Marine 7236 Tactical Systems Controller to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2025 Salary Data)
Career transition guide for Marine Tactical Systems Controllers moving to civilian careers. Includes defense contractor tactical coordination, operations management, IT leadership roles with $85K-$180K+ salary ranges.
Bottom Line Up Front
Marines with Tactical Systems Controller experience (Note: MOS 7236 Tactical Air Defense Controller merged into 7240 Tactical Air Operations) bring tactical operations leadership, multi-system coordination, mission planning expertise, real-time decision-making authority, and technical supervision—skills that translate directly to defense contractor leadership, operations management, IT operations management, emergency operations leadership, and tactical coordination roles. Realistic first-year salaries range from $85,000-$110,000, with experienced professionals in defense contracting and operational leadership hitting $130,000-$180,000+. Your combination of tactical leadership, technical expertise, and operational command positions you for management-track careers in defense, federal operations, and corporate operations centers.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every Tactical Systems Controller transitioning out hears: "That's a leadership position with no civilian equivalent." "You'll need management experience in civilian terms." "Technical leadership doesn't translate outside military."
That's wrong. Here's what they don't understand: You're not just a "controller"—you're an operational leader with tactical command authority and technical expertise.
You didn't just "supervise operators." You:
- Commanded tactical air defense operations with mission authority
- Directed fighter aircraft intercepts and surface-to-air weapons employment
- Managed complex multi-platform integrated air defense operations
- Made tactical decisions with strategic consequences
- Supervised and trained teams of tactical systems operators
- Coordinated operations with joint air operations centers and ground commanders
- Maintained operational readiness across multiple technical systems
- Executed mission planning for complex tactical operations
- Managed crisis situations requiring immediate tactical decisions
- Held accountability for multi-million dollar systems and mission success
That's operational leadership, strategic thinking, crisis management, technical supervision, and mission command. Defense contractors, federal operations, corporate operations management, and emergency leadership need exactly these skills. You led tactical operations under pressure—that's exactly what high-level civilian operations leadership requires.
Best civilian career paths for Tactical Systems Controllers
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where Tactical Systems Controllers land high-paying leadership roles, with current 2024-2025 salary data.
Defense contractors - tactical operations leadership (highest pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Tactical operations manager
- Air defense program manager
- Operations center director
- Battle management systems SME
- Command and control program lead
- Training program manager
- Operations integration lead
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level operations manager: $95,000-$120,000
- Program manager: $110,000-$150,000
- Senior operations manager: $125,000-$165,000
- Program director: $140,000-$180,000+
- Subject matter expert (SME): $130,000-$175,000
- Overseas program manager: $150,000-$200,000+
Major employers:
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon Technologies
- Lockheed Martin
- General Dynamics
- L3Harris Technologies
- CACI International
- Leidos
- BAE Systems
- Booz Allen Hamilton
What translates directly:
- Tactical operations leadership
- Program management and execution
- Multi-team coordination and supervision
- Technical systems expertise
- Crisis management and decision-making
- Training program development
- Mission planning and execution
- Security clearance (critical advantage)
- Joint operations coordination
Certifications needed:
- Active security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI—worth $25K-$50K salary premium for management roles)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) (gold standard for program management, $555 exam)
- CompTIA Security+ (DoD baseline, $370 exam)
- Bachelor's or Master's degree (required for most program management roles, use GI Bill)
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications (for DoD program management—employer often provides)
Reality check: Defense contractors need program managers and operations leaders who understand military tactical operations, can interface with military customers, and have technical expertise. Your tactical command experience is exactly what they need for:
- Managing tactical training programs for military customers
- Directing operations centers supporting deployed forces
- Leading test and evaluation programs for new tactical systems
- Managing integration of tactical systems across platforms
- Overseeing overseas contract operations
Your combination of tactical leadership, technical knowledge, and security clearance positions you for management-level contractor roles immediately. Many former SNCOs and officers start as program managers or operations managers, not entry-level positions.
Locations: Northern Virginia (Pentagon area), Colorado Springs, Huntsville (AL), San Diego, Eglin AFB area (FL), or OCONUS program management.
OCONUS program management ($150K-$200K+) requires managing contractor teams overseas supporting foreign military training or U.S. operations. High responsibility, high pay, significant time away from home.
Your leadership experience managing tactical operations, training junior personnel, and coordinating with senior leadership translates directly to defense contractor program management. Don't undersell your experience.
Best for: Tactical Systems Controllers who want to maximize earning potential, continue tactical operations leadership, and leverage command experience for high-level contractor management roles.
IT operations management (corporate leadership track)
Civilian job titles:
- IT operations manager
- Network operations center (NOC) manager
- Infrastructure operations manager
- IT service delivery manager
- Technical operations director
Salary ranges:
- IT operations manager: $90,000-$130,000
- NOC manager: $95,000-$135,000
- Infrastructure manager: $105,000-$150,000
- IT operations director: $130,000-$180,000
- VP of IT Operations: $150,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Leading technical operations teams
- Managing 24/7 operations centers
- Crisis management and incident response
- Technical troubleshooting oversight
- Process improvement and optimization
- Multi-team coordination
- Vendor and stakeholder management
- Performance metrics and reporting
Certifications needed:
- ITIL 4 Foundation (IT service management framework, $350 exam, industry standard)
- ITIL 4 Managing Professional (advanced ITIL, $1,200-$2,000 for track, management-level)
- CompTIA Security+ (security baseline, $370 exam)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) (management gold standard, $555 exam)
- Bachelor's in IT, Business, or related field (required for management, use GI Bill)
- MBA (optional but valuable for senior management track, use GI Bill)
Reality check: Corporate IT operations managers oversee teams running 24/7 operations centers, managing incidents, coordinating technical teams, ensuring system uptime, and interfacing with business leadership—very similar to tactical operations center command.
Your tactical operations leadership experience gives you significant advantage over typical IT management candidates. You've commanded teams under pressure, made critical decisions, managed complex operations, and coordinated with senior leadership—exactly what IT operations management requires.
Key difference: Managing IT systems and corporate applications instead of tactical military systems. The leadership, coordination, and crisis management skills are identical—just different technical domain.
Major employers: Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, healthcare systems, technology companies, telecommunications, e-commerce, managed service providers.
Path to six figures: You may start as operations manager ($90K-$130K) given your leadership experience. With IT certifications (ITIL, PMP), 3-5 years corporate experience, advance to director or VP level ($130K-$200K+).
Less exciting mission than military/defense, but excellent work-life balance, stable corporate career, clear advancement path to executive leadership.
Best for: Tactical Systems Controllers willing to get IT management certifications, comfortable transitioning from military tactical systems to corporate IT operations, and wanting clear advancement to executive leadership.
Cybersecurity operations management (high demand, high pay)
Civilian job titles:
- Security Operations Center (SOC) manager
- Cybersecurity operations manager
- Incident response manager
- Threat intelligence manager
- Security program manager
Salary ranges:
- SOC manager: $110,000-$150,000
- Cybersecurity operations manager: $120,000-$160,000
- Incident response manager: $125,000-$165,000
- Director of Security Operations: $140,000-$190,000
- CISO (Chief Information Security Officer): $180,000-$300,000+
What translates directly:
- Leading security operations teams
- Managing 24/7 SOC operations
- Crisis management and incident command
- Coordinating threat response
- Strategic security planning
- Metrics and reporting to leadership
- Multi-team coordination during incidents
Certifications needed:
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) (gold standard, $749 exam, requires 5 years experience)
- CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) (management focus, $575 exam)
- CompTIA Security+ (baseline, $370 exam)
- CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) (technical knowledge, $1,199 exam)
- Bachelor's or Master's in Cybersecurity (strongly preferred, use GI Bill)
Reality check: SOC managers command teams monitoring networks for cyber threats, coordinating incident response, managing security tools, and interfacing with executive leadership—very similar to tactical air defense operations center command.
Your tactical operations command experience is perfect for SOC management: leading teams detecting threats, coordinating response, making critical decisions under pressure, managing resources, reporting to senior leadership.
Cybersecurity leadership is one of the hottest job markets. Organizations desperate for experienced security leaders. Labor shortage means high salaries and strong job security.
Entry barrier: You need cybersecurity credentials and some hands-on cyber experience. Path: Get Security+ and work as SOC analyst/specialist 1-2 years (using GI Bill for bachelor's/master's in cybersecurity), then leverage your leadership experience to move into SOC management.
Alternative path: Some organizations hire military leaders into management trainee programs, providing technical cybersecurity training while leveraging your leadership experience.
Defense contractors and federal agencies especially value cleared leaders with tactical operations background for SOC management. Your combination of leadership and clearance can accelerate your entry.
Best for: Tactical Systems Controllers interested in cybersecurity, willing to get cyber certifications and possibly start in analyst role before moving to management, and wanting high-growth, high-pay career field.
Emergency operations and crisis management leadership (government/corporate)
Civilian job titles:
- Emergency operations director
- Crisis management director
- Emergency preparedness manager
- Business continuity manager
- Emergency management coordinator
Salary ranges:
- Emergency operations manager: $75,000-$110,000
- Emergency management director: $95,000-$140,000
- Crisis management director: $105,000-$150,000
- Business continuity director: $110,000-$160,000
- Chief resilience officer: $130,000-$180,000
What translates directly:
- Commanding emergency operations centers
- Crisis decision-making and leadership
- Multi-agency coordination
- Incident command system (ICS) operations
- Strategic planning and preparedness
- Training and exercise development
- Resource management during crises
Certifications needed:
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) (IAEM gold standard, $350-$500 + experience requirements)
- FEMA Professional Development Series (free online courses)
- ICS certifications (ICS-100 through ICS-400, required for emergency mgmt, free)
- Business Continuity Professional certifications (DRI or BCI, $600-$1,200)
- Bachelor's or Master's in Emergency Management (strongly preferred for director roles, use GI Bill)
Reality check: Emergency Operations Center directors command response to disasters, coordinate multi-agency operations, make critical resource allocation decisions, and interface with political leadership—very similar to tactical operations command.
Your tactical operations command experience translates directly: you've coordinated complex multi-team operations, made time-critical decisions with lives at stake, managed resources, and communicated with senior leadership.
Employers: State/local government emergency management agencies, hospitals, universities, major corporations, critical infrastructure (utilities, ports, airports), federal emergency management.
Work involves: Planning and preparedness during routine operations, then commanding EOC during hurricanes, floods, pandemics, wildfires, terrorism, major accidents, or other emergencies.
Salaries lower than defense contracting or corporate IT, but strong mission focus (protecting communities), job security, government/nonprofit benefits, and impactful leadership role.
Many states and large jurisdictions specifically recruit military leaders for emergency management director roles, recognizing value of tactical operations command experience.
Best for: Tactical Systems Controllers who want community service mission, government/corporate leadership role, and applying tactical command experience to emergency response and crisis management.
Federal operations leadership (mission focus, stability)
Civilian job titles:
- Operations center director (federal)
- Watch commander
- Intelligence operations manager
- Joint operations center manager
- Fusion center manager
Salary ranges:
- Federal operations manager (GS-13 to GS-14): $100,000-$140,000
- Operations center director (GS-14 to GS-15): $130,000-$170,000
- Senior executive service (SES): $165,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Tactical operations command
- Joint operations coordination
- Crisis decision-making
- Strategic planning and execution
- Multi-agency coordination
- Security operations management
- Intelligence operations knowledge
Certifications needed:
- Security clearance (TS/SCI highly preferred)
- Bachelor's or Master's degree (required for GS-13+ positions, use GI Bill)
- Agency-specific training and certifications (provided after hiring)
- Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) (if you have it from military—valuable)
Reality check: Federal agencies operate command centers for intelligence, military operations, homeland security, law enforcement, and crisis response. Your tactical operations command experience is directly applicable to leading these centers.
Major employers: DoD (combatant commands, service headquarters), NSA, DHS, FBI, CIA, State Department, FEMA, USCG, DOE, and others.
Federal senior leadership positions offer: job security, excellent benefits, pension after 20-30 years, veteran hiring preference (though less relevant at GS-13+ levels), mission focus, and commanding significant operations with national impact.
Application process slow: 6-12 months for background, clearance, approval process. Hiring at GS-13+ requires competitive selection. Many positions require you to have GS-12 experience first or very strong credentials (advanced degree, specific expertise).
Alternative path: Enter federal service at GS-11 or GS-12 in operations role, gain 2-3 years experience, then compete for GS-13+ management positions.
Less money than defense contractors, but federal stability, mission importance, and satisfaction of leading operations with national significance.
Best for: Tactical Systems Controllers who want federal career, mission-focused leadership, long-term stability with pension, and continuing to command operations supporting national security from civilian side.
Program management and consulting (diverse opportunities)
Civilian job titles:
- Defense program manager
- Operations consultant
- Management consultant
- Program integration lead
- Strategic operations advisor
Salary ranges:
- Program manager: $100,000-$145,000
- Senior program manager: $120,000-$165,000
- Management consultant: $110,000-$170,000
- Partner/principal consultant: $150,000-$250,000+
What translates directly:
- Program planning and execution
- Stakeholder management
- Risk management and mitigation
- Performance metrics and reporting
- Strategic planning
- Process improvement
- Team leadership and coordination
Certifications needed:
- Project Management Professional (PMP) (essential, $555 exam, gold standard)
- Program Management Professional (PgMP) (advanced, $800 exam, for large programs)
- Lean Six Sigma certifications (process improvement, $300-$2,000 depending on level)
- Bachelor's or MBA (MBA strongly preferred for consulting, use GI Bill)
- Security clearance (for defense consulting—major advantage)
Reality check: Your tactical operations command, mission planning, and execution experience translates to program management. You've managed complex operations with multiple teams, coordinated with stakeholders, adapted to changing conditions, and delivered mission success—exactly what program managers do.
Major employers:
- Consulting firms: Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Accenture Federal, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group
- Defense contractors: All major primes need program managers
- Tech companies: Amazon, Microsoft, Google need program managers
- Any large organization: Program management is universal skill
Management consulting firms specifically value military leaders: strategic thinking, leadership under pressure, diverse experience managing complex operations. Cleared consultants supporting DoD/Intelligence Community can command premium compensation.
Path: PMP certification + MBA opens doors. Some consulting firms have specific military hiring programs. Your operational leadership plus management credentials make you competitive.
Best for: Tactical Systems Controllers with strategic thinking skills, strong communication, interest in diverse projects/industries, and wanting consulting career or corporate program management.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Tactical Air Defense Controller" or "7236." HR doesn't understand military positions. Translate your leadership:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Commanded tactical operations | Led mission-critical operations with command authority over multi-team 24/7 operations |
| Directed aircraft intercepts | Made time-critical tactical decisions with strategic consequences |
| Supervised tactical systems operators | Managed team of 10+ technical specialists in high-stress operations environment |
| Coordinated joint operations | Coordinated operations across multiple organizations and command levels |
| Planned complex missions | Developed operational plans integrating multiple systems, teams, and objectives |
| Managed crisis situations | Led crisis response operations requiring immediate decision-making and resource coordination |
| Trained junior leaders | Developed and mentored future leaders through progressive responsibility and evaluation |
| Maintained operational readiness | Ensured 24/7 operational capability through resource management, training, and quality assurance |
| Held security clearance | Held Top Secret/SCI clearance commanding classified operations |
Use leadership verbs: Commanded, Led, Directed, Managed, Supervised, Coordinated, Developed, Executed.
Use quantifiable achievements: "Commanded operations with 15-person team," "Directed 300+ tactical missions," "Managed $5M in systems and equipment," "Trained and evaluated 25+ operators," "Maintained 99% operational readiness."
Focus on outcomes and impact: Don't just describe duties—describe what you achieved. "Led tactical operations that successfully defended X airspace" or "Managed operations center achieving 100% mission success rate."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill for management-track careers:
High priority (get these first):
Project Management Professional (PMP) - Gold standard for program/project management. Required for many contractor program manager roles and valuable for all management positions. Cost: $555 exam + $300-$2,000 prep (GI Bill may cover courses). Time: 3-6 months preparation. Value: Opens program management roles ($100K-$165K+).
Bachelor's degree (if you don't have one) - Required for virtually all management positions. Use GI Bill for management, business, IT, cybersecurity, or emergency management. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 3-4 years or complete existing credits. Value: Mandatory for career advancement.
Master's degree - MBA, MS in Management, MS in Cybersecurity, or other relevant field. Accelerates advancement to senior management. Use GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill (most programs). Time: 1.5-2 years. Value: Required for executive track in many organizations.
Security clearance maintenance - If you have TS/SCI, maintain through employment within 2 years. Worth $25K-$50K more annually for management roles. Cost: Maintained through employment. Value: Critical for defense contractor and federal leadership positions.
Medium priority (based on career path):
ITIL 4 Foundation and Managing Professional - If pursuing IT operations management. Industry-standard framework for IT service management. Cost: $350 (Foundation) + $1,200-$2,000 (Managing Professional track). Time: 6-12 months for full track. Value: Required for IT operations management roles.
CISSP or CISM - If pursuing cybersecurity management. Premier security management certifications. Cost: $749 (CISSP) or $575 (CISM). Time: 4-6 months prep. Requires experience. Value: Required for security management roles ($110K-$190K).
Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) - If pursuing emergency management leadership. Premier credential in field. Cost: $350-$500 + experience requirements. Time: 6-12 months. Value: Strongly preferred for emergency management director roles.
CompTIA Security+ - Baseline for defense contractor roles. DoD requirement. Easy for someone at your level. Cost: $370. Time: 2-3 months. Value: Required for defense contractor positions.
Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt - Process improvement methodology. Valuable for operations management and consulting. Cost: $1,000-$3,000. Time: 3-6 months. Value: Demonstrates continuous improvement expertise.
Lower priority (specialized):
DAWIA certifications - If pursuing DoD program management. Defense acquisition workforce certifications. Cost: Training often employer-provided. Value: Required for some DoD program management roles.
Agile/Scrum certifications - If pursuing tech program management. Certified Scrum Master (CSM) or PMI-ACP. Cost: $300-$1,000. Time: 2-4 months. Value: Required for software/tech program management.
Business continuity certifications - For business continuity/resilience roles. CBCP, MBCP, or similar. Cost: $600-$1,200. Time: 3-6 months. Value: Niche for business continuity management.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Honest assessment helps you advance faster:
Business acumen and corporate finance - Understanding P&L, budgets, ROI, business strategy. MBA or business courses build this. Critical for senior management.
Civilian communication style - Military-direct communication may need softening for corporate environments. Practice stakeholder management and influencing without authority.
Industry-specific technical knowledge - If transitioning to IT, cybersecurity, or other technical management, you need domain knowledge. Certifications and degree programs build this foundation.
Resume writing for management positions - Emphasize leadership outcomes, not just duties. Quantify achievements. Demonstrate strategic thinking. Use Military Transition Toolkit or professional resume writer for executive-level resume.
Interview skills for leadership roles - You'll interview with executives and senior managers. Practice STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare examples of: crisis leadership, managing difficult situations, strategic planning, team development, stakeholder management.
Networking at leadership level - Connect with former military officers in your target industry. Join leadership organizations (MOAA, veteran executive networks). Attend conferences. Many senior positions filled through relationships, not job postings.
Real Tactical Systems Controller success stories
James, 33, former Tactical Air Defense Controller → Program Manager at Northrop Grumman
Eight years, got out as Staff Sergeant. Got PMP certification and bachelor's in Management using GI Bill. Applied to defense contractor program manager roles. Hired by Northrop Grumman at $118,000 to manage tactical training programs for Air Force. Now makes $145,000 after 4 years managing $25M program. Says his experience commanding tactical operations and training Marines translated directly to managing contractor teams and military customers.
Lisa, 35, former Tactical Systems Controller → IT Operations Director
Ten years, got out as Gunnery Sergeant. Got bachelor's in IT and ITIL certifications using GI Bill. Started as IT operations manager at hospital system ($95,000). Advanced to director in 5 years, now makes $138,000 leading 40-person IT operations team. Says her tactical operations command experience gave her huge advantage—corporate IT leaders are often promoted from technical roles without leadership experience, but she already knew how to lead operations under pressure.
Kevin, 32, former section leader → SOC Manager at financial institution
Seven years, got out as Staff Sergeant. Got Security+ and CySA+, then worked as SOC analyst for 18 months while getting bachelor's in Cybersecurity. Promoted to SOC manager at $122,000 based on technical knowledge plus proven leadership ability. Now making $135,000 after 2 years. Says his tactical operations background leading teams under pressure was exactly what they needed for SOC management.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's what to actually do for management-track careers:
Month 1: Foundation and strategy
- Get 10 copies of DD-214
- Verify security clearance status (critical for defense contractor management roles)
- File for VA disability if applicable
- Choose primary career path: Defense contractor management (highest pay), corporate operations management (stability), cybersecurity management (high growth), emergency management (mission focus), or federal leadership
- Inventory your experience: # personnel supervised, $ programs managed, missions commanded, training conducted, systems managed
- Create management-level resume emphasizing: leadership, command experience, program/mission success, team development (use Military Transition Toolkit or professional service)
- Set up LinkedIn profile positioning you as operations leader, not technician
- Research target employers and leadership positions in your chosen field
- Consider whether MBA or other advanced degree will accelerate your goals (most can be completed using GI Bill)
Month 2: Education and credentialing
- Enroll in bachelor's program if you don't have degree (required for management positions)
- OR enroll in MBA or relevant master's program if you have bachelor's (accelerates advancement)
- Start PMP certification preparation (3-6 month process, exam $555, critical for program management)
- If pursuing IT management: ITIL Foundation certification
- If pursuing cybersecurity: Security+ as baseline, plan path to CISSP/CISM
- If pursuing emergency management: Start FEMA Professional Development Series, research CEM requirements
- Apply to 15-20 leadership/management positions weekly:
- Defense contractors: Program Manager, Operations Manager, Training Manager roles on ClearanceJobs.com and company sites
- Corporate: Director/Manager roles on LinkedIn, Indeed, company career pages
- Federal: GS-13+ leadership positions on USAJobs.gov
- Consulting firms: Check military hiring programs (Booz Allen, Deloitte Federal, others)
- Register with veteran executive recruiting services
Month 3: Network, interview, position
- Pass PMP exam if prepared (huge credential for management roles)
- Complete ITIL Foundation or Security+ (depending on path)
- Tailor resume for each leadership position (emphasize relevant leadership experience)
- Practice leadership interview answers: crisis management, team development, strategic planning, stakeholder management, difficult decisions
- Network aggressively:
- Connect with 50+ leaders and executives on LinkedIn
- Attend veteran leadership conferences and networking events
- Join professional organizations: PMI (project management), AFCEA (defense/IT), ISSA (security), IAEM (emergency mgmt)
- Reach out to former military leaders in your target industry (informational interviews)
- Consider executive coaching or interview coaching for leadership roles
- May need bridge position: Accept operations coordinator, program coordinator, or assistant manager role ($75K-$95K) to get civilian experience, then advance to director/manager level within 2-3 years
Bottom line for Tactical Systems Controllers
Your tactical operations command experience isn't "military-specific"—it's operational leadership that translates directly to high-level civilian management roles.
You've commanded tactical operations, led teams under pressure, made strategic decisions, managed resources, coordinated with senior leadership, and delivered mission success. That's exactly what program managers, operations directors, and senior leaders do in civilian world—different context, same core leadership skills.
Defense contractors offer highest pay ($110K-$180K+) for cleared leaders managing tactical programs. Corporate operations management ($90K-$180K+) provides executive track careers. Cybersecurity management ($110K-$190K+) is high-growth, high-demand field. Emergency management and federal leadership ($95K-$170K+) offer mission focus and stability.
First-year income of $85K-$110K is realistic for management-track positions. Within 5-10 years, $130K-$180K+ is very achievable in senior management with right credentials (PMP, bachelor's/master's, clearance).
Your priorities: (1) Get PMP certification (gold standard for program management), (2) Complete bachelor's degree if you don't have one or pursue MBA/master's (required for management advancement), (3) Maintain security clearance (worth $25K-$50K premium for leadership roles), (4) Position yourself for management roles, not technical positions.
Don't undersell your command experience. You've led tactical operations—that's more demanding leadership than most civilian managers ever experience. Translate it properly, get management credentials, and target leadership positions. That's your path to executive-level compensation.
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.