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51E Career Guide

Army

51E: Camouflage Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Camouflage Specialist (51E)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 51E veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Construction Manager

$98K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationOSHA safety standards training

Landscaping Supervisor

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Horticultural knowledgeLandscape design principlesIrrigation system installation and maintenance

Special Effects Technician

$72K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of film and stage productionExperience with prop fabrication and set designFamiliarity with relevant software (e.g., 3D modeling)

Security Consultant

$85K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Security risk assessment methodologiesKnowledge of security technology systemsRelevant certifications (e.g., Certified Protection Professional)

Logistics Coordinator

$62K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management principlesInventory controlExperience with logistics software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 51E training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

Camouflage Specialists must quickly identify visual patterns in the environment to effectively conceal objects and personnel, recognizing shapes, colors, and textures that stand out or blend in.

The ability to recognize and interpret complex visual data translates to industries where identifying trends or anomalies is crucial, such as data analysis or quality control.

Resource Optimization

These specialists optimize available materials, both natural and artificial, to create effective camouflage, minimizing waste and maximizing concealment capabilities.

This ability translates directly to efficient management of resources in fields like logistics, supply chain management, or project management, where achieving goals with limited resources is essential.

Situational Awareness

Camouflage Specialists maintain a high level of situational awareness to understand the environment, enemy capabilities, and friendly positions to create effective concealment strategies.

This skill is valuable in roles requiring quick assessment of dynamic situations and proactive planning, such as risk management, security analysis, or event planning.

Procedural Compliance

These specialists follow established procedures and regulations for handling materials, constructing camouflage, and maintaining operational security.

Your adherence to protocols and standards makes you an ideal candidate for roles in heavily regulated industries, such as healthcare, finance, or environmental safety.

System Modeling

Camouflage specialists must understand how different elements of the environment interact (light, shadow, vegetation) to create a system of concealment.

Understanding interactions within a complex environment gives you a competitive edge in roles such as urban planning, sustainability consulting, and landscape architecture.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Theatrical Set Designer

SOC 27-2031

You've been trained to manipulate the visual environment to create specific effects, concealing and revealing elements to achieve a desired outcome. This is precisely what set designers do to enhance storytelling in theater and film.

Sustainability Consultant

SOC 13-1199

You've optimized resources to achieve specific tactical goals; now you can apply that same thinking to help organizations reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.

Urban Planner

SOC 19-3051

You've developed a keen eye for how elements of the environment interact to create a specific effect. Now you can leverage that understanding to design functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable urban spaces.

Loss Prevention Manager

SOC 11-9199

You're adept at identifying vulnerabilities and developing strategies to mitigate them. As a loss prevention manager, you'll use these skills to protect assets and minimize losses for retail or other businesses.

Training & Education Equivalencies

51E Initial Entry Training, Fort Leonard Wood

280 training hours7 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in construction technology or drafting.

Topics Covered

  • Principles of Camouflage
  • Camouflage Materials and Techniques
  • Map Reading and Land Navigation
  • Decoy Placement and Simulation
  • Construction of Camouflage Structures
  • Requisitioning and Supply Procedures
  • Tactical Unit Defense
  • Sketching and Terrain Feature Identification

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

OSHA 30-Hour Construction60% covered

Requires study of specific OSHA regulations related to construction safety, hazard communication, and personal protective equipment, as well as site-specific safety plans.

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)30% covered

CCM requires in-depth knowledge of construction project management principles, contract administration, cost control, and risk management, needing further study in these areas.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)LEED Green Associate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Multi-Spectral Camouflage Netting System (MSCN)Advanced textile camouflage and concealment products
AN/PVS-7B Night Vision GogglesNight vision equipment
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) supply systemSupply chain management software
Military mapping toolsGeographic information systems (GIS)
Tactical Communication SystemsTwo-way radio communication systems
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Reachback CenterCivil engineering and construction project management resources

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