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7510 Career Guide

Marine Corps

7510: VMA Pilot

Career transition guide for Marine Corps VMA Pilot (7510)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7510 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Airline Pilot

$150K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificationSpecific aircraft type ratings (e.g., Boeing 737, Airbus A320)Commercial aviation regulations

Corporate Pilot

$130K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificationSpecific business jet type ratingsCustomer service skills

Flight Instructor

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ratingExcellent communication and teaching skillsPatience

Air Traffic Controller

$135K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) certificationStrong decision-making under pressureDetailed knowledge of air traffic management procedures

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) / Drone Operator

$75K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certificationSpecific drone operation skills (e.g., aerial photography, surveying)Data analysis

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7510 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a VMA (AM) pilot, you constantly monitor a dynamic battlespace, integrating data from multiple sensors, wingmen, and ground controllers to maintain a comprehensive understanding of threats, friendly positions, and mission objectives.

This translates to a strong ability to assess complex environments, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions under pressure, crucial in fast-paced civilian settings.

Rapid Prioritization

In flight, you face rapidly changing situations demanding instant decisions about which threats to engage, which targets to prioritize, and how to allocate resources (fuel, ordnance) effectively.

This skill allows you to quickly assess the urgency and importance of competing demands, focusing your energy on the most critical tasks to achieve overall goals.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Pilots are trained to handle aircraft malfunctions, system failures, and adverse weather conditions, requiring the ability to adapt procedures and maintain control in less-than-ideal circumstances.

This demonstrates resilience and problem-solving under pressure. You are adept at finding alternative solutions and maintaining performance even when resources are limited or unexpected obstacles arise.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with wingmen, air traffic control, and ground support requires precise communication, anticipation of others' actions, and seamless integration within a larger operational framework.

You have a proven ability to collaborate effectively in high-stakes environments, ensuring that your actions are aligned with the goals of the team and the organization.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been orchestrating complex air operations, and that translates perfectly to managing intricate supply chains. You're already a master of planning, coordinating, and executing under pressure to ensure resources arrive where they're needed, when they're needed. Your ability to adapt to changing circumstances and find solutions in challenging environments will make you a highly effective logistics leader.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've honed your skills in high-pressure situations, making rapid decisions, and coordinating resources effectively. As an Emergency Management Director, you will use these abilities to plan and execute responses to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, and other crises. Your experience in risk assessment, resource allocation, and team leadership will be invaluable in protecting communities and saving lives.

Airfield Operations Specialist

SOC 53-2011.00

You've acquired a deep understanding of flight operations, safety procedures, and air traffic management. You're adept at anticipating potential problems and quickly implementing solutions to maintain smooth and safe operations. This experience will make you a valuable asset at a commercial airport, where you'll ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Primary Flight Training, multiple locations; Advanced Jet Training, multiple locations; Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), MCAS Cherry Point

900 training hours52 weeksVaries by training phase, up to 24 semester hours recommended for flight training and aviation management.

Topics Covered

  • Aerodynamics
  • Aircraft Systems (F/A-18)
  • Basic Flight Maneuvers
  • Instrument Flight
  • Tactical Formation Flying
  • Air-to-Air Combat
  • Air-to-Ground Delivery
  • Carrier Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)70% covered

FAA regulations, specific civilian aircraft systems, instrument flight rules and procedures differences.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum), PMBOK guide knowledge, civilian project lifecycle specifics.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 107)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet (Multi-role fighter)Advanced Avionics Systems (e.g., used in Boeing/Airbus aircraft), Aircraft Maintenance, Flight Operations
AN/APG-73/79 Radar (Air-to-air and air-to-ground radar)Advanced Weather Radar Systems, Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)Augmented Reality Headsets (e.g., for pilots, industrial applications), Heads-Up Displays (HUDs)
Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared (ATFLIR)High-Resolution Thermal Imaging Cameras (e.g., for security, surveillance, industrial inspection)
Link 16 (Tactical Data Exchange Network)Secure Data Communication Networks (e.g., for emergency services, financial institutions), Real-time Data Sharing Platforms
Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS)Secure communication and data sharing platforms
AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing SystemElectronic Countermeasures Systems (Cybersecurity), Threat Detection Systems

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