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1C791 Career Guide

Air Force

1C791: Airfield Management

Career transition guide for Air Force Airfield Management (1C791)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1C791 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airfield Operations Specialist

$75K
High matchStable demand

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control Specialist CertificationExtensive On-the-Job Training

Airport Operations Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management or related fieldCertified Member (CM) accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) certificationFEMA Emergency Management Institute Courses

Logistics Manager

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply Chain Management certification (e.g., CSCP, CLTD)APICS certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1C791 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Airfield Managers constantly assess and respond to evolving situations on the airfield, prioritizing safety and operational efficiency when dealing with simultaneous demands like aircraft emergencies, maintenance requests, and changing weather conditions.

This translates to the ability to quickly evaluate competing priorities in dynamic environments, making critical decisions under pressure to allocate resources effectively and mitigate risks.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining comprehensive awareness of airfield conditions, air traffic, personnel movements, and potential hazards is crucial for safe and efficient operations. Airfield managers use this awareness to anticipate potential problems and proactively address them.

This skill allows you to perceive and understand complex environments, predict potential disruptions, and proactively implement preventative measures, enabling informed decision-making and risk management.

Procedural Compliance

Airfield management relies heavily on strict adherence to regulations, procedures, and safety protocols. This includes everything from flight planning and NOTAM processing to airfield inspections and emergency response actions.

You possess a strong understanding of the importance of following established guidelines and ensuring compliance with regulations. This translates into meticulous attention to detail, commitment to quality, and the ability to maintain operational integrity.

Team Synchronization

Airfield managers coordinate closely with diverse teams, including air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, emergency responders, and base operations staff. Effective communication and collaboration are essential for seamless operations and safety.

This experience translates to the ability to effectively coordinate diverse teams, communicate clearly, and foster collaboration to achieve common goals in complex and fast-paced environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9099.03

You've been responsible for emergency response actions on the airfield, coordinating with various agencies to ensure the safety of personnel and aircraft. This experience directly translates to the responsibilities of an Emergency Management Specialist, where you'll develop and implement emergency plans, conduct drills, and coordinate responses to natural disasters and other crises.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've coordinated resources and ensured smooth operations for aircraft and personnel on a daily basis. As a logistics coordinator, you'll leverage these skills to manage the flow of goods, materials, and information, optimizing supply chains and ensuring timely delivery.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You have an extensive background in procedural compliance on the airfield. This experience makes you a great fit as a Compliance Officer, where you will ensure an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airfield Management Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Aviation Management

Topics Covered

  • Airfield Safety Inspections
  • Flight Data Processing
  • NOTAM Procedures
  • Airfield Construction Coordination
  • Airfield Waiver Processing
  • Aeronautical Chart Usage
  • Flight Planning Procedures
  • Emergency Response Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Member (CM) American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE)70% covered

While your experience covers airfield operations, construction, and safety, you will need to study the AAAE's specific standards, regulations, and recommended practices for airport management, focusing on areas such as airport security, environmental management, and business administration.

Airport Certified Employee (ACE) - Airfield Operations60% covered

This program requires knowledge of FAA regulations Part 139, airport safety and security procedures, and emergency response protocols. Focus on the specific ACE Airfield Operations curriculum.

Recommended Next Certifications

Airport Master PlanningAirport Security CoordinatorCertified Airport Executive (CAE)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Flight Information Publications (FLIP)Aeronautical charts and navigation data providers (e.g., Jeppesen, ForeFlight)
Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) SystemFAA NOTAM Distribution System, commercial flight planning software with NOTAM integration
Base Operations Center (BOC) systemsAirport Operations Management Systems (AOMS)
Airfield Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) used at civilian airports
Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard (BASH) Management ProgramWildlife hazard management programs at civilian airports
Airfield Pavement Condition Index (PCI) softwarePavement management software (e.g., AgileAssets, Cartegraph)
Mobile Airfield Management SystemsMobile airport inspection and reporting apps (e.g., Vaisala Runway Reporter)

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