9651 Career Guide
9651: Operations Research Specialist
Career transition guide for Marine Corps Operations Research Specialist (9651)
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Top civilian roles for 9651 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Operations Research Analyst
Management Analyst
Skills to develop:
Data Scientist
Skills to develop:
Statistician
Skills to develop:
Logistics Analyst
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 9651 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
Operations research specialists construct models of military operations and systems to predict outcomes and optimize performance. This involves understanding complex interactions and translating them into quantifiable representations.
The ability to create and manipulate complex models translates directly to fields requiring forecasting, simulation, and strategic planning. You can analyze intricate systems, identify key variables, and predict future behavior based on different scenarios.
Resource Optimization
You optimize the allocation of resources such as personnel, equipment, and time to achieve mission objectives efficiently and effectively, often under constraints and with competing priorities.
Your expertise in resource allocation is invaluable for any organization seeking to maximize output with limited inputs. You know how to analyze constraints, evaluate trade-offs, and implement strategies for optimal resource utilization.
After-Action Analysis
You conduct thorough after-action reviews to identify lessons learned from past operations, assess performance, and develop recommendations for improvement.
Your experience in analyzing past performance and extracting actionable insights is highly sought after. You have a knack for identifying areas for improvement and driving positive change through data-driven recommendations.
Adversarial Thinking
As an operations research specialist, you anticipate potential threats, analyze competitor strategies, and develop counter-measures to maintain a strategic advantage.
Your ability to think strategically and anticipate your 'adversary' is a strong asset in any business environment. You can assess risks, identify opportunities, and develop plans to stay ahead of the competition.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been trained to analyze complex systems, optimize resource allocation, and develop strategic recommendations. Your modeling and analytical skills, coupled with your understanding of organizational dynamics, make you well-suited to help businesses improve their performance and achieve their goals.
Financial Analyst
SOC 13-2051Your expertise in data analysis, statistical modeling, and risk assessment is directly applicable to the financial sector. You've been developing investment strategies, managing portfolios, and forecasting financial trends using your analytical skills.
Urban and Regional Planner
SOC 19-3051You've been using your expertise in systems modeling and resource optimization to plan and manage complex projects. You can apply these skills to analyze demographic trends, assess transportation needs, and develop sustainable development plans for communities.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Operations Research/Systems Analysis (ORSA) Course, Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Monterey, CA
Topics Covered
- •Linear Programming
- •Stochastic Modeling
- •Simulation
- •Optimization Techniques
- •Data Analysis
- •Military Operations Analysis
- •Decision Analysis
- •Statistical Modeling
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires deeper knowledge of specific statistical software packages (e.g., SAS, R) and potentially some business domain knowledge depending on the desired industry.
Requires formal project management training covering the PMBOK guide, including knowledge areas like integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resource, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management. Also requires documented project management experience.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Joint Automated Deep Operations System (JADOCS) | Geospatial intelligence platforms, real-time data fusion and visualization software |
| Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) | Automated fire control systems, ballistic calculators |
| Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS) | Discrete event simulation software (e.g., AnyLogic, Simio) |
| Next Generation Logistics (NextGenLog) | Supply chain optimization and predictive analytics software (e.g., Blue Yonder, SAP IBP) |
| Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J) | Enterprise-level command and control platforms, situation awareness software |
| Tactical Combat Training System (TCTS) | Instrumentation systems for live training, performance tracking and analysis tools |
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