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2T291 Career Guide

Air Force

2T291: Air Transportation Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Air Transportation Specialist (2T291)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2T291 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Logistics Manager

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS certificationSupply chain management software (SAP, Oracle)Project management

Transportation Planner

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Urban planning principlesGIS softwareData analysis

Warehouse Manager

$72K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety standardsWarehouse management systems (WMS)Inventory control techniques

Customs Broker

$68K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Customs brokerage licenseImport/export regulationsInternational trade law

Airline Cargo Agent

$45K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations certificationCustomer service skillsKnowledge of airline-specific cargo systems

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2T291 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

In air transportation, you constantly evaluate and shift priorities based on real-time factors like aircraft readiness, cargo urgency, and passenger needs. You quickly decide what needs immediate attention to keep everything flowing smoothly.

This translates directly into the ability to manage competing demands and deadlines in a fast-paced civilian environment. You can rapidly assess situations, identify critical tasks, and adjust plans to maintain efficiency and meet objectives.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict regulations and protocols is paramount in air transportation, whether it's for safety, security, or documentation. You ensure all processes are followed precisely to avoid errors and maintain accountability.

Your experience in following complex procedures makes you ideal for roles requiring strict adherence to standards. You understand the importance of accuracy, consistency, and documentation to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.

Resource Optimization

You are adept at managing resources like personnel, equipment, and space to maximize efficiency in air transportation operations. This includes planning cargo loading, scheduling personnel, and allocating equipment effectively to meet mission requirements.

This skill translates to civilian roles where efficient resource allocation is critical. You can analyze needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize resource utilization and reduce costs.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a high degree of situational awareness is crucial for safe and effective air transportation operations. You constantly monitor the environment, anticipate potential issues, and adjust plans to mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

Your ability to maintain a broad awareness of your surroundings and anticipate potential problems makes you well-suited for roles requiring vigilance and proactive decision-making. You can quickly identify and respond to changing circumstances to maintain control and prevent disruptions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

You've been expertly managing the flow of cargo and passengers in a high-stakes environment. As a Logistics Analyst, you'll use those analytical and organizational skills to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and improve delivery times. You already understand the big picture – now you can apply that to help businesses thrive.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You're a master of procedural compliance, ensuring every regulation is followed to a T. As a Compliance Officer, you'll use that meticulous attention to detail to ensure companies adhere to legal and ethical standards, preventing costly mistakes and protecting their reputation. You're already a pro at following the rules – now you can help others do the same.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've honed your situational awareness and rapid prioritization skills in demanding air transportation scenarios. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll leverage those abilities to develop and implement plans for responding to disasters and other emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities. You're already prepared for the unexpected – now you can use that expertise to protect others.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Transportation Apprentice Course, Lackland Air Force Base, TX

310 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Logistics and Transportation

Topics Covered

  • Air Cargo Handling
  • Passenger Service Procedures
  • Aircraft Loading and Unloading
  • Hazardous Materials Handling
  • Air Movement Documentation
  • Fleet Service Operations
  • Weight and Balance Calculations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)60% covered

Requires knowledge of advanced business strategies, financial management, and leadership principles specific to the transportation industry. Study contemporary transportation management practices and business acumen.

Certified Dangerous Goods Professional (CDGP)70% covered

Need to study the most current regulations (IATA/ICAO/IMO), focusing on documentation, packaging, labeling, and handling of specific dangerous goods scenarios in the civilian sector.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40% covered

While experience includes safety, formal OSHA training covers specific general industry standards. Focus on areas like machine guarding, electrical safety, and hazard communication, as applied in civilian workplaces.

Recommended Next Certifications

Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Global Air Transportation Execution System (GATES)Transportation Management Systems (TMS) like Blue Yonder or Oracle Transportation Management
Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS)Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as Manhattan Associates or HighJump
Integrated Computerized Deployment System (ICODES)Load planning software such as EasyCargo or CubeMaster
Joint Air Transportation Inspection Records System (JATIRS)Quality Management Systems (QMS) for logistics, such as those offered by Intelex or EtQ
Special Handling Procedures for Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)HAZMAT management software and compliance systems like Hazmat University or Labelmaster
Air Force Integrated Logistics System-Supply (ILS-S)Inventory Management Systems (IMS) such as Fishbowl Inventory or NetSuite Inventory Management
Automated Air Load Planning System (AALPS)3D Load Planning Software such as LoadPlanner or TOPS

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