New Cohort Starts:

Donate

2T171 Career Guide

Air Force

2T171: Vehicle Operations

Career transition guide for Air Force Vehicle Operations (2T171)

Translate Your 2T171 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2T171 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Truck Driver (Long Haul)

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Class AHAZMAT endorsement (if applicable)

Logistics Coordinator

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software (e.g., SAP)Project management methodologiesData analysis

School Bus Driver

$40K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsementsFirst Aid/CPR certificationBackground Check

Fleet Manager

$80K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fleet management software proficiencyVehicle maintenance scheduling expertiseBudgeting and cost controlKnowledge of transportation regulations

Transportation Planner

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

GIS softwareUrban planning principlesData analysisPublic transportation knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2T171 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

This role involves planning and scheduling vehicle operations to meet transportation requirements, including shuttle buses, mass transit, and school bus transportation. It requires efficiently allocating vehicles, drivers, and other resources to minimize costs and maximize service.

The ability to optimize resource allocation translates into efficiently managing budgets, personnel, and equipment to achieve maximum output with minimal waste. It involves strategic planning to ensure resources are available when and where needed.

Situational Awareness

Ground transportation personnel must maintain constant awareness of their surroundings, especially during convoy operations or personal security details. This includes monitoring traffic, potential threats, and changing mission requirements to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

Situational awareness allows you to quickly assess dynamic environments, anticipate potential problems, and adjust plans accordingly. It's crucial for making informed decisions under pressure and ensuring the safety and security of people and assets.

Procedural Compliance

This role requires strict adherence to established procedures and regulations for vehicle operation, maintenance, and documentation. This includes conducting pre- and post-operation inspections, maintaining accurate records, and complying with safety standards.

Your experience with procedural compliance demonstrates your ability to follow protocols and regulations meticulously. This ensures safety, accuracy, and consistency in operations, reducing errors and minimizing risks.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Ground transportation personnel must be able to operate vehicles and maintain transportation services even in challenging conditions, such as blackout conditions, communication blackouts, or natural disasters. This requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently.

Your experience operating in degraded modes highlights your ability to maintain functionality under pressure and with limited resources. You are adept at troubleshooting, finding creative solutions, and ensuring critical operations continue uninterrupted.

Team Synchronization

Supporting personal security details, coordinating convoy operations, and managing transportation for special events all require working in close coordination with other team members. This involves clear communication, shared situational awareness, and a focus on achieving common objectives.

Your experience in team synchronization demonstrates your ability to work effectively with others towards shared goals. You understand the importance of communication, coordination, and mutual support in achieving successful outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-1081

You've been planning and coordinating complex transportation operations, including managing resources and ensuring compliance. This experience makes you well-suited to analyze and optimize supply chain logistics, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements for civilian companies.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You've managed transportation during emergencies, maintained situational awareness, and operated in degraded modes. These skills translate directly to emergency management, where you can plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters, accidents, and other crises.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You're highly skilled in procedural compliance and documentation. You can leverage these skills to ensure that organizations adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies, minimizing risks and maintaining operational integrity.

Transportation Security Officer

SOC 33-9093

Your experience with personal security details and maintaining situational awareness makes you a strong candidate for protecting transportation systems and infrastructure. You'll be able to identify potential threats, enforce security protocols, and ensure the safety of passengers and cargo.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Transportation Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

360 training hours9 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Vehicle Inspection and Preventative Maintenance
  • Vehicle Operation (Light/Heavy Duty)
  • Cargo Documentation and Handling
  • Dispatch Procedures and Scheduling
  • Driver Qualification and Licensing
  • Convoy Operations
  • Personal Security Detail Support

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)70% covered

May need to practice specific maneuvers and pass a written exam depending on the state. Knowledge of state-specific regulations is also needed.

Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM)40% covered

Requires additional knowledge in areas like financial management, risk management, and lifecycle costing specific to civilian fleet operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)OSHA Safety CertificationSupply Chain Management Professional (SCMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Dispatch Management System (DMS)Transportation Management System (TMS)
Air Force Transportation Integrated Management System (TIMS)Fleet Management Software (e.g., Samsara, Fleetio)
Government Purchase Card (GPC) ProgramCorporate Credit Card Programs (e.g., American Express, Visa)
Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)Night Vision Equipment
Global Positioning System (GPS)GPS Navigation Systems (e.g., Google Maps, Waze)
Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) GearHAZMAT suits and personal protective equipment (PPE)
CONVOY Operations Planning ToolsLogistics and Route Planning Software (e.g., RoadWarrior, Circuit)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 2T171 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free