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7161 Career Guide

Navy

7161: Surface Ordnance Maintenance Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Surface Ordnance Maintenance Officer (7161)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7161 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced CAD softwareComputational fluid dynamics (CFD)

Ordnance Safety Specialist

$90K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian safety standards certifications (e.g., OSHA)HAZMAT certifications

Logistics Manager

$105K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management software (e.g., SAP)Project management certification (PMP)

Technical Trainer

$75K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional designE-learning platform proficiency

Quality Assurance Manager

$95K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationISO 9001 auditing

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7161 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 7161, you developed a deep understanding of how complex ordnance systems function, including their components, interactions, and potential failure points. You created mental models to predict system behavior under various conditions.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to the civilian world, allowing you to analyze and optimize processes, identify bottlenecks, and predict outcomes in various industries.

Rapid Prioritization

Ordnance operations often involve time-sensitive tasks and potential hazards. You've honed the skill of rapidly assessing situations, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and impact, and making quick decisions under pressure.

Your experience in prioritizing tasks in high-pressure environments is highly valuable in civilian roles that demand quick thinking, efficient resource allocation, and the ability to stay calm under stress.

Procedural Compliance

Working with ordnance demands strict adherence to safety procedures and regulations. You've developed a strong sense of procedural compliance and the ability to enforce standards to mitigate risks and ensure operational safety.

Your commitment to following procedures and maintaining high standards is highly sought after in civilian roles where safety, quality control, and regulatory compliance are paramount.

Resource Optimization

Coordinating logistics for ordnance operations requires efficient resource allocation and management. You've gained experience in optimizing inventory levels, scheduling maintenance, and minimizing waste to ensure operational readiness.

Your ability to optimize resources and manage logistics translates well to civilian roles that involve supply chain management, operations management, and project management.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

You've been meticulously inspecting, maintaining, and repairing complex systems, always ensuring everything meets the highest standards. This makes you an ideal candidate for a Quality Assurance Manager role, where you'll be responsible for developing and implementing quality control procedures to ensure products meet customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

Your unwavering commitment to procedural compliance, your experience enforcing safety regulations, and your attention to detail make you an excellent fit for a Compliance Officer role. You'll be responsible for developing and implementing compliance programs, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring that the organization adheres to all applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've mastered the art of coordinating logistics for ordnance operations, efficiently allocating resources, and ensuring timely delivery of supplies. This experience translates seamlessly to a Logistics Manager role, where you'll be responsible for overseeing the flow of goods, managing inventory, and optimizing transportation routes to ensure efficient supply chain operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS), Newport, RI and various ordnance maintenance training locations

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in ordnance maintenance and management

Topics Covered

  • Naval gun systems maintenance and repair
  • Missile and rocket launcher maintenance
  • Ordnance handling and safety procedures
  • Logistics and supply chain management for ordnance
  • Guidance and control system diagnostics
  • Explosives safety and handling
  • Quality assurance and inspection procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)60% covered

Requires studying quality control methodologies, statistical process control, and quality auditing techniques specific to civilian manufacturing and service industries.

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)70% covered

Requires study in areas such as business management, manufacturing process reliability, and preventative maintenance optimization within a civilian industrial context.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Mk 45 Naval Gun SystemAutomated artillery systems
Tomahawk Weapon System (TWS)Cruise missile systems
Vertical Launching System (VLS)Containerized missile launch systems
AEGIS Combat SystemIntegrated air defense systems
Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC)Networked sensor fusion systems
Standard Missile (SM) familySurface-to-air missile systems
Harpoon Missile SystemAnti-ship missile systems

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