13S3 Career Guide
13S3: Space and Missile Operations Officer
Career transition guide for Air Force Space and Missile Operations Officer (13S3)
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Top civilian roles for 13S3 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Satellite Communications Engineer
Skills to develop:
Missile Systems Analyst
Skills to develop:
Emergency Management Director
Skills to develop:
Network Operations Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 13S3 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
You managed complex space and missile systems, understanding how different components interact and predicting system behavior under various conditions.
This translates to an ability to create and analyze models of complex systems in civilian industries, predicting outcomes and optimizing performance.
Rapid Prioritization
You routinely made quick decisions under pressure, prioritizing tasks and resources to respond to emerging threats and maintain operational readiness of critical systems.
This skill enables you to quickly assess situations, identify critical priorities, and allocate resources effectively in dynamic civilian environments.
Situational Awareness
You maintained a constant awareness of the operational environment, tracking satellite positions, detecting missile threats, and disseminating critical information to decision-makers.
This heightened awareness translates to an ability to stay informed, anticipate potential problems, and make proactive decisions in fast-paced civilian roles.
Procedural Compliance
You followed strict protocols and procedures to ensure the safe and effective operation of space and missile systems, adhering to standards for targeting, launch, and positive control.
This discipline and attention to detail ensures that you can consistently adhere to regulations and guidelines in highly regulated civilian industries.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You are trained to maintain system functionality even when facing unexpected errors or failures.
Your experience can be applied to situations that require you to maintain system functionality in spite of unexpected system errors.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Data Center Manager
SOC 11-9041You've been responsible for maintaining the readiness and security of critical missile and space systems. Data Centers have similar requirements. You have the System Modeling skills to optimize center performance.
Emergency Management Director
SOC 11-9161You've been responsible for maintaining situational awareness and coordinating responses to threats, skills directly applicable to managing emergency situations and disaster response efforts.
Logistics Manager
SOC 11-3071You've been responsible for directing resource allocation and coordinating space and missile operations activities, skills essential for overseeing supply chain operations and ensuring efficient resource utilization.
Air Traffic Controller
SOC 53-2021You've been responsible for maintaining situational awareness, responding to emerging threats, and communicating important details quickly.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Undergraduate Space and Missile Training (USMT), Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA
Topics Covered
- •Space Domain Awareness
- •Missile Warning Systems
- •Satellite Command and Control
- •Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Operations
- •Orbital Mechanics
- •Space Law and Policy
- •Contingency Operations and Emergency War Orders
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), specific tools and techniques not used in the military context, and the business aspects of project management.
Requires knowledge of commercial security practices, risk management frameworks, and legal/regulatory issues. Focus on system administration, network security, and incident response outside of a military context needed.
Requires knowledge of commercial security practices, risk management frameworks. Additional focus on system administration, network security and incident response outside of military context.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment (ITW/AA) System | National early warning systems, threat detection software |
| Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS) | Commercial weather and remote sensing satellites, infrared detection systems |
| Missile Monitoring System (MMS) | Industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA systems for critical infrastructure |
| Global Command and Control System (GCCS) | Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, supply chain management software |
| Satellite Control Network (SCN) | Network management systems, satellite communication services (e.g., Intelsat, SES) |
| Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launch Control System | Automated industrial control systems, safety interlock systems |
| Space Defense Operations Center (SPADOC) Command and Control System | Cybersecurity threat intelligence platforms, security information and event management (SIEM) systems |
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