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43E Career Guide

Army

43E: Parachute Rigger

Career transition guide for Army Parachute Rigger (43E)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 43E veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Quality Control Inspector

$45K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)Knowledge of specific industry standards

Logistics Specialist

$62K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software proficiencyAPICS certification

Warehouse Manager

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety certificationsExperience with warehouse management systems (WMS)

Compliance Officer

$70K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g., ISO, FDA)Auditing skillsRisk management principles

Training and Development Specialist

$60K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design principlesE-learning platform experienceExcellent communication and presentation skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 43E training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Following detailed technical manuals and safety regulations is paramount when packing parachutes or rigging equipment for airdrop. Lives depend on adherence to established procedures.

Your meticulous approach to following protocols and ensuring accuracy translates directly to any role where safety and quality control are critical.

Resource Optimization

Supervising supply operations requires efficient allocation of resources, from equipment to personnel, to ensure timely delivery and mission readiness.

Your experience managing supplies and personnel gives you a knack for streamlining processes and maximizing efficiency, which is invaluable in operations management.

Team Synchronization

Leading teams in packing, rigging, and loading requires coordinating individual efforts to achieve a common goal under pressure and within tight deadlines.

You excel at coordinating complex tasks and motivating teams to perform at their best, a skill highly sought after in project management and team leadership roles.

Situational Awareness

As an NCO, you are responsible for monitoring the operational environment and anticipating potential problems to ensure the safety and success of the mission.

Your keen eye for detail and ability to assess risks make you well-suited for roles requiring vigilance and proactive problem-solving, such as risk management or safety inspection.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051

You've been responsible for quality assurance inspections, guaranteeing the integrity of life-saving equipment. This experience translates directly to ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance in manufacturing or service industries.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 49-3041

You've managed complex supply operations, overseeing the movement and storage of materials. This experience makes you an ideal candidate for coordinating logistics in industries like transportation, warehousing, or distribution.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

Your background in airdrop operations and NCO leadership has equipped you with the ability to respond calmly and effectively in high-pressure situations. You've been trained to coordinate resources, manage personnel, and execute plans under challenging conditions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aerial Delivery and Materials Supply Course, Fort Lee, VA

280 training hours7 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Aviation Maintenance Technology or Logistics.

Topics Covered

  • •Parachute packing procedures (personnel and cargo)
  • •Parachute repair techniques
  • •Airdrop rigging procedures
  • •Load calculations and weight distribution
  • •Inspection and quality control
  • •Airdrop equipment maintenance
  • •Safety procedures for aerial delivery operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Safety Manager (CASM)40% covered

Study aviation-specific safety management systems, risk assessment methodologies, and regulatory compliance related to civilian aviation operations.

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)50% covered

Focus on supply chain management principles, forecasting techniques, and inventory optimization strategies used in the commercial sector.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Canopy Cutting Machine (ACCM)Automated fabric cutting systems used in textile manufacturing (e.g., Gerber Technology, Lectra)
Parachute Repair Sewing Machines (Various models, e.g., Juki, Singer heavy-duty)Industrial sewing machines for heavy-duty materials (e.g., upholstery, canvas repair)
Airdrop Load Planning Software (specific military versions)Logistics and load planning software (e.g., LoadPlanner, EasyCargo)
Joint Precision Airdrop System (JPADS)GPS-guided cargo delivery systems (e.g., for remote construction sites or disaster relief)
Modular Airborne Delivery System (MADS)Specialized cargo containers for aerial delivery
Container Delivery System (CDS)Palletized cargo systems for efficient transport and handling
Personnel Parachute Systems (T-11, MC-6)Ram-air parachutes and associated equipment used in sport skydiving or search and rescue

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