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43J Career Guide

Army

43J: Textile Repair Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Textile Repair Specialist (43J)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Tailor/Seamstress

$40K
High matchStable demand

Upholsterer

$42K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Upholstery techniquesKnowledge of furniture construction

Textile Product Assembler

$35K
Good matchStable demand

Custom Clothing Designer

$55K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Fashion design educationMarketing and salesBusiness management

Quality Control Inspector (Textiles)

$43K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Quality control certificationsKnowledge of industry standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

Procedural Compliance

Adhering strictly to established sewing procedures, material specifications, and quality control standards to ensure all repairs and alterations meet military requirements.

Following detailed protocols and regulations in highly regulated environments to guarantee consistent and accurate outcomes.

Resource Optimization

Managing and conserving textile supplies, sewing equipment, and repair parts to maximize efficiency and minimize waste in mobile and fixed repair shop operations.

Strategically allocating and managing materials, tools, and other resources to improve productivity and reduce costs.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating and supervising textile repair teams, ensuring seamless workflow and high-quality output, especially in mobile units where space and resources are limited.

Leading and coordinating teams to achieve common goals, ensuring smooth operations and high performance, particularly in dynamic and challenging environments.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational environment, including the condition of clothing and textiles, repair priorities, and logistical constraints, to adapt repair strategies effectively.

Quickly assessing complex situations, identifying key factors, and adjusting strategies to effectively respond to changing circumstances.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061.00

You've been meticulously inspecting and repairing textiles to meet strict military standards. This eye for detail and commitment to quality makes you perfect for ensuring products meet company specifications in manufacturing.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 49-3042.00

You've managed the repair of clothing and textiles, coordinating resources and schedules to ensure efficient operations. Your organizational skills and experience in handling supplies and equipment translate well to managing the flow of goods and materials in a supply chain.

Restoration Technician (Textiles)

SOC 47-4099.03

You've honed your skills in repairing and restoring textiles. This experience gives you a solid foundation for preserving and restoring antique or damaged fabrics, requiring a blend of technical skill and meticulous attention to detail.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Quartermaster School, Fort Lee, VA

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in sewing and tailoring

Topics Covered

  • Sewing Machine Operation and Maintenance
  • Fabric Identification and Properties
  • Clothing and Textile Repair Techniques
  • Pattern Making and Alteration
  • Inspection and Quality Control
  • Shop Management and Safety
  • Mobile Clothing Repair Trailer Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Production Technician (CPT)60% covered

Requires further study in modern manufacturing processes, quality control, and safety protocols specific to industrial settings.

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)50% covered

Requires study in the basics of supply chain logistics, including warehousing, transportation, and inventory management.

Recommended Next Certifications

Six Sigma Green BeltLean Manufacturing CertificationProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Heavy Duty Sewing Machines (Various Models)Industrial Sewing Machines (Juki, Singer)
Mobile Clothing Repair TrailerMobile tailoring or repair service vans
Textile Inspection Equipment (MIL-STD-105E sampling plans)Quality control inspection tools and procedures (ASTM standards)
GCSS-Army (Global Combat Support System - Army)SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) or similar inventory management systems
AR 700-138 (Army Logistics Readiness and Sustainability)ISO 9000 standards for quality management
DA Form 2404 (Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Worksheet)Maintenance management software, CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System)

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