16P2 Career Guide
16P2: Political-Military Affairs Strategist
Career transition guide for Air Force Political-Military Affairs Strategist (16P2)
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Top civilian roles for 16P2 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Political Affairs Officer
Skills to develop:
International Relations Specialist
Skills to develop:
Intelligence Analyst
Skills to develop:
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Lobbyist
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 16P2 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
Constantly monitoring global events, political climates, and partner nation dynamics to anticipate potential impacts on Air Force operations and national security objectives.
Maintaining a broad understanding of complex environments to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
Adversarial Thinking
Anticipating the reactions of potential adversaries and partners to proposed policies and actions, to develop effective strategies and mitigate risks.
Identifying potential challenges and developing proactive solutions by considering different perspectives.
System Modeling
Developing and utilizing models of international political-military systems to predict outcomes, evaluate policy options, and understand the interplay of various actors.
Creating frameworks to understand complex systems, analyze interdependencies, and forecast potential consequences.
Rapid Prioritization
Quickly assessing the urgency and importance of incoming information from diverse sources (national/international agencies) to focus on the most critical issues impacting national security and Air Force operations.
Efficiently evaluating competing demands and focusing efforts on the most crucial tasks in dynamic environments.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Geopolitical Risk Analyst
SOC 19-3099.00You've been immersed in understanding international relations and anticipating potential conflicts. As a Geopolitical Risk Analyst, you'll use these honed skills to assess risks for businesses and organizations operating globally, helping them make informed decisions. Your experience in evaluating political climates and understanding the nuances of international agreements will be invaluable.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
SOC 11-2021.00Your background in international stability and security cooperation makes you a great fit for CSR. You've been focused on creating positive relationships with global partners. In CSR, you'll use this experience to develop and implement initiatives that address social and environmental issues, aligning corporate values with global needs and building strong stakeholder relationships.
Intelligence Analyst (focused on supply chain)
SOC 19-3099.00You've been trained to analyze complex information from various sources to assess threats. As an Intelligence Analyst focused on supply chain, you will leverage that experience to identify vulnerabilities and risks within global supply chains. Your expertise in understanding international dynamics and potential disruptions will protect companies from economic loss and reputational damage.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Political-Military Affairs Strategist Course, various locations (e.g., Air University, Maxwell AFB; National Defense University, Fort McNair)
Topics Covered
- •National Security Strategy
- •International Relations Theory
- •Regional Studies (specific geographic focus varies)
- •Military Strategy and Doctrine
- •Negotiation and Communication Skills
- •International Law and Treaties
- •Crisis Management and Conflict Resolution
- •Interagency Coordination
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires additional study in international trade finance, supply chain management, and specific trade regulations depending on the industry.
Formal project management training covering all PMBOK Guide knowledge areas, plus practical experience leading projects, are needed to qualify.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) | Secure, encrypted communication platforms like Signal, Wire, or dedicated government-grade secure networks |
| Defense Intelligence Information System (DIIS) | Commercial intelligence databases, news aggregators, and risk management platforms (e.g., LexisNexis, Factiva, IHS Markit) |
| Global Command and Control System (GCCS) | Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems with modules for logistics, asset tracking, and resource management |
| DCIPS (Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System) | HR management and talent management systems with security clearance tracking (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors) |
| Automated Message Handling System (AMHS) | Secure email and messaging systems with encryption and access controls (e.g., Microsoft Outlook with encryption plugins, secure messaging apps) |
| CENTCOM Wide Area Network (CWAN) | Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies that can provide a secure and dedicated communication network |
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