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1W091A Career Guide

Air Force

1W091A: Weather Operations Craftsman

Career transition guide for Air Force Weather Operations Craftsman (1W091A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1W091A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Meteorologist

$99K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (if broadcasting)Specific software experience (e.g., GEMPAK, AWIPS)Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) for research positions

Data Scientist

$120K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Python or R programmingMachine learning techniquesData visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

Geospatial Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

GIS software proficiency (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)Remote sensing analysisSpatial statistics

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FEMA certifications (e.g., IS-100, IS-700)Emergency planning and response protocolsRisk assessment methodologies

Technical Trainer

$72K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design principlesAdult learning methodologiesPlatform-specific training certifications (e.g., software training)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1W091A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

1W091As construct and utilize complex models of atmospheric and space weather systems to predict future conditions and their impact on military operations. They integrate data from various sources to create a holistic understanding of these environments.

This skill translates directly to the ability to build and analyze complex systems in various industries. You can create models to predict trends, optimize processes, and understand the interplay of different elements within a system.

Situational Awareness

This role demands constant monitoring of weather conditions and understanding how they affect ongoing and planned military operations. 1W091As must maintain a high level of awareness to anticipate potential disruptions and communicate effectively with operational teams.

This translates to an exceptional ability to stay informed, understand the big picture, and anticipate potential problems in dynamic environments. You excel at gathering and processing information to make sound decisions under pressure.

Rapid Prioritization

As a 1W091A, you're constantly assessing incoming data and prioritizing the most critical information to disseminate to decision-makers. You rapidly determine what needs immediate attention to mitigate risks and optimize operations in a fast-paced environment.

You're adept at quickly evaluating situations, identifying key priorities, and focusing resources on the most important tasks. This skill is valuable in any role that demands quick thinking and effective decision-making under pressure.

Resource Optimization

1W091As are responsible for managing weather resources and tailoring unit capabilities to meet mission requirements. You ensure that the right tools and personnel are available at the right time to maximize the impact of weather support.

This demonstrates an ability to strategically allocate resources, streamline processes, and maximize efficiency. You're skilled at identifying opportunities for improvement and ensuring that resources are used effectively to achieve desired outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been analyzing complex environmental data to predict its impact on military operations. As a Logistics Analyst (13-2081), you'll use similar analytical skills to forecast demand, optimize supply chains, and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9099

You've been issuing weather warnings and advisories, preparing others to respond to dangerous environmental conditions. As an Emergency Management Specialist (29-9099), you'll use your skills in risk assessment and communication to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans.

Business Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You've been integrating data from various sources to provide decision-quality environmental information. As a Business Intelligence Analyst (15-2051), you can use similar analytical skills to gather and interpret business data, identify trends, and provide actionable insights to improve decision-making.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Weather Specialty Course, Keesler AFB, MS

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Meteorological Observations
  • Weather Radar Interpretation
  • Satellite Imagery Analysis
  • Atmospheric Physics
  • Weather Forecasting Techniques
  • Space Weather
  • Weather Support to Military Operations
  • Weather Briefing Production & Delivery

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA)60% covered

Requires study of environmental regulations, auditing principles, and specific industry standards related to environmental compliance.

GIS Professional (GISP)40% covered

Needs further study in advanced GIS techniques, data management, and spatial analysis specific to civilian applications. Focus on areas outside of weather-specific applications.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/FPS-77 Doppler Weather RadarNEXRAD Doppler radar systems
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)Commercial weather satellites (e.g., GOES, operated by NOAA)
Automated Weather Distribution System (AWDS)National Weather Service's Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS)
Solar Observing Optical Network (SOON)Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) data and models
Weather Support System - Forecast (WSS-F)Commercial weather forecasting platforms (e.g., Baron Threat Net, AccuWeather Professional)
Joint METOC Viewer (JMV)GIS software with weather data overlays (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS with weather data feeds)

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