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57D Career Guide

Army

57D: Sawyer

Career transition guide for Army Sawyer (57D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 57D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Sawmill Supervisor

$65K
High matchStable demand

Logging Supervisor

$70K
High matchStable demand

Construction Manager

$98K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationOSHA safety standards

First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers

$62K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Lean Manufacturing principlesSix Sigma certification

Forest and Conservation Worker

$45K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Forestry certificationsGIS software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 57D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 57D, you understand how different elements of logging and sawmill operations—from tree selection to lumber grading—interconnect to produce a final product efficiently. You can visualize the entire process and anticipate potential bottlenecks or inefficiencies.

This ability to model complex systems translates directly into understanding and optimizing business processes, supply chains, or production workflows in various industries.

Resource Optimization

You're adept at maximizing lumber production while minimizing waste, selecting the right trees for cutting, and determining the most efficient milling operations. This involves careful calculation of lumber content and efficient use of equipment and personnel.

Your expertise in resource optimization makes you valuable in any role requiring efficient allocation of materials, time, and manpower to achieve maximum output with minimal waste.

Situational Awareness

From selecting cutting areas that protect the terrain to understanding the impact of logging operations on the environment, you maintain a high level of situational awareness to ensure sustainable and responsible practices.

Your keen situational awareness equips you to quickly assess complex environments, anticipate potential challenges, and make informed decisions, crucial in dynamic and high-pressure settings.

Team Synchronization

You direct and coordinate various specialists, such as welders, electricians, and mechanics, to correct equipment malfunctions, ensuring smooth and synchronized logging and sawmill operations.

Your proven ability to synchronize diverse teams towards a common goal translates into effective project management and team leadership in civilian settings.

Rapid Prioritization

As a supervisor, you quickly assess operational needs, select cutting areas, and determine milling operations while considering lumber requirements, efficiency, and environmental protection.

Your rapid prioritization skills enable you to quickly evaluate and address urgent situations, making critical decisions under pressure while keeping long-term goals in sight.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Construction Project Manager

SOC 11-9021

You've been managing complex operations in the logging and sawmill industry, coordinating teams, and optimizing resource allocation. Construction project management demands these very skills to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071

Your experience in supervising the flow of lumber from cutting to storing demonstrates your organizational abilities. Logistics coordination requires efficient planning and execution to ensure products are delivered on time.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012

You're adept at overseeing operations and maintenance of equipment. Facilities management relies on your skills to ensure the efficient and safe operation of buildings and infrastructure.

Environmental Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been trained to understand logging operations' effect on terrain and protect from overcutting. You have a strong base to ensure organizations adhere to environmental regulations and promote sustainable practices.

Training & Education Equivalencies

57D Advanced Individual Training, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in forestry or construction technology.

Topics Covered

  • Sawmill Operations
  • Logging Techniques
  • Lumber Grading
  • Portable Power Saw Operation
  • Timber Cruising
  • Sawmill Equipment Maintenance
  • Forestry and Terrain Impact

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Logger (CL)70% covered

Requires study of sustainable forestry practices, environmental regulations specific to logging in different regions, and potentially advanced tree felling techniques.

Certified Lumber Grader60% covered

Understanding of specific grading rules for different species and applications, potentially requiring more in-depth knowledge of lumber defects and their impact on structural integrity.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification30% covered

Requires thorough knowledge of FSC standards for tracking wood products from forest to consumer, documentation procedures, and compliance auditing.

Recommended Next Certifications

Forest Operations Manager CertificationProject Management Professional (PMP)OSHA Safety Certification

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Portable Power Saws (Various models, e.g., Stihl, Husqvarna)Commercial Chainsaws (Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo)
Sawmill Equipment (Various models, e.g., Wood-Mizer, Baker)Commercial Sawmill Equipment (Wood-Mizer, Baker Products)
Heavy Equipment (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere loaders and skidders)Construction and Forestry Equipment (Caterpillar, John Deere)
Forestry Tools (e.g., clinometers, diameter tapes, increment borers)Forestry Measurement Tools (Clinometers, Diameter Tapes, Increment Borers)
MTOE (Modified Table of Organization and Equipment) managementAsset Management Software
SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System)Two-way radio communication systems (Motorola, Kenwood)
Army Logistics Information System (e.g., GCSS-Army components related to supply and maintenance)Integrated Logistics Management Systems (SAP, Oracle, Infor)

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