New Cohort Starts:

Donate

5928 Career Guide

Marine Corps

5928: Air Defense Missile Officer

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Air Defense Missile Officer (5928)

Translate Your 5928 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 5928 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Ordnance Handling Expert

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT certificationCommercial Driver's License (CDL)

Weapons Systems Technician

$72K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific manufacturer certifications (e.g., Raytheon, Lockheed Martin)Advanced electronics troubleshooting

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationAircraft-specific training

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Welding certificationHydraulics and pneumatics trainingProgrammable Logic Controller (PLC) knowledge

Quality Control Inspector

$52K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationISO 9000 auditing

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 5928 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 5928, you understood complex weapons systems, including how different components interact to achieve a desired outcome. You could diagnose malfunctions by tracing the flow of energy or data through the system.

This ability to grasp complex systems and their interdependencies translates directly to understanding and troubleshooting complex civilian systems, like manufacturing processes, supply chains, or IT networks.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to safety protocols and operating procedures when handling and maintaining dangerous weaponry. Deviations could have catastrophic consequences, so precision and discipline were paramount.

This rigorous approach to following procedures is highly valuable in regulated industries where safety and compliance are critical, such as pharmaceuticals, aviation, or nuclear energy.

Situational Awareness

You constantly assessed your surroundings, monitoring for potential threats, equipment malfunctions, or changes in the environment that could impact mission success. This involved integrating information from multiple sources and anticipating potential problems.

Your ability to maintain a broad awareness of your environment and anticipate potential issues makes you well-suited for roles requiring vigilance and proactive problem-solving, such as risk management, security, or emergency response.

Resource Optimization

Effectively managing resources like ammunition, spare parts, and maintenance schedules was crucial for ensuring operational readiness. You had to make informed decisions about how to allocate resources to maximize effectiveness and minimize waste.

This skill in maximizing resource utilization translates seamlessly to civilian roles that demand efficiency and cost-effectiveness, such as logistics management, supply chain optimization, or project management.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've been maintaining complex weapons systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and adhering to strict maintenance schedules. This experience directly translates to working on industrial machinery, where precision and reliability are equally crucial. You already possess the aptitude for understanding mechanical systems and a dedication to keeping them running smoothly.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been immersed in procedural compliance and safety regulations related to weapons systems. You understand the importance of following protocols to prevent accidents and maintain operational integrity. As a Compliance Officer, you'll apply this knowledge to ensure a company adheres to industry regulations and internal policies, mitigating risk and promoting ethical conduct.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been managing resources, tracking inventory, and coordinating the movement of ammunition and equipment. This experience gives you a solid foundation in logistics principles. You'll be able to use your analytical skills to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, and improve efficiency for a variety of organizations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Leadership Course, Fort Sill, OK

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Military Science

Topics Covered

  • Air Defense Systems Overview
  • Missile and Ammunition Handling Procedures
  • Radar and Sensor Operation
  • Tactical Employment of Air Defense Weapons
  • Communications Procedures
  • Maintenance and Troubleshooting Procedures
  • Fire Control Principles
  • Airspace Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires study of general electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques, and specific electronic components not covered in detail in weapons systems.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Formal project management methodologies, documentation, and stakeholder management best practices need to be studied.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)CompTIA Security+Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/AWG-9 Weapon Control System (WCS)Integrated Mission System (IMS) for law enforcement and emergency response aircraft
Common Munitions Bit/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for aerospace component diagnostics
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)Commercial fire control system
Joint Effects Model (JEM)Engineering simulation software
Target Handoff System version 2 (THS v2)Geospatial intelligence software
Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR)Surveying equipment

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 5928 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free