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7163 Career Guide

Navy

7163: Ordnance Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Ordnance Officer (7163)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7163 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific CAD/CAM software proficiencyAdvanced aerospace engineering coursework

Weapons Systems Analyst

$110K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with specific defense contractor systemsSecurity Clearance (if required for role)

Logistics Manager

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certification (e.g., CSCP)Experience with civilian logistics software

Quality Assurance Manager

$90K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationISO 9001 auditing experience

Technical Trainer

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design certificationAdult learning principlesSpecific software or hardware training certifications

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7163 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 7163, you understood the intricate relationships between ordnance components, guidance systems, and launch platforms. You used this understanding to troubleshoot malfunctions and optimize performance.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to designing, analyzing, and improving processes in various industries. You can quickly grasp how different elements interact and identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.

Rapid Prioritization

Ordnance operations demand quick thinking and decisive action, especially when safety is at stake. You've had to rapidly assess risks, allocate resources, and make critical decisions under pressure, ensuring the mission continues safely and effectively.

Your experience in high-stakes environments gives you a unique edge in managing projects, especially when facing unexpected challenges. You can effortlessly triage issues, focus on what matters most, and ensure that critical tasks are completed on time and within budget.

Procedural Compliance

Working with explosives and complex systems requires strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations. As a 7163, you understand the importance of following procedures to mitigate risks and prevent accidents.

Your commitment to safety and precision makes you an ideal candidate for roles that demand rigorous compliance. You can implement and enforce standards, conduct audits, and ensure that organizations meet regulatory requirements.

After-Action Analysis

Following training exercises or real-world ordnance operations, you analyze what went right, what went wrong, and how to improve future performance. This involves gathering data, identifying trends, and developing actionable recommendations.

This ability to learn from experience makes you invaluable in process improvement and quality assurance. You can identify areas where processes can be streamlined, inefficiencies can be eliminated, and overall performance can be enhanced.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been rigorously trained in safety protocols and regulatory compliance. Your attention to detail and commitment to following procedures make you ideally suited to ensure that organizations adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

You've been responsible for coordinating logistics, handling, and safety procedures for ordnance operations. This experience translates to analyzing supply chains, optimizing inventory levels, and streamlining transportation processes in various industries.

Risk Management Consultant

SOC 13-2054.00

You've honed your skills in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in high-stakes environments. Your experience translates to helping organizations develop and implement strategies to protect their assets and minimize potential losses.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Ordnance Officer Basic Course, Naval Support Activity Crane, IN

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in ordnance management and weapons systems technology.

Topics Covered

  • Naval Gun Systems (5-inch/54 caliber, etc.)
  • Missile Systems (Harpoon, Tomahawk, Standard Missile)
  • Ammunition Handling and Stowage
  • Explosives Safety and Regulations
  • Ordnance Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Fire Control Systems
  • Surface Combat Systems Overview
  • Ordnance Maintenance Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)60% covered

Requires study of quality control methodologies, statistical process control, and quality auditing techniques common in manufacturing and service industries.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Requires additional study and experience focused on formal project management methodologies, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing projects, as well as understanding of project management frameworks like Agile and Scrum.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)Six Sigma Green BeltLean Six Sigma Black BeltCertified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AEGIS Weapon SystemIntegrated defense systems, industrial process control systems
Tomahawk Weapon Control System (TWCS)Cruise missile simulation and control software
Vertical Launching System (VLS)Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), industrial robotics
MK 41 Guided Missile Launching System (GMLS)Automated guided vehicle systems, precision robotics
Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) systemsArtillery fire-control systems
Ordnance Information System (OIS)Inventory Management Software, Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems
Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)Automated defense systems, anti-drone systems

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