Marine 0352 Anti-Tank Missile Gunner to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

0352 Anti-Tank Missile Gunners get told their skills are "too specialized for civilian work." That's complete nonsense. You've got advanced weapons systems expertise, precision targeting, technical troubleshooting, attention to detail, and the ability to operate complex equipment under pressure—skills that translate directly to defense contracting, law enforcement, firearms instruction, technical operations, and skilled trades. Realistic first-year salaries range from $55,000-$75,000, with experienced professionals hitting $95,000-$145,000+ in defense contracting, federal law enforcement, or specialized weapons systems roles. You'll need some certs and possibly an associate's degree, but your technical expertise with TOW and Javelin systems is your foundation.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 0352 who starts looking at civilian careers hears the same garbage: "That's too military-specific." "There's no civilian equivalent." "You'll have to start over completely."

Here's what they're missing: you operate and maintain some of the most sophisticated weapons systems in the world.

You didn't just "shoot missiles." You:

Operated M220 TOW and M98A1 Javelin weapons systems with six-figure price tags per round
Performed technical diagnostics and troubleshooting on complex electronic systems
Conducted precision targeting under high-stress combat conditions
Maintained accountability for millions of dollars in equipment
Executed detailed pre-fire and post-fire checklists with zero margin for error
Trained junior Marines on advanced weapons employment
Worked as a technical expert on anti-armor operations
Adapted to rapidly changing tactical situations

That's technical expertise, systems operation, precision work, troubleshooting, training delivery, and accountability. Those skills have serious value in the civilian world—you just need to translate them correctly and target the right industries.

Best civilian career paths for 0352

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 0352s consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Defense contracting and weapons systems (highest paying path)

Civilian job titles:

Weapons systems technician
Missile systems specialist
Defense contractor - technical specialist
Training systems operator
Armament systems specialist
Field service technician (defense)

Salary ranges:

Entry-level weapons systems technician: $55,000-$70,000
Missile systems specialist: $75,000-$95,000
Defense contractor (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin): $82,000-$98,000
Field service technician (specialized): $70,000-$90,000
Senior weapons systems engineer: $95,000-$145,000

What translates directly:

TOW and Javelin weapons systems operation
Technical troubleshooting and diagnostics
Complex equipment maintenance
Precision measurement and calibration
Following detailed technical procedures
Safety protocols and risk management
Technical documentation and reporting

Certifications needed:

Security clearance (Secret minimum, Top Secret preferred—if you still have it, massive advantage)
Associate's degree in electronics technology or related field (preferred by major contractors)
Manufacturer-specific certifications (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin provide training)
Quality assurance certifications (ISO, AS9100 helpful)

Reality check: Major defense contractors like Raytheon (TOW manufacturer), Lockheed Martin (Javelin joint venture), and Northrop Grumman actively recruit Marines with 0352 experience. Your hands-on experience with these exact systems makes you immediately valuable.

Entry-level positions start around $55K-70K, but within 3-5 years you're looking at $80K-95K. Senior technical specialists clear six figures.

The work is technical, detail-oriented, and often involves training military units or supporting overseas operations. Requires willingness to travel and potentially work OCONUS.

Best for: 0352s who want to leverage their exact technical expertise for the highest pay and stay connected to weapons systems work.

Law enforcement (most stable path)

Civilian job titles:

Police officer / Sheriff's deputy
State trooper
Federal law enforcement (ATF, FBI, DEA, USMS)
SWAT / Tactical team member
Firearms instructor
Police training officer

Salary ranges:

Municipal police officer: $50,000-$65,000
State trooper: $55,000-$70,000
Federal agent (GS-7 to GS-9 entry): $52,000-$72,000
SWAT team member (with base pay): $65,000-$85,000
Federal senior agent (GS-12+): $85,000-$115,000+
Firearms instructor (additional duty pay): Base + $5,000-$15,000

What translates directly:

Weapons proficiency and marksmanship
Precision under stress
Following use-of-force policies
Equipment maintenance and accountability
Technical documentation and reports
Tactical operations
Training delivery

Certifications needed:

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification (earned through police academy, 4-6 months)
Firearms instructor certification (USCCA, NRA, state-specific)
Associate's degree (increasingly required by competitive departments)
Physical fitness standards (you'll crush these)

Reality check: Your weapons expertise makes you an immediate asset to any law enforcement agency. Many departments fast-track Marines into firearms instructor roles or tactical teams after initial patrol experience.

Federal agencies (ATF especially) actively recruit Marines with weapons systems backgrounds. FBI's Tactical Recruitment Program gives special operators and weapons specialists priority for Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) selection.

The hiring process is slow—6-12 months from application to academy. But veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in federal hiring and priority in most state/local departments.

Best for: 0352s who want stable career with benefits, serve-the-community mission, and opportunities to leverage firearms expertise.

Firearms instruction and training (entrepreneurial path)

Civilian job titles:

Firearms instructor (law enforcement academies)
Civilian firearms trainer
Corporate firearms instructor
Military weapons instructor (contractor)
Range safety officer / Range master
Tactical training consultant

Salary ranges:

Academy firearms instructor: $50,000-$70,000
Military contractor instructor (OCONUS): $80,000-$120,000
Private firearms instructor: $40,000-$80,000 (variable, depends on business)
Corporate training specialist: $65,000-$85,000

What translates directly:

Expert-level weapons knowledge
Training program development
Safety management
Performance evaluation and feedback
Technical demonstration
Curriculum design

Certifications needed:

NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (multiple discipline certifications available)
USCCA Certified Instructor
State-specific instructor certifications (for law enforcement training)
Range Safety Officer certification
First aid/CPR/AED

Reality check: This path has two tracks: working for an academy/agency with steady salary, or building your own business with variable income.

Academy instructors have stable pay and benefits. Private instructors can make serious money if they build clientele, but income fluctuates and you need business skills.

Military contractor instructors teaching weapons systems to active-duty forces can clear $100K+ but require OCONUS travel and contract-dependent work.

Your 0352 background gives you credibility that civilian instructors can't match. "Trained by a Marine who operated TOW and Javelin in combat" sells.

Best for: 0352s who love teaching, have entrepreneurial drive, or want to stay connected to the firearms community.

Private security and protective services

Civilian job titles:

Armed security specialist
Executive protection specialist
Security contractor (OCONUS)
Critical infrastructure security
Nuclear facility security officer
Tactical security team member

Salary ranges:

Armed security officer: $40,000-$55,000
Nuclear facility security: $55,000-$75,000
Executive protection: $65,000-$95,000
OCONUS security contractor: $80,000-$130,000
High-threat environment contractor: $120,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

Weapons proficiency
Threat assessment
Security planning and execution
High-stress performance
Technical equipment operation
Emergency response protocols

Certifications needed:

State security guard license ($100-$500, quick process)
Armed security certification (state-specific firearms qualification)
Executive protection training (ESI, EPI, others offer 1-2 week courses)
Security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI for high-end contracts)
First aid/CPR

Reality check: Entry-level armed security pays less than you'd hope ($40K-55K), but specialized roles pay significantly more. Nuclear facilities, critical infrastructure, and federal installations need armed security with military weapons backgrounds.

OCONUS contracting pays well but work is cyclical and location-dependent. The post-9/11 boom has slowed, but opportunities still exist for Marines with clearances.

Executive protection can reach six figures, but requires networking, additional training, and willingness to travel extensively.

Best for: 0352s who want to work armed roles immediately or pursue high-paying overseas contract work.

Skilled trades (most overlooked option)

Civilian job titles:

Electrician
Electronics technician
HVAC technician
Industrial maintenance technician
Instrumentation technician
Precision manufacturing technician

Salary ranges:

Apprentice (year 1-2): $38,000-$50,000
Journeyman electrician: $60,000-$80,000
Electronics technician: $55,000-$75,000
Industrial maintenance tech: $60,000-$85,000
Instrumentation specialist: $70,000-$95,000

What translates directly:

Technical troubleshooting skills
Following complex procedures
Precision measurement and calibration
Equipment maintenance
Reading technical diagrams
Attention to detail and safety protocols

Certifications needed:

Trade-specific apprenticeship (2-5 years depending on trade)
State licensing (electrician, HVAC in most states)
Industry certifications (ISA for instrumentation, EPA for HVAC)
OSHA 10/30-hour safety certification

Reality check: Your technical background with complex weapons systems translates directly to electronics and instrumentation work. The troubleshooting and precision skills are identical.

Trades require multi-year apprenticeships, but the path is clear and demand is high. GI Bill can cover many apprenticeship programs.

Union positions offer $80K-95K for journeymen, with excellent benefits. Work is steady—you can't outsource an electrician or HVAC tech.

Best for: 0352s who like technical work, troubleshooting, and hands-on problem-solving but want to leave the military environment behind.

Federal government (non-law enforcement)

Civilian job titles:

TSA officer
Customs and Border Protection officer
VA police officer
Federal protective service officer
DoD civilian weapons systems specialist
DoD training specialist

Salary ranges:

TSA (GS-5 to GS-6): $38,000-$47,000
CBP officer (GS-7 to GS-9): $52,000-$72,000
DoD weapons systems specialist (GS-9 to GS-11): $60,000-$80,000
DoD training specialist (GS-11 to GS-12): $70,000-$95,000

What translates directly:

Weapons expertise
Technical operations
Following federal regulations
Security procedures
Training delivery
Attention to detail

Certifications needed:

Federal background check and clearance (standard process)
Role-specific training (provided on the job)
Bachelor's degree (preferred for GS-9+ positions)

Reality check: Federal civilian positions offer job security, benefits, and clear promotion paths. Veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in hiring.

DoD civilian positions working as weapons systems specialists or training instructors leverage your exact 0352 experience. You'd support active-duty training or equipment programs.

Pay starts modest but increases steadily with GS steps. Benefits package (health insurance, pension, TSP matching) adds significant value.

Best for: 0352s who want federal job security, benefits, and to stay connected to the military mission without being active duty.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "0352 Anti-Tank Missile Gunner" on your resume. Civilians have no idea what that means. Here's how to translate:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
TOW/Javelin weapons systems operator	Advanced weapons systems operator with technical expertise in complex electronic platforms
Missile systems maintenance	Performed diagnostics and corrective maintenance on sophisticated electronic targeting systems
Target acquisition and engagement	Precision targeting specialist with advanced optics and fire control systems
Technical troubleshooting	Diagnosed and resolved complex technical failures under high-stress conditions
Equipment accountability	Maintained accountability for $3M+ in weapons systems and support equipment
Pre-fire checklists	Executed detailed technical procedures with zero defects
Trained junior Marines	Developed and delivered technical training programs for advanced weapons systems
Combat operations	Performed mission-critical operations in high-stress tactical environments
Fire control systems	Operated advanced electronic fire control and targeting platforms

Use active verbs: Operated, Maintained, Diagnosed, Executed, Trained, Coordinated, Troubleshot.

Use numbers: "Operated weapons systems valued at $3M+," "Conducted 200+ technical maintenance procedures," "Trained 15 Marines on advanced systems."

Drop the military acronyms. Spell out TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) and Javelin as "advanced anti-armor weapons systems" or "precision-guided missile systems."

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:

High priority (get these):

Associate's degree in Electronics Technology or Engineering Technology - Opens doors in defense contracting, technical operations, and trades. Many community colleges offer veteran-friendly programs. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Required or strongly preferred by defense contractors and technical roles.

Security clearance (maintain or renew) - If you have an active Secret or TS/SCI clearance, maintain it. If it lapsed, pursue jobs that will sponsor renewal. Defense contractors pay 10-20% more for cleared candidates. Value: Massive competitive advantage.

State security guard / armed guard license - Required for armed security work. Quick process, varies by state. Cost: $100-500. Time: 1-2 weeks. Opens immediate employment opportunities.

Firearms instructor certifications - NRA or USCCA instructor credentials make you competitive for training positions. Cost: $500-1,500. Time: 1 week. Value: Enables firearms instruction career path.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

POST / Police academy - Required for law enforcement. Usually done after you're hired by a department (they pay for it). Time: 4-6 months. Value: Mandatory for sworn law enforcement.

Executive protection training - For high-end security and bodyguard work. Companies like ESI, EPI offer courses. Cost: $2,000-5,000. Value: Opens six-figure EP opportunities.

Technical trade certifications - Electronics certifications (ISA Certified Control Systems Technician, IPC certifications), HVAC (EPA Section 608), or electrician apprenticeship. Cost: Varies, often covered by GI Bill. Value: Opens stable trade careers with $60K-95K earning potential.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Opens trucking, transport, and some security transport roles. Cost: $3,000-7,000 for training. Starting pay: $50K-65K. Demand is very high.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Bachelor's degree - Helpful for management track and federal GS-9+ positions, but not critical for most entry-level roles. Use GI Bill if pursuing career track that values it.

Project Management Professional (PMP) - For corporate management pivot. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-3,000. Better suited for mid-career transition.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest. There are civilian skills you don't have. Acknowledging the gap is how you close it.

Computer skills: If your IT experience is limited to basic systems, you're behind for technical roles. Learn Microsoft Office (especially Excel), basic networking, and technical documentation software. Free courses available online.

Customer service / communication: Technical roles still require communication with non-technical customers and clients. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Your instructional experience helps, but civilian communication is less direct than Marine Corps style.

Business operations: If going into firearms instruction or technical consulting independently, you'll need basic business skills—marketing, accounting, client management. These aren't taught in the Marines.

Civilian workplace culture: The civilian workplace moves slower, has different communication norms, and values consensus over command. Be prepared to adjust. You can't just tell people to execute—you need to influence and persuade.

Real 0352 success stories

Tyler, 27, former 0352 TOW gunner → Weapons systems technician at Raytheon

After 5 years and two deployments, Tyler got out as a Corporal. Used his GI Bill to get an associate's degree in electronics technology while working part-time security. Applied to Raytheon's technician program and landed a position supporting TOW training systems. Started at $68,000, now makes $84,000 after 2 years. "They wanted someone who actually operated the system in combat. My resume stood out immediately."

Chris, 29, former 0352 Javelin gunner → Federal law enforcement (ATF)

Chris did 6 years, got out as a Sergeant. Went straight into police academy through a municipal hiring program. After 2 years on patrol, applied to ATF. His weapons expertise and Marine background got him hired as a Special Agent. Now makes $79,000 (GS-11) with law enforcement availability pay. On track for $95K+ within 5 years. "ATF loves Marines with weapons systems backgrounds. The interview focused heavily on my technical knowledge."

Mark, 31, former 0352 → Firearms instructor (contractor)

Mark wanted to stay connected to training after 8 years as a 0352. Got out as a Staff Sergeant, earned NRA instructor certifications, and landed a contract position teaching weapons systems to active-duty units at Quantico. Makes $95,000 working OCONUS rotations. "Teaching what I know to active-duty Marines—it's perfect. The pay is excellent and I'm using my exact experience."

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Assessment and setup

Update your resume (use our transition toolkit)
Get your DD-214 and keep 10 copies
Check status of security clearance—verify it's in JPAS/DISS
Apply for VA disability (if applicable)
Set up LinkedIn profile emphasizing technical expertise
Research 3 career paths: defense contracting, law enforcement, or trades

Month 2: Certifications and applications

Enroll in associate's degree program (if going defense contractor route)
Get state security license (if going security route)
Apply to firearms instructor courses (if going training route)
Apply to 15+ jobs per week (quantity matters early on)
Contact defense contractors directly (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman)
Attend veteran job fairs (bring 20+ resumes)

Month 3: Interview and network

Tailor resume for each application—emphasize relevant technical skills
Practice interview answers (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Follow up on all applications
Network with other 0352s and veterans in target fields (LinkedIn, veteran organizations)
Consider temporary/contract work if you haven't landed permanent position yet

Bottom line for 0352s

Your anti-tank missile gunner experience isn't a liability. It's a technical specialty.

You've operated multi-million-dollar weapons systems, performed complex troubleshooting, executed precision targeting, and trained others on advanced equipment. Those skills translate directly to defense contracting, law enforcement, firearms instruction, and technical trades.

Defense contractors actively recruit 0352s. Federal law enforcement agencies want your weapons expertise. Training organizations value your instructional background. Technical trades need your troubleshooting skills.

First-year income of $55K-75K is realistic. Within 5 years, $80K-95K+ is achievable in defense contracting, federal law enforcement, or specialized technical roles. If you pursue high-end contracting or executive protection, six figures is reachable.

Don't listen to people who say your skills are "too specialized." They don't understand what you actually did. Target industries that need technical expertise, precision work, and weapons knowledge—and you'll find multiple paths forward.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 0352 who starts looking at civilian careers hears the same garbage: "That's too military-specific." "There's no civilian equivalent." "You'll have to start over completely."

Here's what they're missing: you operate and maintain some of the most sophisticated weapons systems in the world.

You didn't just "shoot missiles." You:

Operated M220 TOW and M98A1 Javelin weapons systems with six-figure price tags per round
Performed technical diagnostics and troubleshooting on complex electronic systems
Conducted precision targeting under high-stress combat conditions
Maintained accountability for millions of dollars in equipment
Executed detailed pre-fire and post-fire checklists with zero margin for error
Trained junior Marines on advanced weapons employment
Worked as a technical expert on anti-armor operations
Adapted to rapidly changing tactical situations

Best civilian career paths for 0352

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 0352s consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Defense contracting and weapons systems (highest paying path)

Civilian job titles:

Weapons systems technician
Missile systems specialist
Defense contractor - technical specialist
Training systems operator
Armament systems specialist
Field service technician (defense)

Salary ranges:

Entry-level weapons systems technician: $55,000-$70,000
Missile systems specialist: $75,000-$95,000
Defense contractor (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin): $82,000-$98,000
Field service technician (specialized): $70,000-$90,000
Senior weapons systems engineer: $95,000-$145,000

What translates directly:

TOW and Javelin weapons systems operation
Technical troubleshooting and diagnostics
Complex equipment maintenance
Precision measurement and calibration
Following detailed technical procedures
Safety protocols and risk management
Technical documentation and reporting

Certifications needed:

Security clearance (Secret minimum, Top Secret preferred—if you still have it, massive advantage)
Associate's degree in electronics technology or related field (preferred by major contractors)
Manufacturer-specific certifications (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin provide training)
Quality assurance certifications (ISO, AS9100 helpful)

Entry-level positions start around $55K-70K, but within 3-5 years you're looking at $80K-95K. Senior technical specialists clear six figures.

The work is technical, detail-oriented, and often involves training military units or supporting overseas operations. Requires willingness to travel and potentially work OCONUS.

Best for: 0352s who want to leverage their exact technical expertise for the highest pay and stay connected to weapons systems work.

Law enforcement (most stable path)

Civilian job titles:

Police officer / Sheriff's deputy
State trooper
Federal law enforcement (ATF, FBI, DEA, USMS)
SWAT / Tactical team member
Firearms instructor
Police training officer

Salary ranges:

Municipal police officer: $50,000-$65,000
State trooper: $55,000-$70,000
Federal agent (GS-7 to GS-9 entry): $52,000-$72,000
SWAT team member (with base pay): $65,000-$85,000
Federal senior agent (GS-12+): $85,000-$115,000+
Firearms instructor (additional duty pay): Base + $5,000-$15,000

What translates directly:

Weapons proficiency and marksmanship
Precision under stress
Following use-of-force policies
Equipment maintenance and accountability
Technical documentation and reports
Tactical operations
Training delivery

Certifications needed:

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification (earned through police academy, 4-6 months)
Firearms instructor certification (USCCA, NRA, state-specific)
Associate's degree (increasingly required by competitive departments)
Physical fitness standards (you'll crush these)

The hiring process is slow—6-12 months from application to academy. But veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in federal hiring and priority in most state/local departments.

Best for: 0352s who want stable career with benefits, serve-the-community mission, and opportunities to leverage firearms expertise.

Firearms instruction and training (entrepreneurial path)

Civilian job titles:

Firearms instructor (law enforcement academies)
Civilian firearms trainer
Corporate firearms instructor
Military weapons instructor (contractor)
Range safety officer / Range master
Tactical training consultant

Salary ranges:

Academy firearms instructor: $50,000-$70,000
Military contractor instructor (OCONUS): $80,000-$120,000
Private firearms instructor: $40,000-$80,000 (variable, depends on business)
Corporate training specialist: $65,000-$85,000

What translates directly:

Expert-level weapons knowledge
Training program development
Safety management
Performance evaluation and feedback
Technical demonstration
Curriculum design

Certifications needed:

NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (multiple discipline certifications available)
USCCA Certified Instructor
State-specific instructor certifications (for law enforcement training)
Range Safety Officer certification
First aid/CPR/AED

Reality check: This path has two tracks: working for an academy/agency with steady salary, or building your own business with variable income.

Academy instructors have stable pay and benefits. Private instructors can make serious money if they build clientele, but income fluctuates and you need business skills.

Military contractor instructors teaching weapons systems to active-duty forces can clear $100K+ but require OCONUS travel and contract-dependent work.

Your 0352 background gives you credibility that civilian instructors can't match. "Trained by a Marine who operated TOW and Javelin in combat" sells.

Best for: 0352s who love teaching, have entrepreneurial drive, or want to stay connected to the firearms community.

Private security and protective services

Civilian job titles:

Armed security specialist
Executive protection specialist
Security contractor (OCONUS)
Critical infrastructure security
Nuclear facility security officer
Tactical security team member

Salary ranges:

Armed security officer: $40,000-$55,000
Nuclear facility security: $55,000-$75,000
Executive protection: $65,000-$95,000
OCONUS security contractor: $80,000-$130,000
High-threat environment contractor: $120,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

Weapons proficiency
Threat assessment
Security planning and execution
High-stress performance
Technical equipment operation
Emergency response protocols

Certifications needed:

State security guard license ($100-$500, quick process)
Armed security certification (state-specific firearms qualification)
Executive protection training (ESI, EPI, others offer 1-2 week courses)
Security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI for high-end contracts)
First aid/CPR

OCONUS contracting pays well but work is cyclical and location-dependent. The post-9/11 boom has slowed, but opportunities still exist for Marines with clearances.

Executive protection can reach six figures, but requires networking, additional training, and willingness to travel extensively.

Best for: 0352s who want to work armed roles immediately or pursue high-paying overseas contract work.

Skilled trades (most overlooked option)

Civilian job titles:

Electrician
Electronics technician
HVAC technician
Industrial maintenance technician
Instrumentation technician
Precision manufacturing technician

Salary ranges:

Apprentice (year 1-2): $38,000-$50,000
Journeyman electrician: $60,000-$80,000
Electronics technician: $55,000-$75,000
Industrial maintenance tech: $60,000-$85,000
Instrumentation specialist: $70,000-$95,000

What translates directly:

Technical troubleshooting skills
Following complex procedures
Precision measurement and calibration
Equipment maintenance
Reading technical diagrams
Attention to detail and safety protocols

Certifications needed:

Trade-specific apprenticeship (2-5 years depending on trade)
State licensing (electrician, HVAC in most states)
Industry certifications (ISA for instrumentation, EPA for HVAC)
OSHA 10/30-hour safety certification

Reality check: Your technical background with complex weapons systems translates directly to electronics and instrumentation work. The troubleshooting and precision skills are identical.

Trades require multi-year apprenticeships, but the path is clear and demand is high. GI Bill can cover many apprenticeship programs.

Union positions offer $80K-95K for journeymen, with excellent benefits. Work is steady—you can't outsource an electrician or HVAC tech.

Best for: 0352s who like technical work, troubleshooting, and hands-on problem-solving but want to leave the military environment behind.

Federal government (non-law enforcement)

Civilian job titles:

TSA officer
Customs and Border Protection officer
VA police officer
Federal protective service officer
DoD civilian weapons systems specialist
DoD training specialist

Salary ranges:

TSA (GS-5 to GS-6): $38,000-$47,000
CBP officer (GS-7 to GS-9): $52,000-$72,000
DoD weapons systems specialist (GS-9 to GS-11): $60,000-$80,000
DoD training specialist (GS-11 to GS-12): $70,000-$95,000

What translates directly:

Weapons expertise
Technical operations
Following federal regulations
Security procedures
Training delivery
Attention to detail

Certifications needed:

Federal background check and clearance (standard process)
Role-specific training (provided on the job)
Bachelor's degree (preferred for GS-9+ positions)

Reality check: Federal civilian positions offer job security, benefits, and clear promotion paths. Veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in hiring.

DoD civilian positions working as weapons systems specialists or training instructors leverage your exact 0352 experience. You'd support active-duty training or equipment programs.

Pay starts modest but increases steadily with GS steps. Benefits package (health insurance, pension, TSP matching) adds significant value.

Best for: 0352s who want federal job security, benefits, and to stay connected to the military mission without being active duty.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "0352 Anti-Tank Missile Gunner" on your resume. Civilians have no idea what that means. Here's how to translate:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
TOW/Javelin weapons systems operator	Advanced weapons systems operator with technical expertise in complex electronic platforms
Missile systems maintenance	Performed diagnostics and corrective maintenance on sophisticated electronic targeting systems
Target acquisition and engagement	Precision targeting specialist with advanced optics and fire control systems
Technical troubleshooting	Diagnosed and resolved complex technical failures under high-stress conditions
Equipment accountability	Maintained accountability for $3M+ in weapons systems and support equipment
Pre-fire checklists	Executed detailed technical procedures with zero defects
Trained junior Marines	Developed and delivered technical training programs for advanced weapons systems
Combat operations	Performed mission-critical operations in high-stress tactical environments
Fire control systems	Operated advanced electronic fire control and targeting platforms

Use active verbs: Operated, Maintained, Diagnosed, Executed, Trained, Coordinated, Troubleshot.

Use numbers: "Operated weapons systems valued at $3M+," "Conducted 200+ technical maintenance procedures," "Trained 15 Marines on advanced systems."

Drop the military acronyms. Spell out TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) and Javelin as "advanced anti-armor weapons systems" or "precision-guided missile systems."

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:

High priority (get these):

State security guard / armed guard license - Required for armed security work. Quick process, varies by state. Cost: $100-500. Time: 1-2 weeks. Opens immediate employment opportunities.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

POST / Police academy - Required for law enforcement. Usually done after you're hired by a department (they pay for it). Time: 4-6 months. Value: Mandatory for sworn law enforcement.

Executive protection training - For high-end security and bodyguard work. Companies like ESI, EPI offer courses. Cost: $2,000-5,000. Value: Opens six-figure EP opportunities.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Opens trucking, transport, and some security transport roles. Cost: $3,000-7,000 for training. Starting pay: $50K-65K. Demand is very high.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Bachelor's degree - Helpful for management track and federal GS-9+ positions, but not critical for most entry-level roles. Use GI Bill if pursuing career track that values it.

Project Management Professional (PMP) - For corporate management pivot. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-3,000. Better suited for mid-career transition.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest. There are civilian skills you don't have. Acknowledging the gap is how you close it.

Real 0352 success stories

Tyler, 27, former 0352 TOW gunner → Weapons systems technician at Raytheon

Chris, 29, former 0352 Javelin gunner → Federal law enforcement (ATF)

Mark, 31, former 0352 → Firearms instructor (contractor)

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Assessment and setup

Update your resume (use our transition toolkit)
Get your DD-214 and keep 10 copies
Check status of security clearance—verify it's in JPAS/DISS
Apply for VA disability (if applicable)
Set up LinkedIn profile emphasizing technical expertise
Research 3 career paths: defense contracting, law enforcement, or trades

Month 2: Certifications and applications

Enroll in associate's degree program (if going defense contractor route)
Get state security license (if going security route)
Apply to firearms instructor courses (if going training route)
Apply to 15+ jobs per week (quantity matters early on)
Contact defense contractors directly (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman)
Attend veteran job fairs (bring 20+ resumes)

Month 3: Interview and network

Tailor resume for each application—emphasize relevant technical skills
Practice interview answers (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Follow up on all applications
Network with other 0352s and veterans in target fields (LinkedIn, veteran organizations)
Consider temporary/contract work if you haven't landed permanent position yet

Bottom line for 0352s

Your anti-tank missile gunner experience isn't a liability. It's a technical specialty.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.