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61231 Career Guide

Air Force

61231: Services Apprentice

Career transition guide for Air Force Services Apprentice (61231)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 61231 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Hotel Manager

$75K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced hospitality management techniquesRevenue management strategies

Restaurant Manager

$68K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced food safety certification (e.g., HACCP)Restaurant-specific POS systems training

Recreation Director

$62K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certificationGrant writing for recreational programs

Logistics Manager

$85K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certification (e.g., CSCP)APICS certification

Retail Operations Manager

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced inventory management techniquesRetail management certificationE-commerce platform management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 61231 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

Managing budgets, inventory, and staffing across diverse service programs (food, lodging, recreation) to maximize efficiency and effectiveness with limited resources.

Effectively allocating and managing resources (financial, human capital, material) to achieve optimal outcomes and minimize waste in various operational contexts.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing competing demands across multiple service areas (e.g., food service, lodging, mortuary affairs), particularly during emergencies or peak operational periods.

Swiftly evaluating and ranking tasks, projects, or issues based on urgency and importance, enabling effective responses to dynamic and high-pressure situations.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating and synchronizing the activities of diverse teams across different service functions to ensure seamless operations and consistent service delivery.

Orchestrating the efforts of various teams or departments to achieve a common goal, ensuring efficient communication, collaboration, and alignment of activities.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a constant awareness of the operational environment, including customer needs, staff performance, and potential risks, to proactively address challenges and opportunities.

Continuously monitoring and assessing the surrounding environment, identifying potential issues, and anticipating future needs to make informed decisions and take proactive measures.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Event Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1199

You've been managing complex service operations, coordinating diverse teams, and optimizing resources across multiple areas. As an Event Logistics Coordinator, you'll use those skills to orchestrate seamless event experiences, handling everything from venue setup to vendor management – ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly, just like you did in the military!

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012

You've demonstrated expertise in overseeing various service-related activities, including lodging, maintenance, and resource allocation. In a Facilities Manager role, you'll leverage these skills to maintain and optimize the functionality, safety, and efficiency of buildings and grounds – ensuring a smooth and productive environment for everyone, much like you did in the military.

Supply Chain Analyst

SOC 13-1151

You've been responsible for managing inventory, coordinating logistics, and ensuring efficient resource allocation across multiple service programs. As a Supply Chain Analyst, you'll use those skills to analyze supply chain data, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize the flow of goods and services – ensuring that products are delivered on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Services Apprentice Course, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX

336 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Food Service Management and Hospitality Services

Topics Covered

  • Food Service Operations
  • Lodging Management
  • Recreation Program Management
  • Fitness Center Operations
  • Mortuary Affairs Procedures
  • Services Readiness
  • Point of Sale (POS) Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)70% covered

Requires additional study in specific hospitality management principles, advanced customer service techniques, and potentially some financial management aspects relevant to hospitality.

Certified Manager (CM)60% covered

The CM certification may require further study in areas such as human resource management, financial accounting, and quantitative decision-making.

ServSafe Manager Certification80% covered

While military food service experience provides a strong foundation, review specific food safety regulations and best practices outlined by ServSafe.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR)Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Business Services System (ABSS)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems like SAP or Oracle
Food Service Management System (FSMS)Restaurant management software (e.g., Toast, OpenTable) with inventory and ordering modules
Lodging Management System (LMS)Property Management Systems (PMS) used in hotels (e.g., Opera, RoomKeyPMS)
Air Force Fitness Management System (AFFMS)Gym management software (e.g., Mindbody, Zen Planner)
Services Readiness Assessment Tool (SRAT)Business Continuity Planning (BCP) software
Mortuary Affairs Tracking System (MATS)Case management software with chain-of-custody tracking

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