you a strong candidate in fields that demand high reliability and consistent adherence to rules and standards.

System Modeling

Understanding how various airfield operations systems (air traffic control, navigation aids, communications) interact and affect each other is crucial for effective management and problem-solving.

Your understanding of complex systems allows you to predict outcomes, optimize processes, and troubleshoot problems effectively.

Resource Optimization

Airfield managers must optimize the use of available resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities, to maximize operational efficiency and minimize costs.

Your ability to allocate resources effectively and find efficiencies translates directly to roles focused on productivity and cost management.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 49-3042

You've been orchestrating complex air traffic and airfield operations, a role that inherently involves managing the flow of resources, coordinating movements, and ensuring everything aligns seamlessly. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll use these skills to manage supply chains, coordinate shipments, and optimize delivery routes. Your experience in maintaining strict compliance and safety standards will ensure efficient and secure logistics operations.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You're skilled in situational awareness, rapid prioritization, and procedural compliance. These skills are directly transferable to emergency management, where you'll plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters, security threats, and other crises. Your ability to remain calm under pressure and make quick decisions will be invaluable in this role.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You are adept at adhering to strict procedures and regulations within airfield operations. As a Compliance Officer, you'll leverage this expertise to ensure organizations adhere to legal standards and internal policies. Your experience in training and evaluating personnel will aid in implementing compliance programs and conducting audits.

Project Manager

SOC 11-9021

You've been developing plans and policies, and you're adept at resource optimization. In project management, you'll apply these skills to lead and coordinate projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards. Your experience in cross-agency coordination will be essential in managing diverse teams and stakeholders.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airfield Management Operations Course, Keesler AFB, MS

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Airfield Safety and Inspections
  • Air Traffic Control Procedures
  • Airfield Operations Management
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Emergency Response Procedures
  • Airfield Lighting and Markings
  • Base Operations Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Member (CM) of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)60% covered

While the military training provides a strong foundation in airfield operations, additional study in airport-specific regulations, safety management systems, and business administration related to airport management would be needed.

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist Certificate70% covered

Need to pass FAA written and practical exams, demonstrate proficiency in FAA-specific procedures and phraseology, and meet FAA medical requirements.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in OperationsProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)OSHA 30-Hour General Industry or ConstructionCertified Emergency Manager (CEM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems used at civilian airports
Precision Approach Radar (PAR)Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Ground-Based Augmentation System (GBAS)
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)Advanced Surface Movement Guidance and Control Systems (A-SMGCS)
AN/TPN-19 Landing Control CenterMobile Air Traffic Control Towers and portable ATC systems
Base Operations Support System (BOSS)Airport Operations Database (AODB) and resource management software
Flight Information Publications (FLIP)Aeronautical charts and navigation databases (e.g., Jeppesen charts, ForeFlight)
Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems (VHF/UHF)Civil Aviation VHF communication radios

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