Marine Corps 2311 Ammunition Technician to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025)

Bottom Line Up Front

As a 2311 Ammunition Technician, you have specialized technical skills that translate to multiple civilian career paths: ammunition and explosives handling, hazardous materials management, logistics and supply chain, quality control, and safety management. Your experience with ammunition technical operations positions you for $55,000-$95,000+ roles with ammunition manufacturers, defense contractors, military logistics support, hazmat companies, and law enforcement. If you have EOD cross-training or additional explosives certifications, you can command $75,000-$130,000+ in specialized roles. Your ammunition technical expertise, safety-first mindset, and Secret clearance (if you have it) make you valuable to industries handling explosives, ammunition, and hazardous materials.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 2311 who transitions asks: "Does anyone outside the military need ammunition technicians?" and "Aren't my skills too specialized?"

Here's the reality: Multiple industries need professionals who understand ammunition, explosives, and hazardous materials—and they pay well.

You didn't just "move boxes of ammo." You:

Managed ammunition supply operations and accountability
Handled, stored, and transported explosives and ammunition safely
Conducted ammunition inspections and quality assurance
Maintained ammunition storage facilities (ASPs, magazines)
Executed ammunition surveillance and demilitarization procedures
Followed strict safety protocols and technical manuals
Maintained accountability for millions of dollars in ammunition
Conducted hazardous materials handling and transportation
Managed ammunition inventory systems and databases
Responded to ammunition incidents and emergencies

That's explosives handling expertise, hazmat management, logistics and inventory control, quality assurance, safety management, technical operations, and attention to detail. Ammunition manufacturers, defense logistics contractors, law enforcement agencies, hazmat companies, and quality control operations need exactly these skills.

The challenge isn't whether your skills are valuable—it's knowing where ammunition and explosives expertise is needed beyond the military and how to market your specialized skillset.

Best civilian career paths for 2311 Ammunition Technicians

Let's break down real job titles and 2025 salary data.

Defense contractors - Ammunition and ordnance support (best immediate pay)

Civilian job titles:

Ammunition specialist
Ordnance specialist
Ammunition operations specialist
Munitions handler
Ammunition quality assurance specialist
Ammunition logistics specialist

Salary ranges:

Ammunition specialist (CONUS): $55,000-$75,000
Ordnance specialist (2-4 years experience): $70,000-$90,000
Senior ammunition specialist: $85,000-$110,000
Ammunition operations manager: $95,000-$125,000
Overseas ammunition contractor (high-demand): $90,000-$140,000+

Top employers actively hiring 2311s:

Day & Zimmermann (ammunition and ordnance support—major employer)
Amentum (ammunition operations)
PAE (ammunition support to DoD)
Global Ordnance (ammunition manufacturing and support)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (ammunition production)
VSE Corporation (ordnance and ammunition support)
KBR (ammunition logistics)
Parsons (ammunition operations)

What translates directly:

Ammunition handling and storage operations
Explosives safety protocols
Ammunition surveillance and inspection
Ammunition accountability and inventory management
Technical manual interpretation
DoD ammunition regulations and procedures
Secret clearance (if you have it—adds value)

Certifications needed:

Secret clearance (advantage but not always required—adds $10K-20K to salary)
DoD ammunition certifications (document your military training)
HAZMAT certifications (49 CFR training)
Forklift certification (often required)
Associate's or bachelor's degree (increasingly preferred)

Reality check: Defense contractors supporting military ammunition operations worldwide need experienced ammunition technicians. They're managing ammunition supply points, conducting surveillance, handling transportation, and supporting training operations.

CONUS positions pay $55K-80K to start. Overseas deployments (supporting bases in Germany, Korea, Japan, Middle East) pay significantly more—$90K-140K for 6-12 month rotations.

The work is similar to what you did in uniform: ammunition handling, storage management, inventory control, quality assurance. Just in civilian clothes for better pay.

Your military ammunition training and experience are exactly what contractors need. You know DoD procedures, understand safety protocols, and can operate independently.

Job security is tied to contracts—they're won and lost. But ammunition support contracts are relatively stable (military always needs ammunition support).

Best for: 2311s who want to continue ammunition work for significantly better pay, are willing to work CONUS or deploy OCONUS, and have solid technical ammunition experience.

Ammunition and explosives manufacturing

Civilian job titles:

Ammunition inspector
Quality control specialist (ammunition/explosives)
Ammunition production specialist
Explosives manufacturing technician
Ordnance quality assurance inspector

Salary ranges:

Entry-level production/QC: $45,000-$60,000
Ammunition inspector (2-4 years): $60,000-$80,000
Senior QC specialist: $75,000-$95,000
Production supervisor: $85,000-$110,000

Top employers:

Northrop Grumman (ammunition manufacturing)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (ammunition production)
BAE Systems (ordnance and ammunition)
Raytheon (missile and ordnance production)
Vista Outdoor (Federal Premium, Speer, CCI) (commercial ammunition)
Winchester Ammunition
Hornady Manufacturing
Olin Corporation (Winchester)

What translates directly:

Ammunition inspection and quality assurance
Understanding of ammunition technical specifications
Safety protocols and explosives handling
Technical manual interpretation
Attention to detail and documentation

Certifications needed:

Associate's or bachelor's degree (preferred for QC roles)
Quality control certifications (ASQ Certified Quality Inspector)
Explosives safety certifications

Reality check: Ammunition manufacturers need quality control inspectors, production specialists, and safety professionals who understand ammunition and explosives.

Your military ammunition experience gives you immediate credibility. You understand ammunition specifications, know safety protocols, and have hands-on experience.

Manufacturing locations are often in specific areas (Lake City, Missouri; Radford, Virginia; Crane, Indiana; smaller plants nationwide). You may need to relocate.

Pay starts moderate ($50K-70K) but grows steadily. Senior QC specialists and production supervisors make $80K-110K.

Work environment is manufacturing—production floors, quality labs, ammunition loading operations. Safety is paramount (you're used to that).

Best for: 2311s who want ammunition manufacturing work with stable employment, are willing to relocate to manufacturing areas, and enjoy quality control or production operations.

Federal government - Ammunition and ordnance positions

Civilian job titles:

Ammunition specialist (Army, Air Force, Navy depots)
Munitions systems specialist
Ordnance specialist
Quality assurance specialist (ammunition)

Salary ranges (GS pay scale with locality):

GS-5/7 entry: $40,000-$55,000
GS-9/11 (experienced): $60,000-$82,000
GS-12 (senior specialist): $85,000-$105,000
GS-13 (lead/supervisor): $105,000-$130,000

Target employers:

Army ammunition plants and depots (McAlester, OK; Crane, IN; Pine Bluff, AR)
Air Force ammunition depots
Navy munitions facilities
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) - ammunition supply chain

What translates directly:

DoD ammunition operations
Ammunition storage and handling
Technical specifications and procedures
Safety protocols
Inventory management

Path requirements:

Veteran preference (5-10 points—major advantage)
Associate's or bachelor's degree (increasingly preferred)
DoD ammunition experience (you have it)

Reality check: Federal ammunition depots and plants hire civilian ammunition specialists to manage ammunition storage, conduct surveillance, handle demilitarization, and support military operations.

Pay starts lower ($45K-60K at GS-5/7) but federal benefits are excellent: pension after 20 years, TSP matching, health insurance, job security.

Locations are specific—ammunition depots are in McAlester OK, Crane IN, Pine Bluff AR, and other military installations. You may need to relocate.

Veteran preference gives you significant hiring advantage. Your military ammunition experience is exactly what they want.

Promotion through GS grades is structured. You can build a 20-25 year federal career and retire with pension.

Best for: 2311s who want federal job security and benefits, are willing to relocate to ammunition depot locations, and can accept lower starting pay for long-term stability.

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) careers

Civilian job titles:

HAZMAT specialist
Hazardous materials handler
HAZMAT transportation specialist
Hazardous waste technician
Environmental health and safety specialist (HAZMAT focus)

Salary ranges:

Entry-level HAZMAT technician: $40,000-$55,000
HAZMAT specialist (2-4 years): $55,000-$75,000
Senior HAZMAT specialist: $70,000-$90,000
EHS manager (HAZMAT): $85,000-$115,000

Top employers:

Waste management companies (Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Veolia)
Chemical manufacturers
Pharmaceutical companies
Logistics companies (hazmat transportation)
Environmental consulting firms

What translates directly:

Hazardous materials handling and storage
Safety protocols and compliance
Transportation of dangerous goods
Documentation and accountability
Emergency response procedures

Certifications needed:

HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) - 40-hour certification (critical)
49 CFR HAZMAT transportation training
OSHA 30-hour safety certification
DOT HAZMAT certifications

Reality check: Your ammunition and explosives handling experience translates directly to hazardous materials careers. HAZMAT specialists handle chemical waste, hazardous materials transportation, and environmental cleanup.

Pay is moderate ($50K-75K) but demand is steady. Every industry producing or handling hazardous materials needs HAZMAT specialists.

HAZWOPER certification is critical—get it using GI Bill or veterans employment programs. 40-hour course qualifies you for most HAZMAT positions.

Work can involve physical labor, outdoor environments, and irregular hours (emergency response).

Best for: 2311s who want to use explosives/hazmat handling skills in civilian industries without defense focus, and are comfortable with moderate pay for steady employment.

Logistics and supply chain - Inventory and warehouse management

Civilian job titles:

Logistics specialist
Inventory control specialist
Warehouse manager
Supply chain coordinator
Materials manager

Salary ranges:

Inventory control specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Logistics specialist: $55,000-$75,000
Warehouse manager: $65,000-$85,000
Supply chain manager: $80,000-$105,000

What translates directly:

Inventory management and accountability
Supply chain operations
Database management
Quality control and inspection
Warehouse operations

Certifications needed:

Associate's or bachelor's degree (supply chain, logistics, business)
APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP)
Forklift certification
Six Sigma (for quality focus)

Reality check: Your ammunition accountability and inventory management experience translates to logistics and supply chain careers. You managed high-value inventory, maintained databases, and ensured accuracy.

Logistics is a massive industry—every company needs supply chain and inventory management professionals.

Pay is moderate to good ($55K-85K) depending on role and industry. Growth potential is solid—warehouse supervisors and supply chain managers make $80K-110K.

Work is corporate/industrial—less physically demanding than military ammunition work but requires strong organizational and technical skills.

Best for: 2311s who want to pivot from ammunition to general logistics/supply chain with broader industry opportunities and growth potential.

Law enforcement - Bomb squads (requires EOD training)

Civilian job titles:

Bomb technician (police/sheriff)
Explosives detection specialist
Hazardous devices technician

Salary ranges:

Police officer (pre-bomb squad): $50,000-$70,000
Bomb technician: $70,000-$95,000
Senior bomb tech/supervisor: $90,000-$120,000

What translates directly (if you have EOD training):

Explosives handling and disposal
Hazardous devices identification
Safety protocols
Technical operations

Path requirements:

Police academy and sworn officer position (required first)
FBI Hazardous Devices School (required for bomb squad)
EOD training (military EOD is massive advantage)

Reality check: If you have EOD cross-training or went through military EOD courses, you can transition to law enforcement bomb squads. But you must first become a sworn police officer (2-5 years before bomb squad typically).

Pay is solid ($70K-95K for bomb techs) and mission is compelling. But the path is long—police academy, patrol duty, then bomb squad selection.

Best for: 2311s with EOD qualifications who want law enforcement careers and are willing to spend 2-5 years as patrol officers before bomb squad.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "2311 Ammunition Technician" on civilian resumes. Translate it:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
2311 Ammunition technician	Ammunition specialist; ordnance specialist; hazardous materials specialist
Ammunition handling and storage	Managed explosives storage operations; maintained ammunition supply facilities
Ammunition surveillance and inspection	Conducted quality assurance inspections; performed technical evaluations of ammunition
Ammunition accountability	Maintained inventory control of high-value assets; managed supply chain accountability
Explosives safety protocols	Implemented safety procedures for hazardous materials handling and storage
Ammunition technical manuals	Interpreted technical specifications and operational procedures
HAZMAT handling and transportation	Managed hazardous materials transportation in compliance with DOT regulations
Ammunition demilitarization	Conducted safe disposal operations for expired or unserviceable materials
Secret clearance	Active Secret clearance (if applicable)
Emergency response (ammunition incidents)	Responded to hazardous materials incidents; implemented emergency protocols

Resume tips for 2311s:

Lead with safety record: "Ammunition specialist with 6+ years explosives handling experience and zero safety incidents"
Quantify accountability: "Managed $15M ammunition inventory with 100% accountability"
Emphasize certifications: List DoD ammunition courses, HAZMAT training, forklift certification
Highlight technical skills: "Proficient in ammunition technical manuals, DoD explosives safety regulations, inventory systems"
Translate for civilians: "explosives" and "hazardous materials" are more recognizable than "ammunition technician"

Certifications that actually matter for 2311s

Here's what's worth pursuing:

Critical priority:

HAZWOPER 40-hour certification (29 CFR 1910.120) - Required for most hazardous materials positions. Qualifies you to handle hazmat and respond to hazmat incidents. Cost: $300-600 for course. Time: 5 days. Value: Opens hazmat careers; highly valuable.

OSHA 30-hour safety certification - Demonstrates safety competency. Valuable for manufacturing, logistics, and hazmat roles. Cost: $200-400. Time: 4 days. Value: Competitive advantage in safety-focused roles.

Associate's or bachelor's degree - Increasingly required for ammunition specialist, QC, and logistics roles. Supply chain management, logistics, business, or technical field. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Opens career advancement; required by many employers.

Forklift certification - Required for most ammunition and warehouse roles. Cost: $50-150. Time: 1-2 days. Value: Required for employment in many positions.

High priority:

DOT Hazardous Materials Transportation (49 CFR) - Required for hazmat transportation roles. Cost: $200-400. Time: 2 days. Value: Required for hazmat transportation; valuable for ammunition logistics.

Quality control certifications (ASQ) - Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or similar. Valuable for ammunition QC and manufacturing roles. Cost: $400-600 exam. Value: Demonstrates QC competency; valued in manufacturing.

APICS Supply Chain certifications (CPIM, CSCP) - If pivoting to logistics/supply chain careers. Cost: $1,000-2,000. Value: Opens supply chain management roles at $70K-95K.

Project Management Professional (PMP) - For senior ammunition operations or logistics management. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-1,000 exam. Value: Opens management roles at $85K-115K.

Medium priority:

Six Sigma certifications (Yellow Belt, Green Belt) - For quality-focused roles in manufacturing or logistics. Cost: $300-1,500 depending on level. Value: Demonstrates process improvement skills.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with HAZMAT endorsement - If interested in hazmat transportation. Cost: $3,000-5,000 for training. Value: Opens $55K-75K transportation roles.

Explosives safety certifications - Various industry-specific explosives certifications exist. Value: Industry-dependent; research target industry needs.

Low priority:

EMT certification - Helpful for emergency response roles but not critical for ammunition careers. Cost: $1,000-2,000. Value: Marginal for ammunition-focused careers.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest about civilian work versus military ammunition operations:

Civilian safety regulations: You know DoD regulations (DoD 6055.09, TB 700-2). Civilian employers follow OSHA, DOT, EPA, and industry-specific regulations. You'll learn on the job, but recognize different regulatory frameworks.

Business operations: Military ammunition operations focus on mission support. Civilian employers have profit margins, cost controls, and business metrics. Understand business perspective.

Computer skills: If your tech experience is limited to military inventory systems, you need commercial software skills. Most jobs require Microsoft Office, Excel, inventory management software, ERP systems. Take free online courses.

Civilian communication: Military radio communication and brevity codes don't translate. Civilian employers want professional email, business writing, and phone communication. Polish your business communication.

Resume and interviewing: Translating "2311" for civilian HR requires practice. Use translation table above. Practice explaining ammunition work in safety and logistics terms that civilians understand.

Networking: Military assignments come through orders. Civilian jobs require networking, LinkedIn, and self-advocacy. Get comfortable with it.

Real 2311 success stories

Mike, 28, former 2311 E-5 → Day & Zimmermann ammunition specialist (OCONUS)

After 6 years including two deployments, Mike got out with ammunition operations experience. Applied to Day & Zimmermann, interviewed, and got offer for overseas ammunition support position in Kuwait at $95,000 (12-month rotation). "Same ammunition work I did in the Marines—inventory management, handling, storage—just way better pay. My military experience translated directly."

Sarah, 27, former 2311 E-4 → General Dynamics ammunition QC inspector

Sarah did 4 years, wanted stability. Applied to ammunition manufacturers. General Dynamics hired her as quality control inspector at Radford ammunition plant at $62,000. Now makes $74,000 after 3 years. "I inspect ammunition production—my military ammunition knowledge was exactly what they needed. Stable work, good benefits, growing pay."

Carlos, 29, former 2311 E-5 → Clean Harbors HAZMAT specialist

Carlos wanted to pivot from ammunition to broader hazmat work. Got HAZWOPER certification, applied to hazmat companies. Clean Harbors hired him at $58,000. Now $68,000 after 2 years. "I handle chemical waste and hazmat transportation. My explosives handling experience showed I could handle dangerous materials safely. Good pay, steady work."

David, 30, former 2311 E-6 → McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (federal GS-9)

David wanted federal job security. Applied to McAlester Army Ammunition Plant in Oklahoma. Hired as GS-7, promoted to GS-9 after 2 years. Makes $70,000. "Federal ammunition depot work—surveillance, storage, demilitarization. Lower starting pay but veteran preference got me hired, benefits are excellent, pension after 20 years."

Action plan: Your first 90 days out

Month 1: Foundation and assessment

Week 1-2:
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Apply for VA benefits
- Create professional email and LinkedIn
- List all ammunition certifications and training from military
- Research 5 target industries (defense contractors, manufacturing, hazmat, logistics, federal)
Week 3-4:
- Update resume with civilian terminology (use translation table)
- Register on job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, ClearanceJobs if you have clearance)
- Create USAJOBS account for federal ammunition positions
- Research ammunition companies (Day & Zimmermann, Amentum, General Dynamics)
- Connect with 15+ ammunition/logistics professionals on LinkedIn

Month 2: Certifications and applications

Week 5-6:
- Get HAZWOPER 40-hour certification ($400, 5 days)—opens many doors
- Get OSHA 30-hour safety certification ($300, 4 days)
- Get forklift certification if you don't have it ($100, 1 day)
- Apply to 20+ positions (defense contractors, manufacturers, federal, hazmat)
- If no degree: Enroll in associate's program using GI Bill
Week 7-8:
- Continue applications (15+ per week)
- Attend veteran hiring events
- Contact defense contractor recruiters directly (Day & Zimmermann, Amentum, PAE)
- Apply to federal ammunition depots (McAlester, Crane, Pine Bluff)
- Practice explaining ammunition work in safety/logistics terms

Month 3: Interviews and decision-making

Week 9-10:
- Interview phase (contractors move fastest; federal is slower)
- Get professional interview outfit
- Prepare portfolio: resume, certifications, reference list
- Research companies before interviews
- Practice behavioral interview questions (safety, teamwork, problem-solving)
Week 11-12:
- Evaluate offers (salary, location, benefits, stability, growth)
- Consider OCONUS contractor roles for higher pay vs. CONUS stability
- Negotiate salary (ammunition expertise and certifications give leverage)
- Accept offer and begin transition
- Plan relocation if necessary (ammunition jobs often require moving)

Bottom line for 2311 Ammunition Technicians

Your 2311 ammunition technical experience is valuable across multiple industries—defense contractors, ammunition manufacturing, hazmat, logistics, and federal government. You're not limited to military ammunition work—your skills translate broadly.

Defense contractors pay $65K-100K+ for ammunition specialists (OCONUS pays even more). Ammunition manufacturers pay $60K-90K for QC and production roles. HAZMAT companies pay $55K-80K. Federal ammunition depots pay $55K-85K with excellent benefits and pensions.

Your ammunition expertise, safety record, and attention to detail are your biggest assets. Employers handling explosives, hazmat, or high-value inventory need professionals who take safety seriously and maintain accountability.

First-year civilian income of $55K-75K is realistic depending on path chosen. Within 5 years, $70K-95K+ is achievable through experience and certifications.

Get HAZWOPER and OSHA certifications—they open many doors beyond ammunition-specific roles. Use your GI Bill for a degree if you don't have one—it expands career options significantly.

Execute your transition with the same safety-first mindset you brought to ammunition operations. Research target industries, get key certifications, and apply broadly.

Semper Fi, and good luck in your next mission.

Ready to transition your ammunition career? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research ammunition and logistics positions and plan your civilian career path.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every 2311 who transitions asks: "Does anyone outside the military need ammunition technicians?" and "Aren't my skills too specialized?"

Here's the reality: Multiple industries need professionals who understand ammunition, explosives, and hazardous materials—and they pay well.

You didn't just "move boxes of ammo." You:

Managed ammunition supply operations and accountability
Handled, stored, and transported explosives and ammunition safely
Conducted ammunition inspections and quality assurance
Maintained ammunition storage facilities (ASPs, magazines)
Executed ammunition surveillance and demilitarization procedures
Followed strict safety protocols and technical manuals
Maintained accountability for millions of dollars in ammunition
Conducted hazardous materials handling and transportation
Managed ammunition inventory systems and databases
Responded to ammunition incidents and emergencies

The challenge isn't whether your skills are valuable—it's knowing where ammunition and explosives expertise is needed beyond the military and how to market your specialized skillset.

Best civilian career paths for 2311 Ammunition Technicians

Let's break down real job titles and 2025 salary data.

Defense contractors - Ammunition and ordnance support (best immediate pay)

Civilian job titles:

Ammunition specialist
Ordnance specialist
Ammunition operations specialist
Munitions handler
Ammunition quality assurance specialist
Ammunition logistics specialist

Salary ranges:

Ammunition specialist (CONUS): $55,000-$75,000
Ordnance specialist (2-4 years experience): $70,000-$90,000
Senior ammunition specialist: $85,000-$110,000
Ammunition operations manager: $95,000-$125,000
Overseas ammunition contractor (high-demand): $90,000-$140,000+

Top employers actively hiring 2311s:

Day & Zimmermann (ammunition and ordnance support—major employer)
Amentum (ammunition operations)
PAE (ammunition support to DoD)
Global Ordnance (ammunition manufacturing and support)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (ammunition production)
VSE Corporation (ordnance and ammunition support)
KBR (ammunition logistics)
Parsons (ammunition operations)

What translates directly:

Ammunition handling and storage operations
Explosives safety protocols
Ammunition surveillance and inspection
Ammunition accountability and inventory management
Technical manual interpretation
DoD ammunition regulations and procedures
Secret clearance (if you have it—adds value)

Certifications needed:

Secret clearance (advantage but not always required—adds $10K-20K to salary)
DoD ammunition certifications (document your military training)
HAZMAT certifications (49 CFR training)
Forklift certification (often required)
Associate's or bachelor's degree (increasingly preferred)

CONUS positions pay $55K-80K to start. Overseas deployments (supporting bases in Germany, Korea, Japan, Middle East) pay significantly more—$90K-140K for 6-12 month rotations.

The work is similar to what you did in uniform: ammunition handling, storage management, inventory control, quality assurance. Just in civilian clothes for better pay.

Your military ammunition training and experience are exactly what contractors need. You know DoD procedures, understand safety protocols, and can operate independently.

Job security is tied to contracts—they're won and lost. But ammunition support contracts are relatively stable (military always needs ammunition support).

Best for: 2311s who want to continue ammunition work for significantly better pay, are willing to work CONUS or deploy OCONUS, and have solid technical ammunition experience.

Ammunition and explosives manufacturing

Civilian job titles:

Ammunition inspector
Quality control specialist (ammunition/explosives)
Ammunition production specialist
Explosives manufacturing technician
Ordnance quality assurance inspector

Salary ranges:

Entry-level production/QC: $45,000-$60,000
Ammunition inspector (2-4 years): $60,000-$80,000
Senior QC specialist: $75,000-$95,000
Production supervisor: $85,000-$110,000

Top employers:

Northrop Grumman (ammunition manufacturing)
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (ammunition production)
BAE Systems (ordnance and ammunition)
Raytheon (missile and ordnance production)
Vista Outdoor (Federal Premium, Speer, CCI) (commercial ammunition)
Winchester Ammunition
Hornady Manufacturing
Olin Corporation (Winchester)

What translates directly:

Ammunition inspection and quality assurance
Understanding of ammunition technical specifications
Safety protocols and explosives handling
Technical manual interpretation
Attention to detail and documentation

Certifications needed:

Associate's or bachelor's degree (preferred for QC roles)
Quality control certifications (ASQ Certified Quality Inspector)
Explosives safety certifications

Reality check: Ammunition manufacturers need quality control inspectors, production specialists, and safety professionals who understand ammunition and explosives.

Your military ammunition experience gives you immediate credibility. You understand ammunition specifications, know safety protocols, and have hands-on experience.

Manufacturing locations are often in specific areas (Lake City, Missouri; Radford, Virginia; Crane, Indiana; smaller plants nationwide). You may need to relocate.

Pay starts moderate ($50K-70K) but grows steadily. Senior QC specialists and production supervisors make $80K-110K.

Work environment is manufacturing—production floors, quality labs, ammunition loading operations. Safety is paramount (you're used to that).

Best for: 2311s who want ammunition manufacturing work with stable employment, are willing to relocate to manufacturing areas, and enjoy quality control or production operations.

Federal government - Ammunition and ordnance positions

Civilian job titles:

Ammunition specialist (Army, Air Force, Navy depots)
Munitions systems specialist
Ordnance specialist
Quality assurance specialist (ammunition)

Salary ranges (GS pay scale with locality):

GS-5/7 entry: $40,000-$55,000
GS-9/11 (experienced): $60,000-$82,000
GS-12 (senior specialist): $85,000-$105,000
GS-13 (lead/supervisor): $105,000-$130,000

Target employers:

Army ammunition plants and depots (McAlester, OK; Crane, IN; Pine Bluff, AR)
Air Force ammunition depots
Navy munitions facilities
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) - ammunition supply chain

What translates directly:

DoD ammunition operations
Ammunition storage and handling
Technical specifications and procedures
Safety protocols
Inventory management

Path requirements:

Veteran preference (5-10 points—major advantage)
Associate's or bachelor's degree (increasingly preferred)
DoD ammunition experience (you have it)

Pay starts lower ($45K-60K at GS-5/7) but federal benefits are excellent: pension after 20 years, TSP matching, health insurance, job security.

Locations are specific—ammunition depots are in McAlester OK, Crane IN, Pine Bluff AR, and other military installations. You may need to relocate.

Veteran preference gives you significant hiring advantage. Your military ammunition experience is exactly what they want.

Promotion through GS grades is structured. You can build a 20-25 year federal career and retire with pension.

Best for: 2311s who want federal job security and benefits, are willing to relocate to ammunition depot locations, and can accept lower starting pay for long-term stability.

Hazardous materials (HAZMAT) careers

Civilian job titles:

HAZMAT specialist
Hazardous materials handler
HAZMAT transportation specialist
Hazardous waste technician
Environmental health and safety specialist (HAZMAT focus)

Salary ranges:

Entry-level HAZMAT technician: $40,000-$55,000
HAZMAT specialist (2-4 years): $55,000-$75,000
Senior HAZMAT specialist: $70,000-$90,000
EHS manager (HAZMAT): $85,000-$115,000

Top employers:

Waste management companies (Clean Harbors, Stericycle, Veolia)
Chemical manufacturers
Pharmaceutical companies
Logistics companies (hazmat transportation)
Environmental consulting firms

What translates directly:

Hazardous materials handling and storage
Safety protocols and compliance
Transportation of dangerous goods
Documentation and accountability
Emergency response procedures

Certifications needed:

HAZWOPER (29 CFR 1910.120) - 40-hour certification (critical)
49 CFR HAZMAT transportation training
OSHA 30-hour safety certification
DOT HAZMAT certifications

Pay is moderate ($50K-75K) but demand is steady. Every industry producing or handling hazardous materials needs HAZMAT specialists.

HAZWOPER certification is critical—get it using GI Bill or veterans employment programs. 40-hour course qualifies you for most HAZMAT positions.

Work can involve physical labor, outdoor environments, and irregular hours (emergency response).

Best for: 2311s who want to use explosives/hazmat handling skills in civilian industries without defense focus, and are comfortable with moderate pay for steady employment.

Logistics and supply chain - Inventory and warehouse management

Civilian job titles:

Logistics specialist
Inventory control specialist
Warehouse manager
Supply chain coordinator
Materials manager

Salary ranges:

Inventory control specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Logistics specialist: $55,000-$75,000
Warehouse manager: $65,000-$85,000
Supply chain manager: $80,000-$105,000

What translates directly:

Inventory management and accountability
Supply chain operations
Database management
Quality control and inspection
Warehouse operations

Certifications needed:

Associate's or bachelor's degree (supply chain, logistics, business)
APICS certifications (CPIM, CSCP)
Forklift certification
Six Sigma (for quality focus)

Logistics is a massive industry—every company needs supply chain and inventory management professionals.

Pay is moderate to good ($55K-85K) depending on role and industry. Growth potential is solid—warehouse supervisors and supply chain managers make $80K-110K.

Work is corporate/industrial—less physically demanding than military ammunition work but requires strong organizational and technical skills.

Best for: 2311s who want to pivot from ammunition to general logistics/supply chain with broader industry opportunities and growth potential.

Law enforcement - Bomb squads (requires EOD training)

Civilian job titles:

Bomb technician (police/sheriff)
Explosives detection specialist
Hazardous devices technician

Salary ranges:

Police officer (pre-bomb squad): $50,000-$70,000
Bomb technician: $70,000-$95,000
Senior bomb tech/supervisor: $90,000-$120,000

What translates directly (if you have EOD training):

Explosives handling and disposal
Hazardous devices identification
Safety protocols
Technical operations

Path requirements:

Police academy and sworn officer position (required first)
FBI Hazardous Devices School (required for bomb squad)
EOD training (military EOD is massive advantage)

Pay is solid ($70K-95K for bomb techs) and mission is compelling. But the path is long—police academy, patrol duty, then bomb squad selection.

Best for: 2311s with EOD qualifications who want law enforcement careers and are willing to spend 2-5 years as patrol officers before bomb squad.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "2311 Ammunition Technician" on civilian resumes. Translate it:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
2311 Ammunition technician	Ammunition specialist; ordnance specialist; hazardous materials specialist
Ammunition handling and storage	Managed explosives storage operations; maintained ammunition supply facilities
Ammunition surveillance and inspection	Conducted quality assurance inspections; performed technical evaluations of ammunition
Ammunition accountability	Maintained inventory control of high-value assets; managed supply chain accountability
Explosives safety protocols	Implemented safety procedures for hazardous materials handling and storage
Ammunition technical manuals	Interpreted technical specifications and operational procedures
HAZMAT handling and transportation	Managed hazardous materials transportation in compliance with DOT regulations
Ammunition demilitarization	Conducted safe disposal operations for expired or unserviceable materials
Secret clearance	Active Secret clearance (if applicable)
Emergency response (ammunition incidents)	Responded to hazardous materials incidents; implemented emergency protocols

Resume tips for 2311s:

Lead with safety record: "Ammunition specialist with 6+ years explosives handling experience and zero safety incidents"
Quantify accountability: "Managed $15M ammunition inventory with 100% accountability"
Emphasize certifications: List DoD ammunition courses, HAZMAT training, forklift certification
Highlight technical skills: "Proficient in ammunition technical manuals, DoD explosives safety regulations, inventory systems"
Translate for civilians: "explosives" and "hazardous materials" are more recognizable than "ammunition technician"

Certifications that actually matter for 2311s

Here's what's worth pursuing:

Critical priority:

Forklift certification - Required for most ammunition and warehouse roles. Cost: $50-150. Time: 1-2 days. Value: Required for employment in many positions.

High priority:

APICS Supply Chain certifications (CPIM, CSCP) - If pivoting to logistics/supply chain careers. Cost: $1,000-2,000. Value: Opens supply chain management roles at $70K-95K.

Project Management Professional (PMP) - For senior ammunition operations or logistics management. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-1,000 exam. Value: Opens management roles at $85K-115K.

Medium priority:

Six Sigma certifications (Yellow Belt, Green Belt) - For quality-focused roles in manufacturing or logistics. Cost: $300-1,500 depending on level. Value: Demonstrates process improvement skills.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with HAZMAT endorsement - If interested in hazmat transportation. Cost: $3,000-5,000 for training. Value: Opens $55K-75K transportation roles.

Explosives safety certifications - Various industry-specific explosives certifications exist. Value: Industry-dependent; research target industry needs.

Low priority:

EMT certification - Helpful for emergency response roles but not critical for ammunition careers. Cost: $1,000-2,000. Value: Marginal for ammunition-focused careers.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest about civilian work versus military ammunition operations:

Business operations: Military ammunition operations focus on mission support. Civilian employers have profit margins, cost controls, and business metrics. Understand business perspective.

Networking: Military assignments come through orders. Civilian jobs require networking, LinkedIn, and self-advocacy. Get comfortable with it.

Real 2311 success stories

Mike, 28, former 2311 E-5 → Day & Zimmermann ammunition specialist (OCONUS)

Sarah, 27, former 2311 E-4 → General Dynamics ammunition QC inspector

Carlos, 29, former 2311 E-5 → Clean Harbors HAZMAT specialist

David, 30, former 2311 E-6 → McAlester Army Ammunition Plant (federal GS-9)

Action plan: Your first 90 days out

Month 1: Foundation and assessment

Week 1-2:
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Apply for VA benefits
- Create professional email and LinkedIn
- List all ammunition certifications and training from military
- Research 5 target industries (defense contractors, manufacturing, hazmat, logistics, federal)
Week 3-4:
- Update resume with civilian terminology (use translation table)
- Register on job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, ClearanceJobs if you have clearance)
- Create USAJOBS account for federal ammunition positions
- Research ammunition companies (Day & Zimmermann, Amentum, General Dynamics)
- Connect with 15+ ammunition/logistics professionals on LinkedIn

Month 2: Certifications and applications

Week 5-6:
- Get HAZWOPER 40-hour certification ($400, 5 days)—opens many doors
- Get OSHA 30-hour safety certification ($300, 4 days)
- Get forklift certification if you don't have it ($100, 1 day)
- Apply to 20+ positions (defense contractors, manufacturers, federal, hazmat)
- If no degree: Enroll in associate's program using GI Bill
Week 7-8:
- Continue applications (15+ per week)
- Attend veteran hiring events
- Contact defense contractor recruiters directly (Day & Zimmermann, Amentum, PAE)
- Apply to federal ammunition depots (McAlester, Crane, Pine Bluff)
- Practice explaining ammunition work in safety/logistics terms

Month 3: Interviews and decision-making

Week 9-10:
- Interview phase (contractors move fastest; federal is slower)
- Get professional interview outfit
- Prepare portfolio: resume, certifications, reference list
- Research companies before interviews
- Practice behavioral interview questions (safety, teamwork, problem-solving)
Week 11-12:
- Evaluate offers (salary, location, benefits, stability, growth)
- Consider OCONUS contractor roles for higher pay vs. CONUS stability
- Negotiate salary (ammunition expertise and certifications give leverage)
- Accept offer and begin transition
- Plan relocation if necessary (ammunition jobs often require moving)

Bottom line for 2311 Ammunition Technicians

First-year civilian income of $55K-75K is realistic depending on path chosen. Within 5 years, $70K-95K+ is achievable through experience and certifications.

Get HAZWOPER and OSHA certifications—they open many doors beyond ammunition-specific roles. Use your GI Bill for a degree if you don't have one—it expands career options significantly.

Execute your transition with the same safety-first mindset you brought to ammunition operations. Research target industries, get key certifications, and apply broadly.

Semper Fi, and good luck in your next mission.

Ready to transition your ammunition career? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to research ammunition and logistics positions and plan your civilian career path.