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35B1 Career Guide

Air Force

35B1: Band Program Manager

Career transition guide for Air Force Band Program Manager (35B1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 35B1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Music Director/Conductor

$78K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Grant writingFundraisingCommunity outreach

Arts Administrator

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Nonprofit managementMarketingDevelopment/FundraisingFinancial management

Event Planner

$60K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project management softwareBudget managementNegotiation skills

Training and Development Manager

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional DesigneLearning platformsCorporate training methodologies

Public Relations Specialist

$68K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Crisis communicationMedia relationsDigital marketingSocial media management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 35B1 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a band program manager, you directly manage the budget, equipment, and personnel resources to maximize the impact and reach of Air Force bands. You ensure resources are allocated effectively to support training, performances, and equipment maintenance.

Your experience in managing resources to achieve specific objectives translates directly to roles requiring budget management, cost control, and efficient allocation of resources.

Team Synchronization

You coordinate band activities across different units and with other organizations, ensuring seamless integration of band performances into larger events and ceremonies. This requires a high degree of coordination and communication to ensure everyone is synchronized.

Your demonstrated ability to coordinate activities across multiple teams and organizations translates directly into civilian roles where collaboration and synchronization are key to project success.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor band activities to ensure compliance with directives and effectiveness of administration. You must stay informed about changes in public laws, directives, and policies to adapt band programs accordingly.

Your ability to stay informed about changing conditions and adapt programs accordingly makes you well-suited for roles requiring constant monitoring, risk assessment, and proactive adjustments.

Procedural Compliance

A significant part of your role involves ensuring that all band activities comply with Air Force policies, public laws, and directives. You are responsible for interpreting and implementing these regulations to maintain standards and avoid violations.

Your experience in adhering to strict regulations and ensuring compliance makes you a strong candidate for roles that demand high attention to detail and adherence to established procedures.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Event Planner

SOC 13-1121

You've been managing the logistics and performance aspects of musical events, which has given you great experience managing budgets, schedules, and personnel, skills that are easily translated to corporate event planning, or even wedding planning.

Program Manager

SOC 11-1011

Your responsibilities for directing budget preparation, justifying funds, and monitoring program effectiveness align perfectly with the skills needed to manage programs in various industries, from non-profits to tech companies. You're already a pro at strategic planning!

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been deeply involved in interpreting and ensuring compliance with Air Force policies and public laws. This experience translates well to ensuring a company adheres to regulatory standards, making you a valuable asset in risk management and compliance.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Band Officer Basic Course, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Music Management and Leadership

Topics Covered

  • Air Force Band Program Policies and Procedures
  • Budget Management and Financial Planning for Band Operations
  • Personnel Management and Career Development for Band Members
  • Music Performance and Ensemble Direction Techniques
  • Logistics and Resource Management for Musical Equipment and Facilities
  • Public Relations and Community Engagement Strategies for Military Bands
  • Military Customs and Protocol for Musical Performances
  • Risk Management and Safety Procedures for Band Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)60% covered

Gaps include specific meeting planning software, contract negotiation, and post-event analysis techniques common in the civilian sector.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Gaps include familiarity with specific project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) and tools, as well as documentation requirements outside of military settings.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Association Executive (CAE)SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Publications LibrarySubscription-based legal and regulatory database (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)
Defense Travel System (DTS)Travel and expense management software (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
Automated Budget Compilation System (ABCS)Budgeting and forecasting software (e.g., Oracle, SAP)
Air Force Training Management System (TMS)Learning management system (LMS) (e.g., Cornerstone OnDemand, TalentLMS)
LOGMOD (Logistics Module)Event and logistics management software (e.g., Cvent, Eventbrite)
Microsoft Office SuiteMicrosoft Office Suite
Government Purchase Card (GPC) Online SystemCorporate credit card management platforms (e.g., American Express @ Work)

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