Marine 0699 Communications Chief to Civilian: Complete Senior IT/Telecom Leadership Career Guide (2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

As a Marine Corps 0699 Communications Chief, you're a senior enlisted communications and IT leader with 15-20+ years managing enterprise communications systems, supervising large technical teams, and advising command on strategic communications and technology. You're not looking for entry-level jobs—you're competing for executive IT leadership: Director of IT ($165,000-$220,000), VP of Technology ($200,000-$280,000), CIO/CTO ($220,000-$400,000+). Your TS/SCI clearance adds $45,000-$55,000 premium for defense contractor executive positions. With proven ability to lead technical organizations (20-100+ personnel), manage multi-million dollar programs, and execute strategic communications/IT operations, you possess executive-level experience that translates to six-figure senior leadership roles if positioned correctly.

Let's address the elephant in the room

You've spent 15-20 years in Marine Corps communications. You've led communications platoons, coordinated MAGTF-level communications operations, supervised teams of chiefs and technical experts, managed $10M+ equipment programs, and advised senior commanders on communications strategy.

Here's the brutal truth: civilian HR has zero understanding of what "0699 Communications Chief" represents.

When they see that title, they think "radio technician" or "IT help desk manager." They have no idea you were:

• Leading entire communications organizations (20-100+ personnel across multiple MOSs)
• Serving as senior communications advisor to battalion/regiment/MEF commanders
• Managing strategic communications operations for Marine Air-Ground Task Forces
• Overseeing combined cyber, network, radio, and tactical communications systems
• Coordinating multi-million dollar communications equipment programs
• Planning and executing large-scale communications infrastructure operations
• Training, mentoring, and developing communication chiefs and technical leaders
• Managing operational budgets ($3M-$15M+ equipment, operations, training)
• Coordinating with joint, coalition, and external communications agencies
• Advising senior leadership on communications strategy, risk, and capabilities
• Ensuring communications readiness for deploying Marine forces
• Managing crisis communications and operational contingencies

That's executive-level technology and communications leadership. The civilian equivalent is Director of IT, VP of Technology, CIO (Chief Information Officer), or CTO (Chief Technology Officer) for mid-size organizations.

These positions pay $175,000-$250,000 for Directors, $200,000-$300,000 for VPs, and $220,000-$450,000+ for CIO/CTO roles depending on company size.

You're not competing for "IT Manager" at $120K. You're competing for senior executive leadership positions requiring proven ability to lead large technical organizations, manage strategic technology programs, and advise C-suite on technology strategy.

The key is positioning yourself as an executive technology leader, not just a senior technician.

Best civilian career paths for 0699

Let's break down executive-level roles with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Director of IT / Director of Communications (initial landing spot)

Civilian job titles:

• Director of Information Technology
• Director of IT Operations
• Director of Communications and IT
• IT Director
• Director of Technical Operations

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Director (mid-size company, 500-2,500 employees): $155,000-$200,000
• Senior Director: $185,000-$235,000
• With active TS/SCI (defense contractors): $190,000-$250,000+

What translates directly:

• Strategic IT and communications leadership
• Multi-department management (network, systems, security, telecom, support)
• Executive communication and advisement
• Large-scale program management
• Budget development and management ($5M-$25M+)
• Technology strategy and roadmap
• Vendor management and contract negotiations
• Crisis management and operational continuity

Certifications needed:

• PMP - Program management standard
• ITIL Expert - IT service management
• CISSP or CISM - Security management
• MBA or Master's in Technology Management - Nearly expected for Director+

Reality check: Director is the realistic first civilian role for most 0699s. You have the leadership experience and operational breadth for Director-level responsibility, but you need to establish civilian executive credentials before reaching VP or CIO.

Starting salaries for experienced senior enlisted communications leaders typically land in the $165K-$210K range depending on company size, industry, and clearance.

You'll manage multiple IT/communications teams (30-80+ total staff), report to CIO or COO, oversee technology strategy and operations, and serve as senior technology advisor to executive leadership.

Work-life balance is dramatically better than military operations—standard executive hours with occasional crisis management. Expect 50-60 hour weeks, but predictable compared to military.

You'll need to translate military leadership into business outcomes: "Reduced IT costs 30% while improving service levels," "Led 50-person technical organization supporting $200M operations," "Delivered $8M infrastructure modernization on-time and under-budget."

Best for: 0699s who want executive IT leadership with strong compensation and stability.

Defense Contractor Senior Executive / Program Director

Civilian job titles:

• Senior Director, Communications Systems (DoD)
• Program Director, C4I Systems
• Executive Technical Director
• VP, DoD Programs
• Senior Program Manager (executive level)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Senior Director with TS/SCI: $195,000-$250,000
• Program Director with TS/SCI: $210,000-$275,000
• VP-level with TS/SCI: $235,000-$325,000+

What translates directly: Everything. You're leading DoD communications and IT programs for defense contractors—identical mission, better compensation.

Certifications needed:

• Active TS/SCI clearance (worth $45K-$55K+ premium at executive level)
• PMP or PgMP - Program management
• CISSP or CISM - Security leadership
• DoD 8570/8140 IAM certifications

Reality check: Your TS/SCI clearance at the executive level is worth $45,000-$55,000+ salary premium. Defense contractors desperately need cleared senior leaders who understand Marine Corps and DoD communications operations.

Executive positions supporting MARCORSYSCOM, DISA, Cyber Command, or MEF communications pay $200,000-$280,000 for experienced cleared leaders with your background.

Companies hiring: Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, Leidos, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Peraton, L3Harris, SAIC, ManTech.

You'll lead large communications/IT programs, manage teams of 40-150+ supporting DoD customers, oversee multi-million dollar contracts, and advise on strategic communications and technology.

Geographic concentration: DC/Maryland/Virginia, Colorado Springs, San Diego/Camp Pendleton, Quantico, Camp Lejeune area, Twenty-Nine Palms.

Contract risk: Positions are contract-based, but executive-level cleared leaders with your experience and background rarely struggle finding next opportunity.

Best for: 0699s with active TS/SCI who want maximum immediate compensation ($200K-$300K) and familiar DoD mission environment.

VP of Technology / VP of IT (senior executive)

Civilian job titles:

• Vice President of Technology
• VP of Information Technology
• VP of IT Operations
• Senior VP of Technology
• VP of Communications and IT

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• VP (mid-size company, $100M-$1B revenue): $200,000-$280,000
• Senior VP: $250,000-$350,000
• VP (large enterprise, $1B+ revenue): $280,000-$420,000+

What translates directly:

• Executive technology leadership and vision
• Large organization management (50-200+ staff)
• Strategic planning and execution
• Multi-million dollar budget management
• C-suite collaboration and advisement
• Technology transformation and modernization
• Business-technology alignment

Certifications needed:

• MBA - Nearly always required at VP level
• Executive leadership programs - Harvard, MIT, Wharton programs
• CISSP or CISM - Security executive credential
• Board certifications - NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors)

Reality check: VP-level positions typically require proven civilian executive experience. Most 0699s spend 3-6 years as Director before reaching VP level.

Realistic path: 0699 → Director ($165K-$210K) → Senior Director ($195K-$240K) → VP ($220K-$300K) over 5-10 years.

However, some 0699s with exceptional backgrounds (senior enlisted advisor roles, major command experience, advanced degrees, exceptionally strong business acumen) can reach VP level faster, especially at veteran-friendly companies or defense contractors.

VP roles involve significant executive responsibility: reporting to CEO/President, owning technology strategy, representing technology at board level, major budget authority, building and leading large organizations.

Best for: 0699s with strong business skills, executive presence, and willingness to invest 3-7 years building civilian executive credentials.

CIO (Chief Information Officer) / CTO (Chief Technology Officer) - Executive goal

Civilian job titles:

• Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
• VP of Information Technology (smaller orgs)
• Chief Digital Officer (CDO)

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• CIO/CTO (mid-size company, $100M-$500M revenue): $200,000-$300,000
• CIO/CTO (large company, $500M-$2B revenue): $280,000-$450,000
• CIO/CTO (Fortune 500, $2B+ revenue): $400,000-$750,000+

What translates directly:

• Executive leadership and organizational management
• Strategic technology vision and planning
• Board-level communication and reporting
• Enterprise-wide technology oversight
• Crisis leadership and decision-making
• Building and leading technology organizations
• Business transformation through technology

Certifications needed:

• MBA - Expected
• Executive education - Top-tier programs
• CISSP or CISM - Security credential
• Board certifications and governance training

Reality check: CIO/CTO is the long-term executive goal. Realistic timeline: 0699 → Director (3-5 years) → VP (3-5 years) → CIO/CTO (2-5 years) = 8-15 years total.

However, some 0699s with exceptional backgrounds have reached CIO roles at smaller/mid-size companies within 5-8 years by:

• Getting MBA immediately (use GI Bill)
• Landing Director role quickly
• Demonstrating strong business results
• Moving aggressively to next level
• Targeting growth companies needing experienced technology leaders

CIO/CTO roles require exceptional business acumen, executive presence, board-level communication, strategic vision, and ability to align technology with business outcomes—not just technical expertise.

Best for: 0699s with long-term C-suite aspirations, strong business instincts, executive communication skills, and willingness to invest decade+ building executive track record.

Senior Consultant / Partner (Consulting path)

Civilian job titles:

• Senior Consultant, Technology Strategy
• Principal Consultant
• Managing Director
• Partner (consulting firms)
• Independent Consultant

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Senior Consultant (McKinsey, Deloitte, Accenture): $180,000-$250,000
• Principal / Managing Director: $250,000-$400,000+
• Partner: $400,000-$800,000+ (often equity-based)
• Independent consultant (rates): $200-$400/hour ($300K-$600K annually)

What translates directly:

• Strategic problem-solving and analysis
• Leadership and team coordination
• Client relationship management
• Program planning and execution
• Change management
• Executive communication and influence

Certifications needed:

• MBA - Highly valued in consulting
• PMP - Program management
• Industry certifications - CISSP, ITIL, etc.

Reality check: Management consulting leverages your strategic thinking, leadership, and operational experience. Top firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture, PwC) hire military leaders for technology consulting practices.

Entry is typically as Senior Consultant or Associate Principal (not entry-level analyst). Compensation is excellent but lifestyle is intense: 60-80 hour weeks, constant travel (50-80%), high performance expectations.

Alternative: independent consulting. With your background and network, you can command $200-$400/hour consulting for defense contractors, technology companies, or government agencies on communications strategy, IT transformation, or organizational development.

Best for: 0699s who enjoy problem-solving, client work, travel, and are willing to trade lifestyle intensity for high compensation and variety.

Government / Federal Executive Service (GS-14/15 or SES)

Civilian job titles:

• Senior Executive Service (SES) positions
• GS-15 Branch Chief / Division Chief
• GS-14/15 Program Manager
• Senior Technology Advisor

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• GS-14 (Step 1-10): $122,000-$159,000
• GS-15 (Step 1-10): $144,000-$187,000
• SES (Executive Service): $141,000-$212,000 (capped)

What translates directly:

• Federal systems and processes understanding
• DoD mission knowledge
• Security clearance
• Leadership and program management
• Strategic planning and coordination

Certifications needed:

• Active security clearance
• Advanced degree (Master's) - Often required for GS-14/15
• PMP - Valued for program management

Reality check: Federal government offers job security, familiar mission, excellent benefits, and pension. Salaries are capped lower than private sector, but total compensation (benefits, pension, job security, work-life balance) is competitive.

Your military experience gives you veteran preference (5-10 points) in federal hiring. Many 0699s transition to federal GS-14/15 positions supporting DoD, DHS, VA, or other agencies.

SES (Senior Executive Service) is the federal equivalent of corporate executive positions. Getting to SES typically requires starting at GS-14/15 and working up over 5-10 years.

Best for: 0699s who want job security, federal benefits, familiar mission, and value pension/benefits over maximum salary.

Telecommunications Manager / Director (Industry-specific)

Civilian job titles:

• Director of Telecommunications
• Telecommunications Manager
• Network Services Director
• Communications Infrastructure Manager

Salary ranges (2024-2025 data):

• Telecom Manager: $110,000-$145,000
• Director of Telecommunications: $140,000-$185,000
• Senior Director: $170,000-$220,000

What translates directly:

• Telecommunications infrastructure management
• Voice, data, and wireless systems
• Vendor management (carriers, equipment)
• Service level management
• Infrastructure planning and optimization

Certifications needed:

• PMP - Program management
• Telecom certifications (varies by technology)
• ITIL - Service management

Reality check: Telecommunications is more specialized and typically pays 15-20% less than general IT leadership roles. However, if your 0699 experience was heavily focused on tactical radio, SATCOM, and telecommunications systems (vs. IT/cyber), this may be most direct path.

Demand for telecom leadership has declined as industry consolidates and companies move to managed services, but roles still exist especially in large enterprises, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing.

Best for: 0699s whose experience was heavily telecommunications-focused (vs. IT/cyber) and who want to specialize in that domain.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "0699 Communications Chief" on your resume. Translate for executive hiring managers:

Military Experience	Civilian Resume Language
Senior communications advisor to regimental commander	Provided executive technology advisement to senior leadership; influenced strategic technology decisions
Led communications platoon of 40+ Marines	Led technology organization of 40+ professionals across multiple technical disciplines
Managed MAGTF communications operations	Directed enterprise communications and IT operations supporting 3,500-user organization across distributed locations
Oversaw $12M equipment program	Managed technology budget ($12M); optimized resource allocation, vendor management, and procurement
Coordinated joint communications operations	Led cross-functional technology initiatives; coordinated with external agencies and partners
Developed and executed training programs	Built technical training curriculum; developed next-generation technology leaders
Maintained communications readiness	Ensured high availability and operational readiness for mission-critical communications infrastructure
Advised command on communications strategy	Provided C-level advisement on technology strategy, risk management, and capability development
Led communications modernization program	Directed $8M infrastructure modernization program; delivered on-time and 15% under budget
Managed crisis communications operations	Led crisis response and business continuity for critical communications failures

Key resume tips for executive roles:

• Lead with strategic impact: "Transformed technology operations reducing costs 35% while improving service levels 40%"
• Emphasize organizational scale: "Led 60-person technology organization supporting $300M annual operations"
• Show business value: "Enabled business growth through strategic technology investments and infrastructure modernization"
• Quantify executive metrics: "Managed $10M technology budget; delivered $2M cost savings through vendor optimization"
• Use C-suite language: Focus on business outcomes, strategic value, organizational development, not technical tasks

Certifications that actually matter (for executive roles)

At the 0699 level, leadership track record and results matter far more than certifications. But key credentials still open doors:

Critical (must have or get immediately):

MBA or Master's in Technology Management - Nearly required for Director+ in corporate world. Use GI Bill. Top online programs: Penn State, Syracuse, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, USC. Opens executive track and provides business foundation.

PMP (Project Management Professional) - Standard for technology executives managing programs. Cost: $555. You definitely have the experience. Get certified.

High value (pursue within 12-24 months):

CISSP or CISM - Security management credential expected of IT executives. Cost: $750-$825. You may already have one.

ITIL Expert - IT service management. Shows understanding of enterprise IT operations. Cost: $500-$1,500 for full track.

PgMP (Program Management Professional) - Advanced program management. For large-scale program leadership. Cost: $800.

Nice to have (depending on path):

Executive education - Harvard, MIT, Wharton, Stanford programs in technology leadership, strategy, or innovation. Expensive ($5K-$50K) but excellent for networking and executive skills development.

CCISO (Certified Chief Information Security Officer) - If security is part of your portfolio. Relatively new cert, growing recognition.

Board certifications - NACD (National Association of Corporate Directors) or ISC2 board programs. For executives with board aspirations.

Low priority at this level:

Technical certifications - CCNA, CCNP, vendor certs. Less relevant for executive roles focused on leadership and strategy.

Entry-level certs - Security+, Network+, etc. You're decades beyond these.

The skills gap (what you need to develop)

You excel at operational leadership and organizational management. Here's what to develop for executive roles:

Executive business acumen: P&L management, business strategy, market dynamics, competitive analysis, revenue/growth drivers. Executives speak business language first, technology second.

Financial acumen: Understanding financial statements, capital planning, ROI analysis, business case development, financial forecasting, investor relations (for public companies).

Executive presence and communication: Board-level presentations, influencing C-suite peers, external representation (conferences, press, industry events), executive storytelling.

Corporate governance: Board relations, audit committee interactions, regulatory compliance, risk governance, fiduciary responsibility.

Business transformation: Leading organizational change, digital transformation, culture change, merger/acquisition integration, business model innovation.

Technology trends and innovation: AI/ML, cloud computing, edge computing, 5G, IoT, digital transformation—understanding how emerging technologies create business value.

Industry knowledge: Deep understanding of specific industry dynamics (healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, retail, etc.) and how technology enables competitive advantage.

Stakeholder ecosystem management: Managing relationships with customers, partners, vendors, investors, board members, regulators.

Executive resume and interviewing: C-suite resume writing (focus on strategic impact), executive interview techniques, case studies, multiple round executive panels, negotiations at executive levels ($200K-$400K+ total comp).

Real 0699 success stories

James, 42, former 0699 (21 years, Master Sergeant) → Director of IT → VP of Technology

James retired with extensive communications and IT leadership. Had MBA (completed online using TA while on active duty). Started as Director of IT at healthcare company at $175,000. Demonstrated strong business results (cost reduction, service improvement, major EHR implementation). Promoted to VP of Technology after 5 years at $245,000. Now leads organization of 85 supporting $800M healthcare system.

Patricia, 44, former 0699 (22 years, retired Master Gunnery Sergeant) → Senior Director (Defense Contractor)

Patricia retired with TS/SCI and exceptional technical leadership background. Joined Leidos as Senior Director supporting Marine Corps Systems Command at $215,000. Leads communications and IT programs for Marine Corps. After 4 years now makes $255,000. Clearance plus deep Marine Corps knowledge equals premium compensation. Plans to stay in defense contracting through second career.

Michael, 40, former 0699 (18 years, Master Sergeant) → Management Consultant → Partner

Michael got out with strong strategic thinking skills. Got MBA (Georgetown, GI Bill). Joined Deloitte's government consulting practice as Senior Consultant at $195,000. Hard grind (70-80 hour weeks, constant travel), but progressed to Principal ($280,000) after 4 years. Now Partner track—expects $400K+ within 3 years. Leveraged military strategic leadership into consulting career.

Linda, 45, former 0699 (23 years, retired Master Sergeant) → CIO (Mid-size Company)

Linda retired, used GI Bill for MBA immediately (Penn State online). Started as Director of IT at manufacturing company at $165,000. Drove major digital transformation (ERP implementation, cloud migration, cybersecurity upgrade). Promoted to CIO after 6 years at $235,000. Relatively fast path to CIO by demonstrating business value and leadership. Now leads technology for $400M manufacturing company.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

As a senior executive-level leader, your approach is strategic:

Month 1: Executive positioning

Week 1-2:

• Get DD-214 and retirement paperwork
• Secure clearance documentation (critical for defense contractor roles)
• Build executive LinkedIn profile (emphasize organizational leadership, strategic impact, scale)
• Join senior veteran executive networks: Honor Foundation (highly recommended), American Corporate Partners
• Research target executive roles (Director, VP, CIO based on your goals)

Week 3-4:

• Develop executive resume with professional specializing in senior military transitions (not general resume writer)
• Target executive positions only (do NOT apply to manager or mid-level roles—you're worth more)
• Assess credential gaps: MBA? PMP? CISSP?
• Research compensation ranges ($165K-$250K+ depending on role, industry, geography)
• Develop executive references (former commanders, senior officers, peers who can speak to executive-level performance)

Month 2: Strategic networking

Week 5-6:

• Network aggressively at executive level (LinkedIn InMail to VPs/CIOs, veteran executive groups, industry associations)
• Engage executive recruiters specializing in CIO/CTO placements (Korn Ferry, Spencer Stuart, Heidrick & Struggles)
• Target defense contractors (executive positions, use ClearanceJobs and direct applications)
• Attend executive veteran events (Honor Foundation programs, CEO roundtables)
• Conduct informational interviews with other senior military technology executives (0699s, senior officers)

Week 7-8:

• Enroll in MBA if you don't have one (use GI Bill—this is critical for executive track)
• Get PMP certification (you have the experience)
• Continue strategic networking and targeted applications (10-15 executive roles per week)
• Prepare for executive interviews (behavioral, case studies, strategic scenarios, multi-round panels)

Month 3: Executive interviewing and negotiation

Week 9-10:

• Interview for executive positions (expect 3-6 rounds including panel, C-suite, sometimes board)
• Prepare executive presentation or strategic plan if requested
• Research companies thoroughly (financial performance, leadership, strategy, culture, technology maturity)
• Understand total executive compensation (base, bonus, equity, benefits, perks)

Week 11-12:

• Negotiate offers aggressively (executive roles have 20-30% negotiation room)
• Leverage clearance value ($45K-$55K+ premium for TS/SCI at executive level)
• Consider long-term opportunity (growth potential, equity value, cultural fit, mission alignment) beyond just starting salary
• Evaluate executive team quality, board sophistication, company trajectory
• Accept position with clear understanding of success metrics and expectations

If no offers by day 90:

• Consider starting as Director even if targeting VP (establish civilian executive track record)
• Expand geographic search or target remote executive positions
• Get executive resume professionally reviewed by senior military transition specialist
• Pursue interim executive consulting (can command $200-400/hour)
• Consider federal executive service (GS-15 or SES track)
• Join Honor Foundation if not already enrolled (best program for senior military executive transitions)

Bottom line for 0699s

You're a senior technology and communications executive with 15-20+ years leading large technical organizations. That experience is worth $175,000-$300,000+ in civilian executive roles.

Immediate realistic opportunities:

• Director of IT: $165,000-$210,000 corporate, $190,000-$250,000 defense contractor with TS/SCI
• Senior Director: $190,000-$240,000
• VP of Technology (3-7 years): $220,000-$310,000
• CIO/CTO (8-15 years): $240,000-$450,000+

Your unique executive assets:

1. Large-scale organizational leadership (20-100+ personnel)
2. Strategic technology planning and execution
3. Multi-million dollar budget management ($5M-$20M+)
4. Crisis leadership and operational continuity
5. TS/SCI clearance (worth $45K-$55K+ at executive level)
6. Executive advisement experience (advising senior commanders)

Critical success factors:

• MBA or Master's (nearly required for Director+ in corporate—use GI Bill immediately)
• Executive positioning (emphasize strategic leadership, not technical expertise)
• PMP certification (standard for technology executives)
• Business communication (learn to speak ROI, business value, competitive advantage)
• Network strategically (executive roles are filled through networks more than applications)

You've led large technical organizations in challenging operational environments. You've advised senior leadership on strategic communications. You've managed complex programs worth tens of millions of dollars. You've developed leaders and built high-performing teams.

That's executive leadership experience. Don't undersell it.

Position yourself as a technology executive, not a senior technician. Target Director, VP, and CIO roles. Demand executive-level compensation—you've earned it through two decades of service and leadership.

Senior enlisted leaders like you have become Directors, VPs, CIOs, and even CEOs. The path is proven. Many earn $200K-$450K+ in executive technology leadership roles.

You spent 15-20 years preparing for executive leadership. Now execute your civilian executive career with the same excellence you demonstrated in uniform.

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Ready to build your executive transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your skills, research executive salaries, and develop your leadership narrative.