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81T0 Career Guide

Air Force

81T0: Academic Instructor

Career transition guide for Air Force Academic Instructor (81T0)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 81T0 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Corporate Trainer

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional DesignE-learning platforms (e.g., Articulate 360, Adobe Captivate)Needs Assessment

High School Teacher

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Teaching CertificationClassroom Management TechniquesCurriculum Development

Training and Development Specialist

$65K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Human Resources principlesTraining program developmentLearning Management Systems (LMS) software

Technical Trainer

$72K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized technical knowledge (e.g. software, engineering)Technical writingVirtual training platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams)

Curriculum Developer

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional Design PrinciplesAssessment and Evaluation MethodsSubject Matter ExpertiseProject Management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 81T0 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an instructor, you developed a mental model of how students learn best, adapting your teaching methods and materials to optimize their understanding of complex subjects. You understood the interconnectedness of concepts and how to present them in a logical, building-block fashion.

This ability to understand complex systems and their interdependencies translates directly to roles requiring strategic thinking and planning. You can analyze intricate processes, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions to improve efficiency.

Resource Optimization

You were responsible for optimizing resources within your training environment, including time, materials, and personnel. You had to efficiently allocate resources to maximize learning outcomes and ensure training objectives were met.

This skill in resource optimization is highly valuable in roles that require managing budgets, schedules, and teams. You can identify areas for improvement, streamline processes, and ensure resources are used effectively to achieve organizational goals.

After-Action Analysis

You consistently evaluated the effectiveness of your training programs, analyzed student performance, and identified areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop allowed you to refine your teaching methods and ensure the training was impactful.

Your experience in analyzing outcomes and identifying areas for improvement is directly applicable to roles that require data analysis, process improvement, and strategic planning. You can use your analytical skills to identify trends, make data-driven decisions, and improve overall performance.

Situational Awareness

Instructing requires constant awareness of the classroom environment, student engagement, and the overall learning atmosphere. You were adept at reading cues, anticipating challenges, and adapting your approach to maintain a positive and productive learning environment.

Your honed situational awareness makes you excellent at quickly understanding the nuances of any environment. You can assess needs, anticipate problems, and proactively address issues, making you valuable in dynamic and fast-paced settings.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Instructional Designer

SOC 11-9033.00

You've been designing and delivering training programs already! As an Instructional Designer (11-9033.00), you'll use your expertise to create engaging and effective learning experiences for adults in various industries, applying your understanding of learning principles and instructional methodologies.

Technical Writer

SOC 27-3042.00

You've been creating training manuals and instructional materials. As a Technical Writer (27-3042.00), you'll leverage your ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely to create user guides, documentation, and other technical communication materials.

Corporate Trainer

SOC 13-1151.00

You've been instructing and evaluating students. Now, as a Corporate Trainer (13-1151.00), you will conduct employee training to enhance their skills, knowledge, and performance. You will design training programs, deliver engaging sessions, and assess learning outcomes.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Basic Instructor Course, Sheppard AFB

160 training hours4 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in Principles of Adult Learning and Instructional Methods

Topics Covered

  • Learning Theories and Styles
  • Instructional Methods (Lecture, Demonstration, Facilitation)
  • Lesson Planning and Development
  • Assessment and Evaluation Techniques
  • Classroom Management and Communication Skills
  • Use of Instructional Technology
  • Motivation and Engagement Strategies

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional in Training Management (CPTM)70% covered

The CPTM focuses on the business side of training, ROI, and strategic alignment, which may require additional study for someone focused on military instruction.

Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)60% covered

The CTDP focuses on needs assessment, design, delivery, and evaluation of training programs. You'll need to focus on the full training cycle beyond instruction.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD)Training and Development Manager CertificationProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Air Force Training Management System (AF-TMS)Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Canvas, Blackboard, or Moodle
Automated Training Records Management System (ATRMS)Student Information Systems (SIS) like Banner or PowerSchool
Air Force Instructional System Development (ISD) processCurriculum development methodologies such as ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation)
Defense Collaboration Services (DCS)Web conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet
Air Force e-PublishingOnline publishing platforms such as Google Docs, Microsoft Office Online, or collaborative document repositories
Course Training Standard (CTS)Industry certification standards or educational accreditation frameworks

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