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43M1 Career Guide

Air Force

43M1: Medical Entomologist

Career transition guide for Air Force Medical Entomologist (43M1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 43M1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Specialist

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA certificationsKnowledge of EPA regulations

Entomologist

$78K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) certification

Pest Control Business Owner/Manager

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Business management skillsState-specific pest control licensesMarketing/sales experience

Public Health Officer

$77K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Master of Public Health (MPH) degreeGrant writingCommunity outreach

Regulatory Affairs Specialist

$85K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Understanding of FDA/EPA regulationsTechnical writingProject management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 43M1 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a Medical Entomologist, you construct predictive models of disease vector populations and environmental impacts to anticipate outbreaks and optimize control strategies.

You can translate complex environmental and biological data into actionable models, anticipating future trends and informing resource allocation.

Resource Optimization

You manage resources effectively to maximize the impact of pest and vector control programs, balancing cost, environmental impact, and operational effectiveness.

You excel at strategically allocating resources to achieve optimal outcomes, considering various constraints and priorities.

Situational Awareness

You maintain comprehensive awareness of environmental conditions, disease vectors, and potential threats to develop effective preventive measures.

You can quickly assess complex and changing environments, identifying key risks and opportunities to inform decision-making.

After-Action Analysis

You rigorously analyze the effectiveness of pest control and disease prevention efforts, identifying areas for improvement and refining future strategies.

You are skilled at evaluating outcomes, identifying lessons learned, and implementing changes to improve performance.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Environmental Risk Manager

SOC 11-9199.02

You've been deeply involved in assessing and mitigating environmental risks related to disease vectors and pest management. This directly translates to managing environmental risks in various industries, ensuring compliance and sustainability.

Public Health Consultant

SOC 21-1091.00

You've consulted on the entomological aspects of preventative medicine. You can leverage this experience to advise healthcare organizations and government agencies on public health strategies and interventions.

Sustainability Manager

SOC 11-9199.11

You've formulated policies balancing national defense and environmental stewardship goals. This experience makes you an excellent candidate to lead sustainability initiatives for corporations, balancing environmental impact with business objectives.

Agricultural Consultant

SOC 11-9013.00

You've developed and implemented integrated pest management plans. This expertise translates well to advising agricultural businesses on sustainable farming practices and pest control strategies to maximize yields while minimizing environmental impact.

Training & Education Equivalencies

USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Wright-Patterson AFB

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in biology, environmental science, and public health recommended

Topics Covered

  • Medical Entomology Principles
  • Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
  • Pesticide Application and Safety
  • Environmental Impact Analysis
  • Zoonotic Disease Control
  • Hazardous Plant and Animal Identification

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional in Food Safety (CP-FS)60% covered

Requires study of food handling, foodborne illness prevention specific to food service, and HACCP principles as they apply to food preparation and service.

Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)50% covered

Requires additional training and examination on topics such as food safety, water quality, waste management, and environmental regulations specific to civilian contexts. Specific requirements vary by state.

Associate Safety Professional (ASP)40% covered

Requires focused study on general safety management principles, safety regulations, and hazard identification and control methods beyond pest and vector control.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
USAF Entomology Automated Reporting System (EARS)Geographic Information System (GIS) software for disease tracking and vector control (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS)
Defense Pest Management Information Analysis Center (DPMIAC) resourcesPest management databases and information clearinghouses (e.g., university extension services, EPA resources)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for pesticide application (e.g., respirators, Tyvek suits)Commercial-grade PPE for pesticide handling and application
Pest surveillance equipment (e.g., CDC light traps, gravid traps, sweep nets)Entomological collection and monitoring equipment (available through scientific supply companies)
Military-specific pesticide application equipment (e.g., truck-mounted sprayers, foggers)Commercial pesticide application equipment
DoD Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelinesIndustry-standard IPM practices and certifications
Joint Operational Medical Information System (JOMIS)Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems with disease surveillance modules

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