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9652 Career Guide

Marine Corps

9652: Defense Systems Analyst

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Defense Systems Analyst (9652)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 9652 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Operations Research Analyst

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Management Analyst

$90K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Consulting skillsMBA or relevant master's degree

Cost Estimator

$80K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Earned Value Management (EVM)Specific industry knowledge (e.g., construction)

Budget Analyst

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Governmental accounting principlesFund management

Data Scientist

$110K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Python or R programmingMachine learning techniques

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 9652 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a defense systems analyst, you built models of complex military systems and force structures to understand their behavior and predict their effectiveness under various conditions.

This skill translates directly to the civilian world where you can model business processes, market dynamics, or financial systems to inform strategic decisions.

Resource Optimization

Your role involved optimizing resource allocation by analyzing cost-effectiveness, comparing weapon systems, and evaluating life cycle costs, ensuring maximum value from investments.

This ability is highly valued in civilian settings where optimizing budgets, supply chains, or operational processes can lead to significant cost savings and improved efficiency.

After-Action Analysis

You reviewed and evaluated studies and analyses completed by other agencies, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement to inform future decision-making.

This translates to the civilian world as a keen ability to assess project outcomes, identify lessons learned, and implement improvements for future initiatives.

Adversarial Thinking

By comparing weapon systems and force structures, you inherently engaged in adversarial thinking, anticipating potential threats and developing strategies to maintain a competitive edge.

This is a critical skill in competitive business environments where you need to anticipate market trends, understand competitor strategies, and develop effective counter-measures.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Management Consultant

SOC 13-1111

You've been conducting strategic analyses and providing recommendations to top management for years. Your system modeling and resource optimization skills are directly transferable to helping businesses improve their performance and efficiency.

Financial Analyst

SOC 13-2051

You've been evaluating systems cost estimates and life cycle costs. Your expertise in resource optimization and analytical skills make you well-equipped to assess investment opportunities and manage financial risk.

Business Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You've honed your after-action analysis skills by reviewing and evaluating complex studies. As a Business Intelligence Analyst, you'll leverage those abilities to analyze market trends and internal data to inform strategic decisions.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 19-3022

You've developed keen adversarial thinking skills by comparing weapon systems and force structures. This translates directly to understanding competitive landscapes and anticipating market trends, enabling you to provide valuable insights to businesses.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, VA

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in Business Administration, Economics, or Quantitative Analysis.

Topics Covered

  • Systems Analysis Fundamentals
  • Weapons Systems Cost Analysis
  • Force Structure Analysis
  • Economic Theory and Applications
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Decision Analysis Techniques
  • Resource Allocation Strategies
  • DoD Budgeting and Programming

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Cost Professional (CCP)70% covered

Requires focused study on specific cost estimating and control techniques, plus familiarity with AACE International's recommended practices.

Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)60% covered

Requires additional study of DoD-specific financial management regulations and policies.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS)Strategic planning and portfolio management software
Total Ownership Cost (TOC) modelsLife cycle cost analysis software
Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP)Project management methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Agile)
Program Objective Memorandum (POM)Budget planning and forecasting software
Analytic WargamingSimulation software and decision support systems
Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) toolsFinancial modeling and analysis software (e.g., Excel with advanced statistical add-ins, specialized CBA software)
DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF)Enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) and modeling tools

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