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3C072 Career Guide

Air Force

3C072: Computer Systems Programming

Career transition guide for Air Force Computer Systems Programming (3C072)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3C072 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Software Engineer

$115K
High matchVery high demand

Database Administrator

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific database certifications (e.g., Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server)

Software Configuration Manager

$100K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Puppet, Chef)DevOps methodologies

Software Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific QA methodologies (e.g., Agile testing)Automated testing tools (e.g., Selenium)

DevOps Engineer

$125K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3C072 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You design and develop complex software systems, understanding how different components interact and contribute to the overall functionality required for warfighting capabilities.

Your ability to model complex systems translates directly into designing and optimizing intricate processes and workflows in a variety of civilian sectors. You can visualize and create functional models that others struggle to comprehend.

Rapid Prioritization

You manage multiple software projects and tasks, constantly assessing their urgency and importance to allocate resources effectively and meet critical deadlines in high-pressure environments.

You excel at quickly evaluating competing priorities and making informed decisions under pressure, ensuring that the most critical tasks are addressed first. This skill is invaluable in dynamic and demanding civilian roles.

Procedural Compliance

You ensure that all software development and maintenance activities adhere to strict DoD directives, standards, and security protocols to maintain system integrity and interoperability.

Your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to following established procedures makes you highly reliable in regulated environments. You understand the importance of compliance and can navigate complex regulatory landscapes effectively.

After-Action Analysis

You analyze software system test data, identify errors and deficiencies, and develop reports and recommendations to improve system performance, security, and interoperability.

Your ability to dissect complex problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions is a valuable asset in any industry. You can use data-driven insights to optimize processes and improve overall outcomes.

Resource Optimization

You manage software and database components, specifications, and test plans to ensure systems meet user requirements while controlling software components to ensure availability and stability.

You are adept at efficiently managing and allocating resources, ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Your experience in resource optimization makes you a valuable asset in any organization.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Process Analyst

SOC 13-1111

You've been analyzing complex software systems, identifying areas for improvement, and developing solutions to optimize performance. As a Business Process Analyst, you'll use these skills to streamline business operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.

Data Quality Manager

SOC 11-3021

You've ensured data accuracy and integrity in critical software systems. As a Data Quality Manager, you'll leverage your expertise to develop and implement data quality standards, monitor data accuracy, and resolve data-related issues, ensuring that organizations can rely on their data for decision-making.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044

You've developed documentation and training materials for complex software systems. As a Technical Trainer, you'll use your communication and instructional skills to train others on how to use and maintain technical products and systems, ensuring they can effectively perform their jobs.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-3021.00

You've worked to protect operating systems and sensitive data from unauthorized access. As an IT Risk Manager, you can leverage your understanding of cybersecurity and risk management to identify and mitigate IT-related risks, ensuring the security and integrity of an organization's information assets.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Cyber Warfare Engineer (CWE) Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in Computer Science or Information Technology

Topics Covered

  • Software Development Lifecycle
  • Programming Fundamentals (Python, Java)
  • Database Design and Management (SQL)
  • Web Application Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
  • Cybersecurity Principles and Practices
  • Software Testing and Quality Assurance
  • Configuration Management and Version Control (Git)
  • Agile Development Methodologies

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Security+70% covered

Focus on risk management, compliance, and operational security, as the military experience heavily emphasizes technical aspects.

Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)60% covered

Formal software engineering methodologies, specific programming languages, and industry best practices.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum), formal project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)AWS Certified Developer – AssociateCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH)ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Network Operations (AFNETOPS) guidanceNetwork security best practices (e.g., NIST, CIS)
DoD Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process (DITSCAP)ISO 27001, SOC 2 compliance
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)Vulnerability Management platforms (e.g., Rapid7, Tenable)
DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs)Configuration management tools (e.g., Chef, Puppet, Ansible)
Automated Security Compliance Assessment Solution (ASACS)Automated compliance scanning tools (e.g., Nessus, Qualys)
Remedy Action Request System (Remedy ARS)ServiceNow, Jira Service Management
Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)Requirements management software (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS, Jama Software)

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