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79D Career Guide

Army

79D: Career Counselor

Career transition guide for Army Career Counselor (79D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 79D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Human Resources Specialist

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certificationFamiliarity with HR software (e.g., Workday, ADP)

Training and Development Specialist

$62K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional DesignE-learning platform experience (e.g., Coursera, Udemy)Adult Learning Principles

Recruiter

$68K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

LinkedIn Recruiter CertificationApplicant Tracking Systems (ATS) proficiencySales and negotiation techniques

Project Manager

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PMP CertificationAgile methodologiesRisk management

Management Consultant

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

MBA or related Master's degreeData analysisBusiness strategy development

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 79D training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As a Reenlistment Supervisor, you constantly juggle multiple soldiers' career goals, family needs, and the Army's requirements, demanding quick, effective prioritization to ensure everyone's needs are met efficiently.

This ability to rapidly assess and prioritize competing demands translates directly into project management, where you're adept at managing resources and timelines under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

You are responsible for ensuring that all reenlistment actions adhere strictly to Army regulations and policies. This requires a deep understanding of complex procedures and meticulous attention to detail.

Your expertise in adhering to and enforcing procedures is invaluable in roles requiring strict compliance, such as regulatory affairs or compliance management.

Situational Awareness

You must remain constantly aware of the needs and morale of the soldiers under your purview, as well as the broader goals and objectives of the Army. This requires a keen understanding of the environment.

This keen awareness makes you an excellent candidate for roles requiring strong observational and analytical skills, like market research analysis or risk management.

Resource Optimization

You are entrusted with optimizing the use of available resources (funds, personnel, time) to achieve the Army's reenlistment goals efficiently. This requires strategic thinking and careful planning.

Your proven ability to optimize resources makes you an ideal candidate for roles in operations management, where you'll be responsible for maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Human Resources Consultant

SOC 13-1141

You've been advising soldiers on their career paths, understanding their needs, and aligning them with organizational goals. As an HR Consultant, you'll use these skills to help companies develop talent management strategies, conduct training programs, and improve employee relations.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been steeped in Army regulations and policies. You understand the importance of adhering to procedures. As a Compliance Officer, you'll ensure that organizations adhere to legal standards and internal policies, mitigating risk and maintaining ethical operations.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 19-3022

You've been keenly observing soldiers' needs and the Army's goals, which requires an understanding of motivations and trends. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll apply these skills to analyze market data, identify consumer trends, and provide insights to inform business decisions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Army Retention Training Course, Fort Knox

160 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in Human Resources Management

Topics Covered

  • Army Retention Program Policies and Procedures
  • Interviewing and Counseling Techniques
  • Career Path Options and Benefits
  • Reenlistment Eligibility Criteria
  • Database Management (e.g., TAPDB-R)
  • Sales and Marketing Principles for Retention
  • Ethical Considerations in Retention
  • Mentorship and Leadership Skills

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)50% covered

Requires studying HR knowledge domains like talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation & benefits, and HR strategic alignment. Focus on employment law and HR best practices.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Requires studying the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guide, including project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure processes. Focus on formal project management methodologies and tools.

Recommended Next Certifications

SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)Change Management Certification

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Army Retention Management System (ARMS)Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software like Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics 365
eMILPO (Electronic Military Personnel Office)Human Resources Information System (HRIS) such as Workday or Oracle HCM Cloud
Automated Reenlistment Quota System (ARQS)Talent Management Systems with forecasting and quota management features
GoArmyEdLearning Management Systems (LMS) like Coursera or Skillsoft
Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)Identity management and eligibility verification systems

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