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3M051 Career Guide

Air Force

3M051: Services Apprentice

Career transition guide for Air Force Services Apprentice (3M051)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3M051 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Hotel Manager

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Hospitality Management CertificationRevenue ManagementCustomer service

Recreation Center Manager

$58K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CPR/First Aid CertificationFacility ManagementBudgeting

Event Planner

$55K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) CertificationEvent Management Software ProficiencyMarketing and Promotion

Logistics Coordinator

$52K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply Chain Management CertificationInventory ManagementData analysis

Human Resources Assistant

$45K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP CertificationHR Information Systems (HRIS) SoftwareRecruitment and onboarding

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3M051 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

Managing budgets and resources across various facilities like lodging, dining, and recreation to maximize service delivery within constraints.

Effectively allocating and managing resources, including budgets, personnel, and materials, to achieve organizational goals and improve efficiency.

Procedural Compliance

Ensuring strict adherence to regulations and protocols in areas like food safety, lodging standards, and mortuary affairs administration.

Meticulously following established procedures, regulations, and compliance standards to maintain quality, safety, and legal adherence.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating diverse teams, including search and recovery, honor guard, and fitness instructors, to achieve seamless operational outcomes.

Orchestrating the efforts of various team members and departments to ensure coordinated and effective project execution and service delivery.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the needs and attitudes of the military community through surveys and direct interaction to tailor services accordingly.

Quickly grasping and assessing complex environments and understanding the needs and concerns of stakeholders to make informed decisions and provide relevant solutions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

SOC 13-1121

You've been managing complex logistical operations across various facilities, coordinating teams, and optimizing resources. This directly translates to planning and executing successful events by managing vendors, budgets, and schedules.

Healthcare Administrator

SOC 11-9111

You've honed your skills in managing facilities, ensuring compliance, and understanding the needs of a diverse population. In healthcare administration, you can leverage these skills to oversee operations, manage budgets, and improve patient experiences.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

Your expertise in procedural compliance and quality assurance within Airman Services makes you an ideal candidate for a compliance officer role, ensuring organizations adhere to regulatory standards and internal policies.

Human Resources Manager

SOC 11-3121

You've already been training, scheduling, and overseeing personnel while managing morale. You can use that experience to lead HR functions, optimize workforce performance, and foster a positive work environment.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Services Apprentice Course, Fort Lee, VA

336 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Hospitality Management

Topics Covered

  • Food Service Operations
  • Lodging Management
  • Fitness Center Operations
  • Mortuary Affairs Fundamentals
  • Recreation Program Management
  • Customer Service Excellence
  • Inventory Management
  • Basic Accounting Principles

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Hospitality Professional (CHP)60% covered

Requires study of advanced hospitality management principles, revenue management, and specific customer service techniques beyond military procedures.

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)50% covered

Requires study of park and recreation management principles, programming, and risk management specific to civilian recreation facilities.

ServSafe Manager70% covered

While military food service experience covers many aspects of food safety, ServSafe requires specific knowledge of current FDA Food Code regulations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE)Project Management Professional (PMP)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 Integrated Food Service Management (IFS)Restaurant management software (e.g., Toast, Upserve)
Lodging Management System (LMS)Property management systems (PMS) for hotels (e.g., Oracle Hospitality, RoomKeyPMS)
Recreation Management System (RMS)Recreation and fitness center management software (e.g., RecTrac, FusionRMS)
Mortuary Affairs Tracking System (MATS)Funeral home management software (e.g., MKJ Marketing, CRäKN)
Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) Ordering SystemsRetail supply chain management systems (e.g., Oracle Retail, Blue Yonder)
Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS)Gym and fitness studio management software (e.g., Mindbody, Zen Planner)
Government Purchase Card (GPC) Management SystemCorporate credit card and expense management systems (e.g., Concur, Expensify)

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