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13X1 Career Guide

Air Force

13X1: Special Tactics Airman

Career transition guide for Air Force Special Tactics Airman (13X1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 13X1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist certificationFamiliarity with civilian air traffic control systems

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in specific intelligence analysis software (e.g., Analyst Notebook)Understanding of legal and ethical considerations in intelligence gatheringEnhanced analytical and critical thinking skills

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Technician/Operator

$72K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certification (if operating commercially)Specific UAV platform trainingExperience with data analysis and mapping software

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certifications (e.g., IS-100, IS-700)Knowledge of disaster response protocolsExperience with community outreach and public communication

Construction Surveyor

$68K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certification as a Land SurveyorKnowledge of local building codes and regulationsProficiency in using land surveying software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 13X1 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield, including air traffic, enemy positions, and environmental conditions, to ensure mission success and safety.

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment and anticipate potential changes or threats, crucial for making informed decisions in dynamic settings.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing tasks such as air traffic control, target identification, and communication relays under pressure and time constraints.

Efficiently determining the importance and urgency of multiple tasks, enabling effective management of workload and resources in fast-paced environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Effectively performing duties and maintaining control of air operations even when equipment malfunctions, communication lines are disrupted, or under adverse environmental conditions.

The ability to adapt and continue functioning effectively when systems or processes fail, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining productivity under challenging circumstances.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with aircrews, ground forces, and support personnel to ensure seamless integration of air and ground operations, enhancing overall mission effectiveness.

Orchestrating efforts among team members to achieve common goals, ensuring efficient communication, collaboration, and shared understanding of objectives.

Resource Optimization

Efficiently managing available resources such as aircraft, personnel, and equipment to maximize operational effectiveness and minimize waste.

Strategically allocating and managing resources to achieve the best possible outcomes, balancing competing needs and maximizing efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been responsible for maintaining situational awareness in chaotic environments, rapidly prioritizing tasks under pressure, and coordinating with multiple teams. This translates directly to managing emergency response efforts, assessing damage, and allocating resources effectively during crises.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

Your experience in resource optimization and team synchronization makes you an ideal candidate. You've managed complex operations involving multiple moving parts, ensuring that personnel, equipment, and information are in the right place at the right time. This is exactly what logistics coordination entails: planning, organizing, and overseeing the flow of goods and resources.

Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051.00

You've honed skills in situational awareness and pattern recognition, which are directly transferable to intelligence analysis. You're adept at gathering and interpreting information, identifying trends, and providing actionable insights to decision-makers. Your military background gives you a unique perspective on analyzing threats and mitigating risks.

Airfield Operations Specialist

SOC 53-2011.00

You have direct experience with air traffic control, maintaining the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations. You understand airfield procedures, weather patterns, and emergency response protocols. Your expertise makes you well-suited to manage airfield operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and coordinating activities to keep air traffic flowing smoothly.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Special Warfare Training Wing, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX and various follow-on locations

1,200 training hours30 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in military science, air traffic control, and emergency medical services

Topics Covered

  • Air Traffic Control Fundamentals
  • Small Unit Tactics
  • Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE)
  • Combat Lifesaver Skills
  • Parachuting (Static Line and Freefall)
  • Close Air Support (CAS) Procedures
  • Reconnaissance and Surveillance Techniques
  • Demolitions

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist60% covered

FAA regulations, specific ATC equipment operation, and civilian airspace procedures.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)30% covered

In-depth knowledge of information security principles, risk management, security architecture, and legal/compliance issues specific to civilian IT environments.

Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)70% covered

Civilian airspace regulations, weather considerations for UAS, and specific operational requirements under Part 107.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)DoD 8570 Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level II or III certifications (e.g., Security+, GSEC, CISSP)Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Professional Certification (GPC)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Fires Observer (JFO) equipment (Laser Target Designators, Radios)Surveying equipment, handheld GPS, and two-way radios used in construction and surveying
AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack RadioMotorola APX series P25 portable radios used by public safety
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers (DAGR, PLGR)Trimble GPS surveying equipment, handheld GPS devices (Garmin)
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) (e.g., RQ-11 Raven, RQ-20 Puma)DJI Matrice series drones used in infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and cinematography
Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS)Civilian Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
Night Vision Devices (NODs/NVGs)FLIR thermal cameras used in security and surveillance
Blue Force Tracker (BFT)Real-time GPS fleet management systems

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