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85G0 Career Guide

Air Force

85G0: USAF Honor Guard Officer

Career transition guide for Air Force USAF Honor Guard Officer (85G0)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 85G0 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Event Planner

$55K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management SoftwareMeeting Planning Certification (CMP)

Training and Development Specialist

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional DesigneLearning DevelopmentCorporate Training Methodologies

Facilities Manager

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Building Management SystemsVendor NegotiationOSHA Safety Standards

Funeral Director

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Mortuary Science DegreeGrief CounselingEmbalming Certification

Security Manager

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Physical Security PlanningRisk ManagementSecurity Certifications (e.g., CPP)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 85G0 training built — and where they transfer.

Team Synchronization

The 85G0 manages and directs honor guard activities, requiring precise coordination of individuals and teams to execute complex ceremonial functions flawlessly. This includes synchronizing movements, timing, and roles within diverse elements such as color guards, firing parties, and pallbearers.

This translates to the ability to orchestrate and align the efforts of multiple individuals or teams toward a shared objective, ensuring seamless execution and optimal performance. You can anticipate dependencies, resolve conflicts, and maintain a cohesive operational rhythm.

Procedural Compliance

This role demands strict adherence to established protocols, regulations, and guidelines for conducting military ceremonies, handling equipment, managing personnel, and maintaining operational readiness. The 85G0 must enforce and uphold these standards to ensure precision, respect, and adherence to tradition.

In the civilian world, this manifests as a meticulous approach to following established procedures, regulations, and best practices. This ensures consistency, accuracy, and compliance in various operational contexts. You are adept at understanding and implementing complex protocols, maintaining order, and mitigating risks.

Resource Optimization

As an 85G0, you are responsible for planning and acquiring equipment, supplies, space, and facilities required for honor guard functions, while also managing budgets and justifying resource allocation. This means efficiently managing limited resources to achieve maximum impact.

This translates directly to an ability to strategically allocate and manage resources—time, money, personnel, and materials—to maximize efficiency and achieve desired outcomes. You are adept at identifying areas for improvement, streamlining processes, and making data-driven decisions to optimize resource utilization.

Situational Awareness

The 85G0 must constantly assess and respond to dynamic situations during ceremonies, parades, and other events. This includes anticipating potential disruptions, adapting to changing conditions, and maintaining composure under pressure to ensure the seamless execution of ceremonial duties.

This translates to a heightened ability to perceive and understand the environment around you, anticipate potential challenges, and react effectively to changing circumstances. This allows you to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and maintain control in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Event Operations Manager

SOC 11-9081.00

You've been orchestrating complex ceremonies with numerous moving parts, precise timing, and unwavering attention to detail. Event Operations Management requires the same skills to deliver seamless and memorable experiences for attendees.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

Your experience planning and acquiring equipment, supplies, and facilities for the honor guard directly translates to the logistical coordination required in supply chain management. You've already demonstrated an ability to manage resources efficiently and ensure everything is in the right place at the right time.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

Given your experience enforcing procedures and maintaining standards within the honor guard, you are well-prepared to oversee compliance programs within organizations. You have a strong understanding of protocol and the ability to identify and address potential violations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

USAF Honor Guard Training Program, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Military Science or Leadership may be recommended.

Topics Covered

  • Honor Guard History, Tradition, and Protocol
  • Drill and Ceremonies (Manual of Arms, Facing Movements, Salutes)
  • Color Guard Procedures and Flag Handling
  • Firing Party Procedures and Weapon Handling (M1 Garand)
  • Casket Bearing and Funeral Honors
  • Uniform Maintenance and Appearance Standards
  • Public Speaking and Communication Skills
  • Leadership and Team Coordination

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Public Manager (CPM)60% covered

Focus on state and local government management principles, public finance, and specific legal frameworks relevant to civilian public sector roles.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Study the PMBOK guide, focusing on stakeholder management, risk management, and procurement processes as they apply in a civilian project environment. Learn the specific terminology.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)Certified Manager (CM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Funds Management (AFM)Financial planning and budgeting software (e.g., SAP, Oracle Financials)
Defense Travel System (DTS)Travel management software (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
Air Force Training Management System (AFTR)Learning Management Systems (LMS) (e.g., Canvas, Moodle)
Grounds Maintenance EquipmentLandscaping equipment (e.g., John Deere, Toro)
Small Arms Management and Accountability System (SAMAS)Firearms inventory management software
Microsoft Office Suite (common utilization for documentation, scheduling, and communication)Google Workspace (or similar office productivity suites)

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