New Cohort Starts:

Donate

9906 Career Guide

Marine Corps

9906: Colonel, Ground

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Colonel, Ground (9906)

Translate Your 9906 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 9906 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Senior Management Consultant

$160K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Develop industry-specific expertiseGain consulting certifications (e.g., Certified Management Consultant)Enhance business development/sales skills

Executive Director (Nonprofit)

$140K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Nonprofit fundraisingGrant writingBoard management

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

$180K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry experienceFinancial management expertise (MBA helpful)Private sector operations knowledge

University Administrator

$120K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Higher education administration experienceDoctorate degree (preferred)Familiarity with academic governance

Project Management Director

$145K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

PMP or PgMP certificationAgile methodologies trainingSpecific project management software proficiency

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 9906 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As a Colonel, you're constantly bombarded with information and requests, requiring you to quickly assess their importance and allocate resources accordingly to meet mission objectives.

This translates to the ability to efficiently manage competing demands, identify critical tasks, and make swift decisions under pressure in any fast-paced environment.

System Modeling

Colonels develop a deep understanding of how various elements within a large organization interact. You use this to anticipate the second- and third-order effects of decisions and implement changes effectively.

In the civilian world, this means you can analyze complex systems, identify bottlenecks, and develop strategies for optimization and improvement, whether it's a supply chain or a project management process.

Resource Optimization

You're entrusted with significant resources and must make strategic decisions on how to allocate them effectively to achieve the desired outcomes, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals.

This translates to the ability to maximize efficiency and return on investment, whether it's managing a budget, deploying personnel, or allocating capital for strategic initiatives.

Situational Awareness

As a Colonel, you constantly maintain a broad awareness of the operational environment, understanding how various factors (political, economic, social, technological) can impact your mission and objectives.

This skill allows you to anticipate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and make proactive decisions that mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities in dynamic business environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Hospital Administrator

SOC 11-9111.00

You've been responsible for the efficient operation of complex organizations. Your ability to prioritize, manage resources, and maintain situational awareness translates perfectly to overseeing the daily operations of a hospital, ensuring smooth patient care and efficient resource allocation.

Logistics Director

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been managing complex supply chains and coordinating the movement of personnel and equipment. Your skills in system modeling, resource optimization, and rapid prioritization make you an ideal candidate to oversee the logistics operations of a large corporation.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to respond effectively in crisis situations. Your skills in situational awareness, degraded-mode operations, and resource optimization make you well-suited to lead emergency preparedness and response efforts for a city or county.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Marine Corps Officer Training, Various Locations

400 training hours52 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in leadership, management, and military science

Topics Covered

  • Leadership Principles
  • Marine Corps Doctrine
  • Military Strategy and Tactics
  • Command and Control
  • Resource Management
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Joint Operations
  • National Security Policy

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)60% covered

While military leadership provides a foundation in resource management, the CGFM requires in-depth knowledge of governmental accounting standards, auditing, and financial reporting.

Project Management Professional (PMP)70% covered

Colonel-level experience provides project leadership skills, but PMP requires specific knowledge of PMI's project management methodology, tools, and techniques documented in the PMBOK guide.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)National Security Professional Certification (NSPC)Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)Fire Support Command and Control Systems
Global Command and Control System - Joint (GCCS-J)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems with a focus on command and control
Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP)Project Management Methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Agile)
Tactical Data Network (TDN)Secure Wide Area Network (WAN) Management
Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S)Air traffic management and airspace control software
Intelligence Analysis System (IAS)Business Intelligence and Threat Analysis Platforms

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 9906 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free