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2T271 Career Guide

Air Force

2T271: Air Transportation Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Air Transportation Specialist (2T271)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2T271 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Logistics Manager

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS Certification (e.g., CLTD, CSCP)Advanced data analysisSupply chain management software proficiency

Transportation Supervisor

$78K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)Knowledge of DOT regulationsExperience with transportation management systems (TMS)

Warehouse Manager

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety standardsWarehouse management system (WMS) expertiseInventory control techniquesLean manufacturing principles

Supply Chain Analyst

$80K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Data analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)SQLStatistical analysisSupply chain modeling

Customs Broker

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Customs Broker LicenseKnowledge of import/export regulationsExperience with customs documentation

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2T271 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Air Transportation specialists constantly evaluate and adjust priorities based on arriving aircraft, cargo types (hazardous, perishable, etc.), passenger needs, and mission requirements, often under tight deadlines.

This translates directly to the ability to quickly assess situations, identify the most critical tasks, and allocate resources effectively to meet pressing demands in dynamic environments.

Procedural Compliance

This role demands strict adherence to regulations and safety protocols when handling cargo, passengers, and aircraft. Non-compliance can have severe consequences.

You understand the importance of following established procedures meticulously and ensuring that all activities meet regulatory standards.

Resource Optimization

Air Transportation specialists must optimize the use of available resources, including personnel, equipment (like forklifts and loaders), and space, to efficiently move cargo and passengers.

You have experience maximizing the use of limited resources to achieve operational goals while minimizing waste and delays.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the airfield environment, including aircraft movements, weather conditions, and potential hazards, is crucial for safe and efficient operations.

You are adept at perceiving your surroundings, anticipating potential problems, and making informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1081.00

You've been managing complex cargo and passenger movements, ensuring everything arrives safely and on time. As a Logistics Coordinator (13-1081), you'll apply these skills to oversee the flow of goods and materials in a supply chain, coordinating with vendors, carriers, and customers. Your experience with documentation, safety protocols, and problem-solving will make you a valuable asset.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You're experienced in rapidly prioritizing tasks under pressure and maintaining situational awareness. As an Emergency Management Specialist (11-9161), you'll leverage those skills to prepare for and respond to disasters, coordinating resources and ensuring the safety of the public. Your background in procedural compliance and resource optimization will be highly relevant.

Transportation Planner

SOC 17-3029.00

You've been planning and organizing air transportation activities, considering factors like capacity, routes, and safety. As a Transportation Planner (17-3029), you'll use your expertise to develop strategies for improving transportation systems, analyzing data, and recommending solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce congestion. Your ability to optimize resources and comply with regulations will be essential in this role.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Transportation Apprentice Course, Lackland Air Force Base, TX

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Logistics and Transportation Management

Topics Covered

  • Air Cargo and Passenger Processing
  • Aircraft Loading and Unloading Procedures
  • Hazardous Materials Handling and Transportation
  • Air Movement Documentation and Recordkeeping
  • Fleet Service Operations
  • Weight and Balance Computations
  • Security Procedures for Air Transportation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)60% covered

Requires study of advanced business logistics, transportation economics, and strategic planning concepts not explicitly covered in the military role.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Certification40% covered

While the military role involves safety and security, OSHA 30 focuses more on specific OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards that need to be studied separately.

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)50% covered

The military role covers handling dangerous materials, but CHMM requires deeper knowledge of environmental regulations, waste management, and hazardous materials control strategies beyond military-specific applications.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS)Transportation Management Systems (TMS) like Oracle Transportation Management or SAP Transportation Management
Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES)Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) with yard management and dock scheduling features
Integrated Computerized Deployment System (ICODES)Load planning software such as EasyCargo or CubeMaster
Joint Air Logistics Information System (JALIS)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with logistics and supply chain modules
Air Force Integrated Logistics System-Supply (ILS-S)Inventory management software like Fishbowl Inventory or NetSuite Inventory Management
Hazardous Material Information Resource System (HMIRS)Chemical inventory and SDS management systems like Chemwatch or Verisk 3E
Defense Travel System (DTS)Corporate travel booking and expense management systems like Concur or Expensify

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