63A1 Career Guide
63A1: Acquisition Manager
Career transition guide for Air Force Acquisition Manager (63A1)
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Top civilian roles for 63A1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Program Manager
Skills to develop:
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Contracts Manager
Skills to develop:
Business Operations Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 63A1 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As a 63A1, you develop a deep understanding of complex defense systems and their interconnectedness. You create mental models to predict how changes in one area will affect the entire program, from engineering to logistics.
This ability to understand complex systems and predict outcomes is valuable in any field that requires strategic planning and risk management. You can quickly grasp how different components interact and identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.
Resource Optimization
You're responsible for managing budgets, personnel, and equipment to ensure programs stay on track and within budget. You constantly seek ways to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
Your experience in resource optimization translates directly to skills in financial management, operations management, and supply chain optimization. You know how to get the most out of limited resources, a skill highly valued in any organization.
Team Synchronization
You coordinate the efforts of diverse teams, including engineers, program managers, and contractors, to achieve common goals. You ensure everyone is working in sync and understands their role in the overall mission.
This ability to lead and synchronize teams makes you a natural project manager or team leader. You can effectively communicate, delegate tasks, and resolve conflicts to keep teams focused and productive.
Rapid Prioritization
In acquisition management, you face constant changes and unexpected challenges. You quickly assess the situation, identify critical priorities, and make decisions under pressure to keep programs moving forward.
Your skill in rapid prioritization is highly valuable in dynamic and fast-paced environments. You can quickly adapt to changing circumstances, identify the most important tasks, and make decisive decisions to achieve objectives.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been orchestrating complex projects with multiple stakeholders in the military. As a management consultant, you'll leverage your skills in system modeling, resource optimization, and team synchronization to help businesses improve their operations and achieve their strategic goals. You're already adept at identifying inefficiencies and recommending solutions, skills directly transferable to consulting.
Business Process Analyst
SOC 13-1111You've been analyzing acquisition processes to identify areas for improvement. As a Business Process Analyst, you can analyze business workflows, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to improve efficiency and productivity. You're skilled at understanding complex systems and recommending solutions, making you a perfect fit for this role.
Logistics Manager
SOC 11-3071You've been managing the logistics of complex defense programs. Now, as a Logistics Manager in the civilian sector, you can use those skills to oversee the flow of goods and materials, ensuring timely delivery and efficient inventory management. Your experience in resource optimization and supply chain management will be invaluable.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Acquisition Officer School, Wright-Patterson AFB
Topics Covered
- •Defense Acquisition Policy and Law
- •Program Management Fundamentals
- •Cost Estimating and Analysis
- •Contract Management
- •Risk Management
- •Systems Engineering
- •Life Cycle Logistics
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum), specific tools and software used in civilian project management, and detailed knowledge of the PMI's code of ethics and professional conduct.
Specific federal contracting regulations (FAR, DFARS), legal aspects of contracting, and in-depth knowledge of contract types and negotiation strategies.
Deep expertise in supply chain management principles, negotiation techniques, supplier relationship management, and advanced procurement strategies used in the private sector.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Defense Acquisition Management System (DAMS) | Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira) |
| Automated Business Services System (ABSS) | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) |
| Comprehensive Cost and Requirement System (CCaR) | Cost Estimation and Budgeting Software (e.g., Cobra, Deltek Costpoint) |
| Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) | Requirements Management Software (e.g., IBM Rational DOORS) |
| Systems Engineering Technical Review (SETR) Process | Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Software (e.g., Siemens Teamcenter, Arena PLM) |
| Earned Value Management System (EVMS) | Earned Value Management (EVM) Software (e.g., Deltek Acumen, Primavera P6) |
| Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) / Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) | Contract Management Software (e.g., Coupa, SAP Ariba) |
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