351Z Career Guide
351Z: Defense Attaché
Career transition guide for Army Defense Attaché (351Z)
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Top civilian roles for 351Z veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Diplomatic Security Special Agent
Skills to develop:
Intelligence Analyst
Skills to develop:
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Project Manager
Skills to develop:
Security Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 351Z training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
You constantly monitor the geopolitical landscape, understanding the nuances of international relations to effectively advise the Defense Attache and anticipate potential threats or opportunities.
This translates directly to the ability to quickly assess complex situations, identify key factors, and anticipate potential outcomes in a business environment.
Resource Optimization
You're responsible for managing personnel, budgets, and materials across various agencies and international locations, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization of resources to achieve strategic objectives.
This experience gives you a strong understanding of budgetary constraints, resource allocation strategies, and the importance of maximizing efficiency in any organization.
Team Synchronization
You coordinate activities among diverse teams, including U.S. and foreign personnel, ensuring everyone is aligned and working cohesively toward common goals, even across cultural and linguistic barriers.
Your proven ability to manage and coordinate diverse teams makes you adept at fostering collaboration and ensuring projects stay on track, regardless of the complexities.
Procedural Compliance
You meticulously adhere to regulations, directives, and procedures from multiple agencies (DIA, State Department, Army, etc.), ensuring all operations are conducted within established guidelines and legal frameworks.
This disciplined approach translates to a deep understanding of compliance requirements and the importance of adhering to organizational policies and procedures to mitigate risk.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
International Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041.00You've been immersed in a world of complex international regulations, and you're adept at navigating bureaucratic landscapes and ensuring adherence to policies. Your understanding of protocol, security, and cross-cultural communication makes you ideal for ensuring a company's international operations remain compliant.
Global Risk Analyst
SOC 13-2054.00You've been trained to assess potential threats and understand the intricacies of international relations. Your situational awareness and ability to anticipate potential risks make you well-suited to analyze and mitigate risks for a global organization.
Diplomatic Protocol Consultant
SOC 13-1141.00You've spent years advising on matters of protocol, military courtesies, and public affairs. This unique skillset translates perfectly to consulting businesses or organizations on navigating international customs and ensuring smooth interactions with foreign entities.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Defense Intelligence Agency Attaché Training Program, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.
Topics Covered
- •Defense Attaché System Overview
- •HUMINT Collection Operations Management
- •Security and Protocol Procedures
- •Intelligence Reporting and Analysis
- •Financial Resource Management
- •Personnel Supervision and Management
- •Interagency Coordination (DIA, DOS, Army, etc.)
- •Public Affairs and Military Courtesies
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of governmental accounting principles, auditing standards specific to government, and in-depth knowledge of federal financial management regulations and processes.
Requires in-depth study of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques as defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Focus on the PMBOK guide.
Requires study of security management principles, risk assessment, physical security measures, and legal aspects of security. Need to deepen knowledge of private sector security practices.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| HUMINT Online Tasking and Reporting (HOTR) | Case management and intelligence reporting platforms |
| Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) | Encrypted communications and secure data networks |
| Automated Message Handling System (AMHS) | Secure email and messaging systems |
| Defense Travel System (DTS) | Corporate travel and expense management software (e.g., Concur) |
| Security Information Management System (SIMS) | Security incident and event management (SIEM) systems |
| Foreign Area Officer (FAO) management system | International program management and cross-cultural communication |
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