38M1 Career Guide
38M1: Force Support Specialist
Career transition guide for Air Force Force Support Specialist (38M1)
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Top civilian roles for 38M1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Human Resources Manager
Training and Development Manager
Emergency Management Director
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 38M1 training built — and where they transfer.
Resource Optimization
38M1s manage and allocate manpower, equipment, and financial resources across diverse programs like food service, lodging, recreation, and mortuary affairs. They must balance competing needs and limited resources to maximize mission effectiveness.
This translates to the ability to efficiently manage budgets, personnel, and materials in a business setting, ensuring optimal use of resources to achieve organizational goals.
Procedural Compliance
This role requires strict adherence to Air Force regulations, policies, and standards across all areas of responsibility, from personnel management and training to financial operations and quality of service programs. Maintaining compliance is critical for operational effectiveness and accountability.
Your understanding of regulations and meticulous approach to compliance makes you well-suited for roles requiring consistent adherence to established protocols and legal requirements.
Team Synchronization
38M1s coordinate and integrate the efforts of diverse teams and functional areas to support the overall mission. They facilitate communication, collaboration, and cooperation to ensure smooth operations and effective outcomes.
This skill translates directly to your ability to lead and coordinate teams in a civilian setting, ensuring that diverse groups work together effectively to achieve common goals.
Situational Awareness
This role demands constant awareness of the operational environment, including resource availability, personnel readiness, and potential threats or challenges. 38M1s must be able to quickly assess situations and make informed decisions to maintain mission effectiveness.
Your strong situational awareness allows you to quickly grasp complex environments, anticipate potential problems, and proactively address them, making you a valuable asset in dynamic and challenging civilian roles.
After-Action Analysis
Force Support personnel conduct reviews of programs and processes, documenting lessons learned and implementing improvements to enhance future performance. This continuous improvement cycle ensures that operations are constantly refined and optimized.
You are adept at analyzing past performance to identify areas for improvement, ensuring continuous growth and optimization in any organization.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Business Operations Manager
SOC 13-1000You've been orchestrating complex support operations with diverse functions. Your ability to oversee multiple areas, manage resources, and improve processes aligns perfectly with managing business operations.
Emergency Management Director
SOC 11-9161You've planned for contingencies, managed resources during crises, and coordinated support functions. Your experience in force support translates directly to emergency management, where you'll ensure community preparedness and response.
Corporate Trainer
SOC 13-1151You've developed training programs, managed educational resources, and ensured personnel readiness. Your background is a natural fit for corporate training, where you'll help employees develop skills and improve performance.
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041You've managed compliance with Air Force regulations, ensured adherence to policies, and maintained accountability. As a compliance officer, you'll ensure businesses adhere to legal standards and internal policies, mitigating risks and ensuring ethical conduct.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Force Support Apprentice Course, Goodfellow AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Food Service Operations
- •Lodging Management
- •Fitness Center Management
- •Mortuary Affairs Procedures
- •Casualty Reporting
- •Resource Management
- •Manpower and Organization Principles
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of specific HR laws, SHRM's Body of Competency and Knowledge (BoCK), and strategic HR management principles.
Requires study of the PMBOK guide, formal project management methodologies, and practical application of project management principles across different project types.
Requires focused study on training methodologies, instructional design principles, and evaluation techniques to bridge gaps in formal training program management.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Automated Business Services System (ABSS) | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP or Oracle Financials |
| Air Force Training Record (AFTR) | Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas or Moodle |
| Manpower Programming and Execution System (MPES) | Workforce management software like Workday or ADP |
| Unit Manpower Document (UMD) | Organizational charting and headcount management software |
| Defense Travel System (DTS) | Travel and expense management software like Concur or Expensify |
| Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS) | Wellness program management platforms |
| Advanced Distributed Learning System (ADLS) | Online training platforms like Coursera or Udemy for Business |
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