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350L Career Guide

Army

350L: Defense Attaché Operations Officer

Career transition guide for Army Defense Attaché Operations Officer (350L)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 350L veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with specific intelligence analysis tools (e.g., Analyst Notebook)Enhanced data visualization skillsExperience with open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques

Security Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certificationKnowledge of corporate security protocolsExperience with physical security systems

Government Relations Manager

$110K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Lobbying experienceUnderstanding of legislative processesNetworking within government agencies

International Liaison Officer

$90K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced foreign language proficiencyCultural sensitivity trainingExperience in international negotiations

Project Manager

$98K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies trainingExperience with project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 350L training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

The 350L role demands constant awareness of the political, social, and security landscape within a foreign country to effectively advise the Defense Attaché and manage operations. They must anticipate potential threats and opportunities to ensure the safety of personnel and the success of the mission.

This translates directly to the ability to perceive and understand complex environments in real-time, anticipate changes, and make informed decisions based on incomplete information. You are adept at assessing risk and understanding how different factors interact to influence outcomes.

Resource Optimization

This role is responsible for managing budgets, personnel, and materiel resources to support Defense Attaché Office operations. They are skilled at allocating resources effectively, identifying inefficiencies, and implementing cost-saving measures while ensuring mission success.

Your military experience translates into a strong capability to maximize the use of available resources, minimize waste, and achieve optimal results. You understand how to manage budgets, track expenses, and make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating operations across different agencies (DIA, State Department, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps) and supervising both US and foreign personnel requires a high degree of teamwork and coordination. The 350L must be able to build consensus, resolve conflicts, and ensure that all team members are working towards common goals.

You possess the proven ability to build cohesive teams, foster collaboration, and manage diverse groups of people effectively. Your leadership skills, communication skills, and ability to motivate others make you a valuable asset in any team environment.

Procedural Compliance

The role requires strict adherence to regulations, directives, and procedures from multiple agencies, including the Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of State, and the military branches. This ensures accountability, security, and operational effectiveness.

You are highly skilled at understanding and adhering to complex rules and regulations. You are detail-oriented, organized, and committed to following established procedures to ensure compliance and avoid errors.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

International Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been immersed in navigating complex international regulations and policies within the Defense Attaché Office. Your ability to understand and enforce compliance procedures across different organizations and cultures makes you exceptionally well-suited for ensuring a company adheres to international laws and standards.

Global Security Manager

SOC 11-9199.08

You've been responsible for the security of personnel and operations in foreign countries. Your experience in risk assessment, security protocols, and emergency response makes you an ideal candidate for managing security operations for a multinational corporation.

International Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've been coordinating complex operations and managing resources across different countries and agencies. Your experience in planning, organizing, and executing projects in international settings makes you well-equipped to manage international projects for various industries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Defense Attaché Career Management Program, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C.

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in political science or public administration.

Topics Covered

  • Defense Attaché System Overview
  • HUMINT Collection Operations Management
  • Diplomatic Protocol and Military Courtesies
  • Intelligence Reporting and Analysis
  • Resource Management and Budgeting
  • Security Procedures and Counterintelligence
  • Interagency Coordination (DIA, DOS, INSCOM)
  • Personnel Management and Administration

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)60% covered

Requires study of government accounting standards, auditing, and specific financial management topics not covered in detail during military training.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Requires focused study on the PMI framework, methodologies, and terminology, particularly in areas like stakeholder management and risk assessment in civilian project contexts.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)Secure video conferencing and document sharing platforms
HUMINT Online Tasking and Reporting (HOTR)Case management and intelligence reporting software
Defense Travel System (DTS)Corporate travel booking and expense management systems (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
Army Knowledge Online (AKO)SharePoint, cloud-based collaboration platforms
Integrated Budget Documentation and Execution System (IBDES)Financial planning and budget management software (e.g., Hyperion, Anaplan)
Automated Time, Attendance, and Production System (ATAAPS)Time and attendance tracking systems (e.g., Kronos, ADP)
Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS)Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) (e.g., Workday, PeopleSoft)

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