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37F3 Career Guide

Air Force

37F3: Force Support Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Force Support Specialist (37F3)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 37F3 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Human Resources Manager

$120K
High matchHigh demand

Training and Development Manager

$115K
High matchGrowing demand

Management Analyst

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Consulting methodologiesData analysis software

Emergency Management Director

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT trainingFEMA certifications

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

$60K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Event planning softwareVendor negotiationBudget management certifications

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 37F3 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a 37F3, you managed manpower, equipment, and financial resources across various programs, ensuring efficient allocation and utilization to meet mission requirements. You developed budgets, tracked expenditures, and identified opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

In the civilian sector, your expertise in resource optimization translates to skills in budget management, financial planning, and operational efficiency. You can analyze resource allocation, identify inefficiencies, and implement strategies to maximize productivity and minimize costs.

Procedural Compliance

You ensured adherence to Air Force regulations, policies, and standards in all aspects of force support operations. This included interpreting and implementing complex directives, conducting inspections to verify compliance, and developing corrective action plans to address deficiencies.

Your experience in procedural compliance equips you with the ability to understand and enforce regulations, maintain quality standards, and mitigate risks. You can develop and implement policies, conduct audits, and ensure that organizations adhere to legal and ethical guidelines.

Team Synchronization

You coordinated and collaborated with diverse teams across various functional areas to deliver integrated force support services. This required effective communication, conflict resolution, and the ability to align team efforts towards common goals, even under pressure.

Your proficiency in team synchronization demonstrates your ability to lead and motivate teams, foster collaboration, and achieve collective objectives. You can build strong relationships, facilitate communication, and create a cohesive work environment.

Situational Awareness

You maintained a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, including personnel readiness, resource availability, and potential threats. This enabled you to anticipate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and make informed decisions to support mission success.

Your keen situational awareness allows you to assess complex situations, identify critical factors, and anticipate potential risks and opportunities. You can leverage this skill to make strategic decisions, manage crises, and navigate dynamic environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been responsible for readiness and contingency operations. That background translates directly into emergency preparedness and response planning.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've managed procedural compliance and quality of service programs. This experience makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring organizations adhere to regulations and standards.

Human Resources Manager

SOC 11-3121.00

You've managed a wide variety of personnel programs. Your experience with force development, career progression, and employee relations will make you an effective HR leader.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Force Support Apprentice Course, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX

360 training hours9 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Human Resource Management, Hospitality Management, and Business Administration

Topics Covered

  • Food Service Operations
  • Lodging Management
  • Fitness Center Management
  • Mortuary Affairs Procedures
  • Resource Management Fundamentals
  • Manpower and Organization Principles
  • Personnel Program Management
  • Customer Service Excellence

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

SHRM-CP60% covered

Requires studying US employment law, compensation and benefits, and employee relations best practices.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Requires studying the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide, specifically in areas of stakeholder management, risk management, and procurement management.

Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP)50% covered

Requires studying specific hospitality management principles like revenue management, guest services, and marketing in the hospitality industry.

Recommended Next Certifications

SHRM-SCPCertified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)Change Management Professional (CMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Manpower Analysis Tool (AFMAT)Workforce analytics platforms (e.g., Visier, Workday)
Defense Travel System (DTS)Corporate travel and expense management software (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
Automated Business Services System (ABSS)Business process automation (BPA) platforms (e.g., UiPath, Automation Anywhere)
Air Force Training Record (AFTR)Learning Management Systems (LMS) (e.g., Coursera, TalentLMS)
Military Personnel Data System (MilPDS)Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) (e.g., Oracle HCM, SAP SuccessFactors)
Government Purchase Card (GPC) ProgramCorporate credit card and spend management platforms (e.g., Brex, Divvy)
Base Operating Support (BOS) contracts managementFacilities management software (e.g., ServiceChannel, FM:Systems)

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