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6123 Career Guide

Navy

6123: Surface Warfare Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Surface Warfare Officer (6123)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6123 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Operations Manager

$105K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationLean Six Sigma certification

Training and Development Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Adult learning methodologiesE-learning platform expertise

Management Consultant

$120K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

MBA or relevant Master's degreeSpecific industry knowledge (e.g., healthcare, finance)

Project Manager

$98K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R)Security clearance (if required)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6123 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a helicopter power plant mechanic, you develop a deep understanding of the complex systems within helicopter engines, allowing you to predict potential failures and optimize performance through meticulous maintenance and repair.

This expertise in understanding complex systems translates directly into the ability to model and analyze various systems in civilian industries, identifying inefficiencies and developing innovative solutions.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to maintenance manuals, safety protocols, and quality control procedures is paramount in helicopter power plant maintenance to ensure flight safety and operational readiness.

Your dedication to following established procedures and maintaining the highest standards of quality makes you an ideal candidate for roles requiring strict adherence to protocols and regulations.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Helicopter power plant mechanics are skilled in troubleshooting and repairing engines under pressure, often with limited resources and in challenging environments, requiring resourcefulness and adaptability.

This experience in maintaining operations under duress translates into a valuable ability to perform effectively and find creative solutions in high-pressure situations, even when resources are scarce.

After-Action Analysis

Following complex repairs or major maintenance, mechanics analyze the outcomes to identify areas for improvement in processes, techniques, and training to enhance future performance and prevent recurrence of issues.

Your commitment to continuous improvement through after-action analysis makes you well-suited to roles where you can evaluate past performance, identify lessons learned, and implement changes to optimize future results.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081

You've been maintaining complex mechanical systems in demanding environments. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll apply similar skills diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining wind turbines, ensuring efficient energy generation. Your understanding of complex machinery and safety protocols makes you a natural fit.

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061

You've been rigorously inspecting and maintaining helicopter power plants to meet stringent safety standards. As a Quality Control Inspector, you'll leverage your attention to detail and commitment to quality to ensure products meet specifications and regulations in various manufacturing industries.

Field Service Technician (Robotics)

SOC 49-9062

You've been repairing and troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems in helicopters. As a Field Service Technician specializing in robotics, you'll utilize your diagnostic and repair skills to maintain and optimize robotic systems in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics, providing on-site support and ensuring operational efficiency.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Naval Science

Topics Covered

  • Naval Warfare Fundamentals
  • Shipboard Operations
  • Combat Systems
  • Navigation and Seamanship
  • Engineering Principles
  • Leadership and Team Management
  • Damage Control
  • Naval Command and Control

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)70% covered

FAA regulations and specific requirements for civilian aircraft powerplants.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

Business management, airport operations, and fixed-wing aircraft differences

Recommended Next Certifications

Inspection Authorization (IA)Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS)Air Traffic Control Systems
Aegis Combat SystemIntegrated security and threat management platforms
Shipboard Air Traffic Radar (SATR)Airport Surveillance Radar
Global Command and Control System – Maritime (GCCS-M)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems
Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC)Distributed sensor networks and data fusion platforms
AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare SuiteCybersecurity threat detection and prevention systems

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