DC Career Guide
DC: Damage Controlman
Career transition guide for Navy Damage Controlman (DC)
Translate Your DC Experience Now
Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.
Start Free TranslationCivilian Career Pathways
Top civilian roles for DC veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Facilities Manager
Skills to develop:
Fire Protection Engineer
Skills to develop:
Safety Specialist
Skills to develop:
Marine Surveyor
Skills to develop:
HVAC Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your DC training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
Damage Controlmen constantly monitor their environment for potential hazards, leaks, fires, or structural weaknesses, understanding the ship's layout and systems to anticipate and respond to emergencies.
This translates to a keen ability to assess complex environments, identify potential risks, and maintain awareness of ongoing activities, crucial for safety and efficiency.
Rapid Prioritization
In emergency situations, Damage Controlmen must quickly assess the severity of damage, allocate resources, and prioritize actions to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of personnel.
The ability to rapidly assess needs, allocate resources effectively, and make critical decisions under pressure are highly valuable in fast-paced environments.
Team Synchronization
Damage Control requires seamless coordination among team members to execute procedures, operate equipment, and communicate effectively in high-stress situations.
Your experience in synchronizing efforts and communicating clearly within a team ensures efficient task completion and successful outcomes, even in challenging circumstances.
Procedural Compliance
Damage Control relies on strict adherence to established procedures and protocols for safety, maintenance, and emergency response. Deviation can lead to catastrophic consequences.
This highlights your meticulousness and ability to follow guidelines, ensuring accuracy and consistency, especially important in regulated industries.
Degraded-Mode Operations
When equipment malfunctions or systems are damaged, Damage Controlmen must be able to adapt and implement alternative solutions, using available resources to maintain essential functions.
This skill highlights your resourcefulness and ability to find creative solutions when facing unexpected challenges, ensuring operational continuity even under duress.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Industrial Safety Specialist
SOC 29-9011You've been trained to identify workplace hazards, conduct safety inspections, and implement safety procedures to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Your experience with damage control translates directly into creating a safer work environment for others.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161You've mastered the ability to respond to emergencies, assess damage, and coordinate resources. This background makes you well-prepared to plan and execute emergency response strategies for communities or organizations.
Facilities Manager
SOC 11-3012You've developed expertise in maintaining and repairing building systems, ensuring structural integrity, and overseeing safety measures. This makes you an ideal candidate to manage the operations and maintenance of commercial or residential properties.
Restoration Technician
SOC 47-4061You've acquired hands-on skills in repairing damaged structures, mitigating water damage, and restoring properties affected by fire, flood, or other disasters. Your ability to rapidly assess and repair damage makes you a valuable asset in the restoration industry.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Damage Controlman 'A' School, Naval Station Great Lakes, IL
Topics Covered
- •Firefighting techniques and equipment operation
- •Damage control procedures and systems maintenance
- •Plumbing and pipefitting repairs
- •Welding and brazing techniques
- •Carpentry skills for structural repairs
- •Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) defense
- •Shipboard stability and watertight integrity
- •Maintenance data collection and reporting
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Update on current OSHA regulations, focus on general industry-specific hazards beyond maritime.
Local building codes and inspection procedures.
Advanced safety management principles, risk assessment methodologies, legal and ethical considerations.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Naval Firefighting Thermal Imager (NFTI) | Commercial thermal imaging cameras (e.g., FLIR, Seek Thermal) used by firefighters and building inspectors |
| Advanced Damage Control System (ADCS) | Building automation systems (BAS) and industrial control systems (ICS) for monitoring and controlling critical infrastructure |
| Chemical, Biological, Radiological (CBR) Defense Equipment | HAZMAT suits and gas detectors used by civilian HAZMAT teams and environmental agencies |
| Portable Exothermic Cutting Unit (PECU) | Oxy-acetylene torches and plasma cutters used in construction and metal fabrication |
| Emergency Water Activated Repair Patch (EWARP) | Pipe repair kits and fiberglass wrap systems used by plumbers and maintenance technicians |
| Navy Firefighting Learning Management System (LMS) | OSHA and NFPA safety training programs and certifications |
| Shipboard fire main and sprinkler systems | Commercial building fire suppression systems |
Ready to Translate Your Experience?
Our AI-powered translator converts your DC experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.
Translate My Resume — Free