21N Career Guide
21N: Construction Engineering Supervisor
Career transition guide for Army Construction Engineering Supervisor (21N)
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Top civilian roles for 21N veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Construction Manager
Skills to develop:
Heavy Equipment Operator Supervisor
Skills to develop:
Site Supervisor
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Safety Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 21N training built — and where they transfer.
Resource Optimization
As a 21N, you managed equipment, personnel, and materials to meet construction goals efficiently, often under tight deadlines and budget constraints. You anticipated needs and allocated resources strategically to maximize productivity.
This translates directly to skills in supply chain management, logistics, and operations management, where optimizing resources to meet demand is critical.
Team Synchronization
You've coordinated diverse teams, including equipment operators, engineers, and support staff, ensuring everyone worked together seamlessly toward project completion, often in dynamic and challenging environments.
This demonstrates your ability to lead and motivate teams, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts – essential skills for project management and team leadership roles.
Situational Awareness
You were constantly aware of your surroundings, assessing risks, and adapting plans to changing conditions on the construction site or during combat engineering missions. This included understanding the operational environment, potential hazards, and the status of your team and equipment.
This translates to strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to anticipate potential issues and make informed decisions under pressure – valuable in fields like risk management, emergency management, or security.
Procedural Compliance
You enforced safety regulations, quality control standards, and operational procedures to ensure projects were completed safely and to the required specifications. You understood the importance of following established protocols and maintaining accurate documentation.
This demonstrates your attention to detail, commitment to quality, and ability to adhere to regulations – highly valued in industries like construction management, quality assurance, and compliance.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Construction Safety Manager
SOC 47-5291You've been responsible for ensuring safety on construction sites, a critical aspect of your military role. This experience directly translates to overseeing safety protocols, conducting inspections, and implementing corrective actions in the civilian construction industry. Your leadership experience and commitment to safety will make you a valuable asset.
Logistics Coordinator
SOC 43-3071You've honed your skills in managing equipment, materials, and personnel in complex environments. You can leverage this experience to coordinate the flow of goods, manage inventory, and optimize supply chains for various industries, ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 13-1199.04You've gained experience in assessing risks, developing contingency plans, and responding to emergencies. You can apply these skills to help communities and organizations prepare for and respond to natural disasters, industrial accidents, or other emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of others.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Engineer Senior Leader Course (ESLC), Fort Leonard Wood, MO
Topics Covered
- •Construction Site Management
- •Heavy Equipment Operations & Maintenance
- •Quality Control Procedures
- •Blueprint Reading & Interpretation
- •Project Scheduling & Resource Allocation
- •Combat Engineering Principles
- •Supervisory Leadership & Mentorship
- •Safety Management & Risk Assessment
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Focus on specific OSHA regulations, documentation procedures, and inspection protocols not covered in military training.
Study the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closing) and ten knowledge areas as defined by PMI. Focus on formal project management methodologies, stakeholder management, and risk management.
Review the specific areas of practice defined by the CMAA, including contract administration, risk management, and legal issues specific to construction management.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| All Army Construction Equipment (e.g., M9 Armored Combat Earthmover, D7/D9 Dozers, M1157 Dump Trucks) | Caterpillar heavy equipment line (Dozers, Excavators, Loaders, Dump Trucks) |
| Forward Repair System (FRS) | Mobile mechanic service trucks |
| Tactical Water Distribution System (TWDS) | Municipal water supply and distribution networks |
| Engineer Route Reconnaissance and Clearance (ERRC) equipment (e.g., Husky Mark III, Buffalo mine-protected vehicle) | Construction site survey and land clearing equipment (e.g., GPS-equipped survey vehicles, bulldozers with GPS) |
| Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) (for coordinating engineering support) | Project management software (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project) with resource allocation features |
| Geographic Information System (GIS) software (military versions) | ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS |
| Global Combat Support System - Army (GCSS-Army) | SAP ERP, Oracle ERP Cloud |
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