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9686 Career Guide

Marine Corps

9686: Procurement Law Attorney

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Procurement Law Attorney (9686)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 9686 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Contract Attorney

$145K
High matchHigh demand

Government Contracts Consultant

$130K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry knowledge (e.g., IT, healthcare)

Compliance Officer

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Industry-specific regulationsCompliance certifications

Purchasing Manager

$110K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain managementNegotiation skillsCommercial procurement experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 9686 training built — and where they transfer.

Adversarial Thinking

You're trained to anticipate challenges and opposing viewpoints in contract negotiations and legal disputes, ensuring the Marine Corps' interests are protected.

This skill translates to the ability to identify potential risks and weaknesses in business strategies, legal arguments, or project plans, allowing for proactive mitigation and stronger outcomes.

Procedural Compliance

Your expertise demands meticulous adherence to complex acquisition laws and regulations, ensuring all procurement activities are legally sound and auditable.

This translates into a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and the ability to implement and maintain compliance procedures in various industries.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for ensuring contracts are structured to maximize value for the Marine Corps, balancing cost, performance, and risk to achieve optimal outcomes.

In the civilian sector, this means you are adept at identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the value of projects and investments.

System Modeling

You develop a deep understanding of the entire acquisition system, from initial requirements to final contract execution, allowing you to identify potential bottlenecks and areas for improvement.

This skill enables you to analyze complex systems, identify key drivers, and predict outcomes, which is invaluable in strategic planning, process improvement, and risk management.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been immersed in the world of regulations and legal frameworks, ensuring every action adheres to the letter of the law. As a Compliance Officer, you'll leverage your expertise to develop, implement, and oversee compliance programs, protecting organizations from legal and ethical risks. Your experience in procurement law gives you a unique edge in highly regulated industries.

Contract Manager

SOC 11-3021.00

You've been a master of contracts, navigating complex legal landscapes to secure the best outcomes for the Marine Corps. As a Contract Manager, you'll use your skills to oversee the entire contract lifecycle, from negotiation to execution and performance, ensuring that all parties fulfill their obligations and projects stay on track. Your understanding of acquisition law makes you exceptionally well-prepared for this role.

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2011.00

You've been trained to identify and mitigate risks within the acquisition process, protecting government assets. As a Fraud Investigator, you'll use your analytical skills and understanding of legal frameworks to uncover and prevent fraudulent activities. Your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to integrity make you an ideal candidate for this critical role.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Justice School, Newport, RI (LL.M. Procurement Law Program, The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School, Charlottesville, VA)

1,500 training hours52 weeksVaries based on specific courses taken; up to 30 graduate-level semester hours recommended.

Topics Covered

  • Contract Law
  • Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
  • Government Contract Law
  • Fiscal Law
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Procurement
  • Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
  • Contract Drafting and Administration

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)70% covered

Focus on the practical application of contract management principles in a civilian context, including negotiation strategies, risk management, and dispute resolution techniques. Study the specific laws and regulations governing federal and commercial contracts.

Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM)80% covered

While the officer has a strong understanding of contract law, they should focus on the specific regulations and processes unique to civilian federal contracting. This includes studying the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related agency supplements.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)Corporate procurement policies and legal compliance software
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)Industry-specific regulatory compliance platforms
Marine Corps Systems Command (MCSC) Procurement DatabasesEnterprise Resource Planning (ERP) procurement modules (e.g., SAP Ariba, Oracle Procurement Cloud)
Wide Area Workflow (WAWF)Electronic invoicing and payment systems (e.g., Coupa, Bill.com)
Joint Contingency Contracting System (JCCS)Emergency procurement and disaster relief supply chain management software
DoD Enterprise EmailSecure enterprise email and communication platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)

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