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2S051 Career Guide

Air Force

2S051: Material Management Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Material Management Specialist (2S051)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2S051 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Logistics Manager

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS certification (CPIM or CSCP)Advanced data analysisSupply chain optimization software (e.g., Blue Yonder, SAP)

Inventory Control Specialist

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in specific inventory management software (e.g., NetSuite, Fishbowl)Lean Six Sigma principles

Compliance Officer

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of relevant industry regulations (e.g., OSHA, EPA)Auditing and risk assessment skillsCertification in compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional - CCEP)

Purchasing Manager

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Negotiation skillsVendor management experienceKnowledge of contract lawCPM or CPSM certification

Warehouse Manager

$72K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety standardsWarehouse management system (WMS) proficiencyForklift certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2S051 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

This role demands maximizing the use of available resources like storage space, equipment, and budget to maintain efficient inventory operations and support maintenance activities.

Your ability to optimize resources translates directly into skills needed for efficient allocation and management of assets, ensuring maximum productivity and cost-effectiveness in civilian settings.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to established policies, procedures, and directives is crucial for accurate inventory management, safety, and security within this role.

Your meticulous adherence to protocols ensures accuracy, consistency, and regulatory compliance, valuable in roles demanding precision and accountability.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of inventory levels, property conditions, and potential risks (e.g., deterioration, hazards) is essential for proactive problem-solving and preventing losses.

Your ability to quickly assess dynamic situations and proactively identify potential problems is crucial for risk management and informed decision-making in various business contexts.

After-Action Analysis

Analyzing reports, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending corrective actions to improve inventory management operations is a key responsibility.

Your capability to analyze performance data, identify areas for improvement, and implement effective solutions makes you a valuable asset for optimizing processes and driving efficiency in any organization.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

You've been deeply involved in optimizing inventory and distribution processes. As a Logistics Analyst, you'll use those analytical skills to streamline supply chains, reduce costs, and improve delivery times for businesses.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You're highly skilled in ensuring adherence to regulations and procedures. As a Compliance Officer, you'll use your attention to detail to develop and implement compliance programs, ensuring businesses operate ethically and legally.

Supply Chain Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You have experience managing materials and coordinating with various departments. This makes you an ideal candidate for a supply chain manager role, where you will oversee the entire lifecycle of products or services, from procurement to delivery.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Material Management Specialist Technical School, Sheppard AFB, TX

360 training hours9 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Logistics Management

Topics Covered

  • Inventory Management Principles
  • Automated Logistics Systems (e.g., Enterprise Solution-Supply (ES-S))
  • Hazardous Materials Handling and Storage
  • Supply Chain Management Fundamentals
  • Financial Accounting for Supply Operations
  • Warehouse Operations and Management
  • Property Accounting Procedures
  • Inventory Control and Reconciliation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)65% covered

Requires additional study in areas such as advanced supply chain management, global logistics strategies, and specific industry regulations.

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)50% covered

Requires further study of manufacturing planning, scheduling, and shop floor control.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40% covered

Needs additional training on specific OSHA standards, hazard recognition, and control methods relevant to general industry, beyond the military's safety focus.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified in Transportation and Logistics (CTL)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Standard Base Supply System (SBSS)SAP ERP Materials Management (MM)
Enterprise Solution-Supply (ES-S)Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) Cloud
D035A (inventory management system)Warehouse management system (WMS)
Materiel Handling Equipment (MHE) - forklifts, pallet jacksWarehouse forklifts and pallet jacks
Defense Logistics Management System (DLMS)Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for logistics
Hazardous Materiel Management System (HMMS)SDS/Chemical Management Software

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