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6800 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6800: Weather Services Marine

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Weather Services Marine (6800)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6800 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Atmospheric Scientist

$99K
High matchGrowing demand

Environmental Consultant

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Environmental regulationsPermitting processes

Data Scientist

$110K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Python or R programmingMachine learning techniques

Hydrologist

$79K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Groundwater modelingWater resource management principles

Broadcast Meteorologist

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Communication skillsOn-camera presentation skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6800 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

As a meteorologist, you expertly identify patterns in complex weather data from various sources (satellites, radar, surface stations) to predict future weather trends and issue timely warnings.

This translates to an ability to discern trends and anomalies in large datasets, crucial for identifying opportunities and risks in fields beyond meteorology.

System Modeling

You develop and utilize sophisticated models of atmospheric systems, integrating various factors like temperature, pressure, and humidity to forecast weather conditions.

This reflects a strong aptitude for creating and manipulating complex models, allowing you to understand and predict the behavior of various systems.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a constant awareness of changing weather conditions, understanding their potential impact on military operations and civilian populations.

This indicates a heightened ability to perceive and understand your environment, enabling you to anticipate problems and make informed decisions under pressure.

After-Action Analysis

You review past forecasts and analyze their accuracy, identifying areas for improvement in data collection, modeling, and prediction techniques.

This demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement through careful evaluation and analysis of past performance, a valuable skill in any field.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Financial Analyst

SOC 13-2051.00

You've been rigorously trained to model complex systems and recognize patterns, skills directly applicable to analyzing financial markets and predicting investment trends. Your ability to interpret data and anticipate future events makes you a valuable asset in the financial world.

Logistics and Supply Chain Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been responsible for predicting and responding to environmental changes, much like forecasting demand in a supply chain. Your situational awareness and ability to optimize resource allocation translate perfectly to managing complex logistical networks.

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051.00

You've been working with vast datasets and complex algorithms to model weather patterns. You already have the analytical and computational skills needed to thrive as a data scientist, where you can use your expertise to solve problems in various industries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Weather Services Observer Course, Keesler Air Force Base, MS

480 training hours12 weeks3 semester hours in Meteorology

Topics Covered

  • Meteorological Observations
  • Weather Instruments and Equipment
  • Surface Weather Analysis
  • Upper Air Analysis
  • Weather Codes and Dissemination
  • Basic Forecasting Principles
  • Severe Weather Recognition
  • Aviation Weather

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM)60% covered

Requires specific broadcasting knowledge and experience presenting weather information to the public, as well as passing an examination administered by the American Meteorological Society.

American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM)50% covered

Requires a broad background in meteorology, plus demonstrated competence as a consultant as judged by peers. Specifics on consulting practices would need to be studied.

Recommended Next Certifications

GIS Professional (GISP)Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)Data Science Certification (various providers)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TMQ-53 Tactical Meteorological Observing System (TMOS)Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)
Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD)Doppler Weather Radar
Joint Environmental Toolkit (JET)Geographic Information System (GIS) software such as ESRI ArcGIS
Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)Campbell Scientific Weather Stations
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP)Commercial weather satellites such as those operated by Maxar or Planet Labs
Coupled Ocean/Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS)Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model

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