New Cohort Starts:

Donate

FC Career Guide

Navy

FC: Fire Controlman

Career transition guide for Navy Fire Controlman (FC)

Translate Your FC 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 FC veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Accountant

$77K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CPA certification (preferred)GAAP knowledgeProficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP)

Logistics Manager

$98K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS certification (preferred)Supply chain management software (e.g., SAP SCM)Negotiation skills

Financial Analyst

$89K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification (preferred)Financial modelingData analysis (using tools like Excel, R, or Python)

Budget Analyst

$79K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Government accounting knowledgeProficiency in budget management softwareData analysis and forecasting

Compliance Officer

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of industry-specific regulations (e.g., SOX, HIPAA)Certification in compliance (e.g., Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional - CCEP)Auditing and risk assessment skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

System Modeling

Understanding complex weapons control systems including radar, computer, and missile guidance system interactions

Comprehending multi-layered technical systems — the systems thinking used in aerospace engineering, defense contracting, and advanced manufacturing

Rapid Prioritization

Processing multiple threat tracks and engaging targets based on priority while managing weapons system readiness

Making time-critical decisions with multiple competing inputs — applicable to operations centers, incident management, and real-time systems control

Pattern Recognition

Identifying and classifying radar contacts, distinguishing threats from clutter, and recognizing electronic warfare signatures

Signal classification and anomaly detection — transferable to cybersecurity, radar engineering, and data analysis

Procedural Compliance

Following strict weapons safety and employment procedures where errors can cause catastrophic collateral damage

Operating safety-critical systems under strict rules — transfers to nuclear operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and aviation safety

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Defense Systems Test Engineer

SOC 17-2199

Your operational knowledge of weapons control systems makes you valuable for testing and validating the next generation of defense technology.

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2021

Your radar interpretation skills, ability to track multiple contacts, and training in real-time decision-making under strict procedures maps directly to ATC.

Autonomous Systems Operator

SOC 17-2199

Your experience with complex control systems, sensor fusion, and real-time decision support positions you for the growing field of autonomous vehicle and drone operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Fire Controlman A School, Great Lakes, IL

1,040 training hours22 weeksUp to 18 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Weapons systems operation and maintenance
  • Fire control radar and computer systems
  • Guided missile systems
  • Electro-optic systems
  • Digital and analog circuitry
  • Combat systems integration
  • Preventive and corrective maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)65% covered

Commercial electronics standards and FCC compliance

CompTIA A+50% covered

Commercial IT hardware, operating systems, and software troubleshooting

Recommended Next Certifications

CETCompTIA A+Systems Engineering certifications

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aegis Combat System / SPY-1 RadarIntegrated control systems and phased array radar technology
SSDS (Ship Self-Defense System)Automated threat detection and response control systems
MK 160 / MK 34 Gun Weapon SystemsPrecision electromechanical control and servo systems
AN/SWG-1 Harpoon Fire ControlAutomated targeting and fire control computation systems
TMDE (Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment)Electronic test and calibration instruments (oscilloscopes, multimeters)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

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

Translate My Resume — Free