New Cohort Starts:

Donate

72B Career Guide

Army

72B: Medical Entomologist

Career transition guide for Army Medical Entomologist (72B)

Translate Your 72B Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 72B veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Entomologist

$78K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific knowledge of local insect populationsFamiliarity with civilian research protocols

Public Health Entomologist

$85K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Understanding of CDC and EPA regulationsGrant writing skills

Pest Control Technician/Manager

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

State-specific pest control certificationsBusiness management skills

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

$72K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA certificationsKnowledge of environmental regulations

Research Scientist (Medical Entomology)

$95K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced degree (PhD) in Entomology or related fieldSpecialized laboratory techniques

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 72B training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a medical entomologist, you construct models of disease vector populations and their interactions with the environment to predict outbreaks and optimize control strategies.

This translates directly to the ability to create and analyze complex systems in various fields, understanding how different components interact and influence overall outcomes.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for managing resources (personnel, equipment, insecticides) efficiently to achieve maximum impact in pest and vector control operations, often under budgetary constraints.

This demonstrates your skill in strategically allocating limited resources to achieve the most effective results, a valuable asset in any management or operational role.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a broad awareness of environmental conditions, disease prevalence, and troop health to proactively identify and address potential risks related to vector-borne illnesses.

This sharp awareness allows you to anticipate problems, understand the context of a situation, and make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of your environment, crucial for risk management and strategic planning.

After-Action Analysis

You routinely evaluate the effectiveness of pest management interventions, identifying areas for improvement and adapting strategies based on real-world results.

This shows your dedication to continuous improvement by learning from past experiences and using data to refine future actions, making you a valuable asset in any field requiring adaptability and growth.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Environmental Health and Safety Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

You've been proactively managing health risks associated with pests and vectors. This translates perfectly to managing environmental and safety hazards in industrial or commercial settings, ensuring compliance and minimizing risks to personnel and the environment.

Biosecurity Specialist

SOC 19-4011.03

You've been protecting military personnel from vector-borne diseases. This aligns well with protecting agricultural or natural resources from invasive species and diseases, requiring similar skills in risk assessment, planning, and response.

Urban Planner

SOC 17-3029.00

You've been deeply involved in understanding the ecological factors that impact public health. Urban planning uses similar systems thinking to develop healthy and resilient communities, manage environmental impacts, and proactively mitigate potential risks to public health.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Medical Entomology Training Program, Fort Sam Houston

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in Biology, Entomology, or Public Health

Topics Covered

  • Medical Entomology Principles
  • Pest and Vector Identification
  • Pest Management Strategies
  • Pesticide Application and Safety
  • Disease Transmission and Prevention
  • Entomological Surveillance
  • Laboratory Techniques in Entomology
  • Consultation and Reporting

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS)60% covered

Requires knowledge of environmental health laws, regulations, and community health principles which may not be fully covered in military training. Study local and federal environmental health policies, risk assessment, and sanitation standards.

Certified Professional Entomologist (CPE)70% covered

Requires specific knowledge in chosen entomology specialty area (e.g., medical, urban and industrial). Applicant will likely need to deepen knowledge in a chosen specialty.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Defense Pest Management Information Analysis Center (DPMIAC)Pest control information databases and resources (e.g., NPIC)
Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) Technical GuidesEPA Pesticide Product Information System (PPIS)
Entomological collection equipment (CDC light traps, sweep nets, etc.)Scientific equipment for insect collection and identification (BioQuip Products)
Global Positioning System (GPS) devicesGPS data loggers for mapping and spatial analysis (Garmin, Trimble)
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for pesticide applicationCommercial pesticide applicator PPE (respirators, gloves, protective suits)
Pesticide application equipment (compressed air sprayers, ULV foggers)Professional pest control spray equipment (e.g., B&G Equipment Company)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 72B experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free