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83D Career Guide

Army

83D: Photolithography Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Photolithography Specialist (83D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 83D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographer

$50K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Digital PhotographyMarketingPortfolio Development

Printing Technician

$45K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Digital PrintingLarge Format PrintingEquipment Maintenance Certification

Geospatial Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

GIS SoftwareRemote SensingCartography

Quality Control Inspector

$40K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 9001 CertificationSix Sigma TrainingStatistical Analysis

First-Line Supervisor of Production and Operating Workers

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project ManagementLean Manufacturing PrinciplesOSHA Safety Standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 83D training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Following strict protocols for film development, platemaking, and offset printing to ensure high-quality reproductions, even under field-expedient conditions.

Adhering to established guidelines and regulations to guarantee consistent results and minimize errors in detail-oriented tasks.

Resource Optimization

Coordinating the workflow of raw materials and finished products to maximize efficiency and meet production deadlines. Managing equipment maintenance and part replacements to minimize downtime.

Strategically allocating resources to improve productivity, reduce waste, and maintain operational readiness.

Team Synchronization

Supervising specialists, coordinating their activities, and establishing work priorities to achieve production goals. Serving as a liaison between the command and enlisted personnel to ensure effective communication and collaboration.

Directing team efforts and fostering collaboration to accomplish shared goals. Communicating clearly and effectively to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common objectives.

Situational Awareness

Assessing the operational environment to determine work priorities, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure the smooth flow of production. Monitoring enlisted personnel to maintain discipline, welfare, and morale.

Understanding the big picture to make informed decisions, anticipate potential problems, and proactively address challenges. Staying attuned to team dynamics to foster a positive and productive work environment.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041

You've been meticulously inspecting photographic and film processing, platemaking, and offset printing activities to guarantee the highest standards. This makes you uniquely qualified to ensure products or services meet specific quality standards in a civilian setting, identifying defects and implementing corrective actions with a keen eye for detail.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 49-3042

You've been coordinating the workflow of raw materials and finished production, establishing work priorities, and scheduling activities. This gives you a strong foundation to excel in logistics, coordinating the movement of goods, managing inventory, and ensuring timely delivery, where your organizational skills and ability to handle complex operations will be highly valued.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been interpreting and supervising the execution of company policy and SOP, ensuring that unit work is accomplished according to order and priority. You are well-prepared to ensure an organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Photolithography Specialist Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Printing Technology and Photography

Topics Covered

  • Process Photography Techniques
  • Darkroom Procedures and Chemical Handling
  • Platemaking and Offset Printing
  • Photocopy Machine Operation and Maintenance
  • Image Rectification and Mosaics
  • Color Separation Negatives
  • Quality Control in Lithographic Processes
  • Preventive Maintenance on Photographic Equipment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Production Technician (CPT)60% covered

Requires study of modern manufacturing processes, quality control, and safety procedures.

Graphic Communications Education Association (GCEA) Certification70% covered

Requires study in current design trends and software applications used in graphic communications.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Management Professional (CMP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
DSLR Cameras (Various Models)Professional DSLR cameras (Canon, Nikon, Sony)
Darkroom Equipment (Film Developers, Fixers, Enlargers)Photographic darkroom supplies and equipment
Process Cameras (Large Format)Large format cameras and digital backs
Platemaking Equipment (Exposure Units, Plate Processors)Offset printing plate making equipment
Offset Printing Presses (Small Format)Small format offset printing presses
Photostat MachinesLarge format photocopy machines
Ozalid Printers (Diazo Printers)Blueprint and engineering drawing printers

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