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62M Career Guide

Army

62M: Rough Terrain Forklift and Loader Operator

Career transition guide for Army Rough Terrain Forklift and Loader Operator (62M)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 62M veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Construction Equipment Operator

$52K
High matchHigh demand

Logistics Coordinator

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management softwareAPICS certification

Construction Supervisor

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certificationOSHA safety standards

First-Line Supervisor of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Blueprint readingLocal construction codes

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

$55K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Diesel engine repairHydraulic systemsWelding certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 62M training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a 62M, you scheduled heavy equipment use, estimated equipment needs for specific jobs, and allocated equipment effectively. You managed resources like fuel, maintenance, and manpower to maximize construction output.

This skill translates into efficiently managing budgets, time, and personnel to achieve project goals while minimizing waste and maximizing productivity in a civilian setting.

Procedural Compliance

The 62M role demanded strict adherence to safety rules, operational procedures, and maintenance protocols to ensure the safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery and the well-being of personnel. This involved consistently following established guidelines and regulations.

This translates to a strong ability to follow established protocols and guidelines, ensuring accuracy, safety, and efficiency in any procedural-based civilian role.

Team Synchronization

In this role, you coordinated construction machinery operations with related construction work, ensuring seamless teamwork and efficient progress. You were responsible for aligning the efforts of multiple operators and teams to meet project deadlines.

This skill translates to coordinating efforts, managing conflicts, and facilitating communication within a team to achieve common goals in a civilian work environment.

Situational Awareness

As a 62M, you maintained awareness of the construction site environment, including equipment status, material availability, and potential hazards. You constantly assessed the situation to make informed decisions and prevent accidents.

This means you're skilled at taking in the big picture and responding effectively to changes, making you valuable in roles requiring quick thinking and proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1081.00

You've been scheduling heavy equipment and coordinating operations; that's logistics! This role will allow you to use your coordination and resource management skills to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012.00

Your experience inspecting structures, scheduling maintenance, and coordinating activities translates perfectly to managing buildings, grounds, and equipment in a facility. You've been doing this on the field and now you can bring these talents indoors!

Construction Estimator

SOC 13-1051.00

You've been estimating equipment and operator requirements for construction jobs. Your background in assessing needs, planning projects, and understanding construction processes makes you an ideal fit for estimating costs and resources in construction projects.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Engineer School, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in heavy equipment operation

Topics Covered

  • Basic Principles of Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
  • Rough Terrain Forklift Operation
  • Scoop Loader Operation
  • Load Handling Techniques
  • Safety Procedures and Regulations
  • Operator Maintenance
  • Field Expedient Repairs

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Forklift Operator70% covered

OSHA regulations, specific forklift models, and workplace safety procedures.

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)30% covered

Project budgeting, risk management, contract law, and advanced scheduling techniques.

OSHA 30-Hour Construction60% covered

In-depth coverage of all OSHA construction standards, record keeping, and hazard communication.

Recommended Next Certifications

Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST)Associate Safety Professional (ASP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Rough Terrain Forklift (RTFL)Construction Forklift
Scoop Loader (Various models)Wheel Loader
Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) proceduresEquipment maintenance checklists and protocols
Army Facilities Components System (AFCS)Construction management software
Standard Army Maintenance System - Enhanced (SAMS-E)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Tactical Radio Communication SystemsTwo-way radio communication systems

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