Army 11C Indirect Fire Infantryman to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2024-2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Army 11C Indirect Fire Infantrymen transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $50K-$180K+, law enforcement, technical fields, skilled trades, and defense contracting with 100+ companies hiring.
Bottom Line Up Front
Army 11C Indirect Fire Infantrymen transitioning out—your mortar systems expertise, fire direction coordination, ballistics calculations, crew leadership, tactical operations experience, and precision under pressure make you competitive across law enforcement, technical fields, skilled trades, and defense contracting. Realistic first-year salaries range from $50,000-$75,000 in law enforcement, technical trades, or logistics roles, scaling to $90,000-$150,000 in federal law enforcement, emergency management, or specialized technical positions. Defense contractors, training roles, and senior technical positions can earn $120,000-$200,000+. Your technical precision and tactical expertise are valuable—target the right industries.
You didn't just "carry mortars"—you calculated firing solutions with zero margin for error, coordinated indirect fire missions supporting ground operations, led crews under fire, maintained complex weapons systems, communicated fire missions using precise military terminology, and executed time-sensitive operations where accuracy meant the difference between mission success and friendly casualties. That's technical mastery, mathematical precision, crisis communication, quality control, and operational coordination. The civilian world needs those skills in roles ranging from law enforcement to technical instruction to precision manufacturing.
Most 11Cs land in law enforcement, defense contracting (training and instruction), technical fields (surveying, mapping, quality control), skilled trades (especially precision work), logistics coordination, or emergency management. Your transition timeline is 6-12 months with strategic planning. Start 9-12 months before ETS.
What Does an Army 11C Indirect Fire Infantryman Do?
As an 11C Indirect Fire Infantryman, you operated crew-served mortars (60mm, 81mm, 120mm), calculated firing data using fire direction procedures, directed mortar crew operations, executed fire missions in support of maneuver forces, maintained accountability for ammunition and equipment, and ensured precision delivery of indirect fire. You planned and coordinated mortar fires, calculated range and deflection, applied meteorological data, corrected rounds based on observer feedback, and maintained mortars and fire control equipment.
Your role required mathematical proficiency (ballistics calculations), attention to detail (precision is life-or-death), crew leadership, clear communication under pressure, technical troubleshooting, physical endurance, and the ability to execute complex procedures flawlessly while under fire. You operated in high-stress environments where a single calculation error could result in friendly fire—the ultimate accountability.
Skills You've Developed (And Their Civilian Equivalents)
Technical Skills:
- Mortar systems operation and maintenance → Precision equipment operation, heavy equipment maintenance
- Fire direction calculations and ballistics → Mathematical analysis, engineering calculations, quality control
- Range and deflection computation → Surveying, mapping, trajectory analysis
- Fire control systems → Technical equipment operation, instrumentation specialist
- Ammunition management and safety → Inventory control, hazardous materials handling, safety compliance
- Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting → Maintenance technician, field service engineer
- Radio communications and fire mission coordination → Communications specialist, dispatch coordination
- Map reading and land navigation → GIS mapping, surveying, spatial analysis
Leadership and Soft Skills:
- Crew leadership under pressure → Team supervision, operations management
- Training and technical instruction → Corporate training, technical instruction, safety training
- Precision and attention to detail → Quality assurance, precision manufacturing, inspection
- Mission planning and coordination → Project management, logistics planning
- Mathematical problem-solving → Data analysis, technical analysis, engineering support
- Communication clarity (fire missions) → Technical communication, dispatcher, air traffic coordination
- Accountability and safety consciousness → Compliance management, safety coordination
- Adaptability and quick decision-making → Crisis management, emergency response
Top Civilian Career Paths for 11C Infantrymen
Law Enforcement (Most Common Path)
Civilian Job Titles:
- Police Officer (city, county, state)
- Sheriff's Deputy
- SWAT Officer / Tactical Team Member
- Border Patrol Agent (CBP)
- Federal Law Enforcement (FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals)
- Corrections Officer
- Evidence Technician
- Crime Scene Investigator
Salary Ranges (2024-2025 Data):
- Local Police Officer: $55,000-$90,000 (average $70,500)
- Border Patrol Agent: $62,000-$111,000 (GL-5 to GS-12 with locality)
- FBI Special Agent: $97,000-$131,000 (GS-10 to GS-13 with LEAP)
- SWAT Officer: $75,000-$110,000 (with specialty pay)
- Corrections Officer: $42,000-$93,000 (median $57,970, BLS)
- Senior Federal Agent: $120,000-$165,000+ (GS-14/15)
Job Outlook: Police employment +3% (2024-2034), 62,200 annual openings (BLS).
What Translates Directly: Your tactical operations experience, weapons proficiency, precision under pressure, teamwork, and ability to follow strict protocols make you competitive for law enforcement. Your mortar crew leadership demonstrates decision-making with life-or-death consequences—exactly what police departments need.
Certifications Needed:
- Police Academy: $4,700-$6,900 (6-8 months, often employer-paid)
- Bachelor's Degree: Required for federal positions (use GI Bill)
- Physical Fitness Standards: You'll exceed these
Best For: 11Cs who want tactical work with mission focus, community service, structured environment, and public sector benefits.
Defense Contracting and Training (Leverages MOS Expertise)
Civilian Job Titles:
- Mortar/Indirect Fire Instructor
- Tactics Instructor (defense contractors)
- Military Training SME (Subject Matter Expert)
- Ballistics Analyst
- Weapons Systems Trainer
- Range Safety Officer
- Fire Support Trainer
Salary Ranges:
- Military Tactics Instructor: $70,000-$110,000
- Defense Contractor Trainer: $80,000-$130,000
- Senior SME (OCONUS): $100,000-$180,000
- Ballistics/Weapons Analyst: $75,000-$120,000
- Range Safety Officer: $55,000-$85,000
What Translates Directly: Your mortar expertise, training experience, and technical proficiency make you ideal for instructing active-duty soldiers, developing training programs, or supporting live-fire exercises as a contractor.
Certifications Needed:
- Maintain Security Clearance: Required for most contractor roles
- Instructor Certifications: Often employer-provided
- OSHA Safety Training: For range operations
- Bachelor's Degree: Strengthens candidacy for senior SME roles
Top Employers:
- Cubic Corporation (training systems)
- L3Harris Technologies
- CACI International
- General Dynamics
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon Technologies
- Amentum (formerly DynCorp)
- SAIC
- Engility (now part of SAIC)
- Defense training contractors at Fort Moore, Fort Liberty, Fort Cavazos
Best For: 11Cs who love training, want to stay connected to artillery/mortars, prefer contractor pay over government wages, and are willing to work at military installations.
Surveying, Mapping, and GIS Analysis (Mathematical Precision)
Civilian Job Titles:
- Surveying Technician
- Mapping Technician
- GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Analyst
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst
- Land Surveyor (with licensure)
- Cartographer
- Remote Sensing Technician
Salary Ranges:
- Surveying/Mapping Technician: $36,000-$81,000 (median $51,940, BLS)
- GIS Analyst: $54,000-$80,000 (average $63,718)
- Geospatial Intelligence Analyst: $60,000-$95,000
- Licensed Land Surveyor: $65,000-$105,000
- Senior GIS Specialist: $75,000-$110,000
Job Outlook: Surveying technicians +5% (2024-2034), faster than average (BLS).
What Translates Directly: Your map reading, coordinate calculation, trajectory analysis, and precision work directly align with surveying and GIS. You already understand spatial relationships, elevation impacts, and coordinate systems from fire direction calculations.
Certifications/Training Needed:
- Surveying Certificate/Associate Degree: $5,000-$15,000 (GI Bill covers). Duration: 6 months-2 years.
- GIS Software Training: ArcGIS, QGIS certifications. Cost: $500-$3,000.
- Surveyor Licensure: Requires 4 years experience + exam (for full surveyor role).
- Drone/UAV License (Part 107): For aerial surveying. Cost: $150-$500.
Top Employers:
- Civil engineering firms (AECOM, Jacobs, Bechtel)
- Local/state government (transportation, planning departments)
- Utility companies (electric, gas, telecommunications)
- Defense contractors (geospatial intelligence)
- Federal agencies (USGS, NOAA, BLM)
- Oil and gas companies
- Environmental consulting firms
Best For: 11Cs who enjoyed the technical/mathematical aspects of fire direction, prefer office/field mix over pure tactical work, and want stable careers with growth potential.
Skilled Trades (Precision and Technical Skill)
Civilian Job Titles:
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Precision Machinist
- Welder (especially precision welding)
- Quality Control Inspector
- CNC Machine Operator
- Industrial Mechanic
- Instrumentation Technician
- Calibration Technician
Salary Ranges:
- Heavy Equipment Operator: $45,000-$80,000 (experienced $80K+)
- Precision Machinist: $45,000-$75,000
- Welder: $45,000-$75,000
- Quality Control Inspector: $50,000-$80,000
- CNC Operator: $40,000-$70,000
- Instrumentation Technician: $55,000-$90,000
- Calibration Technician: $50,000-$85,000
What Translates Directly: Your attention to detail, precision work, equipment maintenance, and technical proficiency align with skilled trades requiring exactness. Mortar operations demand the same zero-defect mentality as precision manufacturing and quality control.
Certifications/Training Needed:
- Trade Apprenticeships: IBEW, UA, Ironworkers. Cost: $0 (paid while learning). Duration: 4-5 years.
- Trade School Programs: Welding, machining. Cost: $5,000-$20,000 (GI Bill). Duration: 6 months-2 years.
- Quality Control Certifications: ASQ Certified Quality Inspector. Cost: $300-$1,000.
- Heavy Equipment Training: CDL + equipment certifications. Cost: $3,000-$7,000.
Top Employers:
- Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman (aerospace precision work)
- Caterpillar, John Deere, Komatsu (heavy equipment)
- Manufacturing companies (automotive, aerospace, defense)
- Construction firms (Turner, Bechtel, Kiewit)
- Shipyards (Norfolk, San Diego, Bath Iron Works)
- Calibration labs and metrology companies
Best For: 11Cs who prefer hands-on work, value precision, want union benefits/job security, and don't need a college degree.
Emergency Management and Logistics
Civilian Job Titles:
- Emergency Management Specialist
- FEMA Coordinator
- Logistics Coordinator
- Operations Coordinator
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Disaster Response Planner
- Materials Manager
Salary Ranges:
- Emergency Management Specialist (FEMA): $71,000-$141,000 (average $89,776)
- Logistics Coordinator: $45,000-$70,000
- Supply Chain Analyst: $55,000-$85,000 (BLS median logisticians $80,880)
- Operations Coordinator: $50,000-$75,000
- Emergency Management Director: $85,000-$150,000
Job Outlook: Logisticians +17% (2024-2034), much faster than average, 26,400 annual openings (BLS).
What Translates Directly: Your ammunition management, mission coordination, resource allocation, and time-sensitive operations experience align with emergency management and logistics roles requiring planning and execution under pressure.
Certifications Needed:
- NIMS/ICS Certifications: Free through FEMA online
- Emergency Management Degree: Associate or Bachelor's (GI Bill). Many online programs.
- CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management): For supply chain. Cost: $1,000-$2,000.
- PMP (Project Management Professional): For operations roles. Cost: $500-$3,000.
Top Employers:
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
- State/local emergency management agencies
- Red Cross, disaster relief organizations
- Logistics companies (UPS, FedEx, DHL, XPO)
- Defense contractors (logistics support)
- Hospitals and healthcare systems
- Manufacturing companies
Best For: 11Cs who enjoyed mission planning and coordination, prefer office work over fieldwork, and want stable government or corporate careers.
Private Security and Executive Protection
Civilian Job Titles:
- Armed Security Officer
- Corporate Security Specialist
- Executive Protection Agent
- Private Military Contractor (overseas security)
- Nuclear Facility Security
- Event Security Manager
Salary Ranges:
- Armed Security Officer: $45,000-$70,000
- Corporate Security Specialist: $55,000-$85,000
- Executive Protection Agent: $70,000-$130,000
- Overseas Contractor (PSD): $80,000-$180,000
- Nuclear Facility Security: $60,000-$90,000
- Security Manager: $85,000-$140,000
What Translates Directly: Your tactical operations, weapons proficiency, threat assessment, crew leadership, and calm under pressure make you competitive for security roles requiring armed professionals with combat experience.
Certifications Needed:
- State Security License: $100-$500 (varies by state)
- Armed Security License: $200-$800
- Executive Protection Training: $2,000-$5,000 (ESI, EPI)
- Security Clearance: Maintain if possible (critical for contracting)
Top Employers:
- Allied Universal, GardaWorld, Securitas (major security companies)
- Constellis, SOC, Amentum (defense contractors)
- Nuclear power plant security
- Corporate campuses (tech, pharma, finance)
- High net worth family offices
Best For: 11Cs who want immediate employment, prefer private sector pay, and are willing to work irregular hours or deploy overseas for premium pay.
Required Certifications and Training (ROI Analysis)
High Priority (Get These)
Police Academy Training
- Cost: $4,700-$6,900 (often employer-paid)
- Duration: 6-8 months
- ROI: Opens $55K-$90K+ law enforcement careers immediately
GIS or Surveying Certificate
- Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (GI Bill covers)
- Duration: 6 months-2 years
- ROI: Entry into $50K-$80K technical careers with growth to $100K+
CDL-A (Commercial Driver's License)
- Cost: $3,000-$7,000 (often company-paid)
- Duration: 3-8 weeks
- ROI: Immediate $50K-$80K employment opportunities
Security Guard License (State-Specific)
- Cost: $100-$500
- Duration: 1-2 weeks
- ROI: Quick access to $35K-$70K security jobs
Medium Priority (If It Fits Your Path)
Bachelor's Degree (Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, GIS, Engineering Technology)
- Cost: $0 with GI Bill
- Duration: 4 years (or 2-3 with credits)
- ROI: Required for federal law enforcement, strengthens candidacy for management roles, opens $70K-$120K+ positions
Trade Apprenticeship (Electrician, Machinist, Instrumentation)
- Cost: $0 (paid while learning)
- Duration: 4-5 years
- ROI: Journeyman wages $60K-$85K, union benefits, pension
Drone Pilot License (Part 107 FAA)
- Cost: $150-$500
- Duration: Self-study + exam
- ROI: Opens surveying, mapping, inspection roles $50K-$120K (varies widely by specialization)
PMP (Project Management Professional)
- Cost: $500-$3,000
- Duration: Study + exam (requires 3 years experience)
- ROI: Differentiates for $70K-$110K operations/logistics management roles
Lower Priority (Nice to Have)
Firearms Instructor Certification
- Cost: $500-$1,500
- ROI: Supplemental income, not primary career for most
ASQ Quality Inspector Certification
- Cost: $300-$1,000
- ROI: Helpful for quality control roles but often not required
Companies Actively Hiring 11C Infantry Veterans
Law Enforcement and Government
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- US Marshals Service
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- State/local police departments nationwide
- County Sheriff's Offices
- State Corrections Departments
Defense Contractors (Training and Technical Roles)
- Cubic Corporation (training systems)
- L3Harris Technologies
- CACI International
- General Dynamics
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon Technologies
- Amentum (formerly DynCorp)
- SAIC
- Leidos
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- PAE
- Vectrus
- KBR
- Engility/SAIC
- SOC (Special Operations Consulting)
- Constellis
Engineering, Surveying, and GIS
- AECOM
- Jacobs Engineering
- Bechtel Corporation
- WSP USA
- HDR Inc.
- Stantec
- Dewberry
- Esri (GIS software leader)
- Trimble
- Local/state transportation departments
- Utility companies (electric, gas, telecom)
- Environmental consulting firms
Manufacturing and Quality Control
- Boeing
- Lockheed Martin
- Northrop Grumman
- Raytheon
- General Dynamics
- Caterpillar
- John Deere
- Komatsu
- Precision manufacturing firms
- Aerospace component manufacturers
- Defense suppliers
Private Security
- Allied Universal
- GardaWorld
- Securitas
- G4S
- Prosegur
- Brinks
- Paragon Systems
- Nuclear power plant security
- Corporate security departments
Transportation and Logistics
- UPS
- FedEx
- BNSF Railway
- Union Pacific
- XPO Logistics
- DHL
- Amazon Logistics
- Schneider National
- J.B. Hunt
Construction and Heavy Equipment
- Turner Construction
- Bechtel
- Kiewit
- Fluor
- AECOM
- Skanska
- McCarthy Building
- Heavy equipment manufacturers
Salary Expectations by Experience Level
Entry Level (0-3 Years Civilian)
- Law Enforcement: $50,000-$70,000
- Security: $35,000-$60,000
- Surveying Technician: $36,000-$50,000
- Logistics Coordinator: $40,000-$55,000
- Trade Apprentice: $35,000-$50,000
- Defense Contractor (entry training role): $55,000-$75,000
Mid-Level (3-7 Years Civilian Experience)
- Police Officer: $70,000-$90,000
- Federal Agent: $92,000-$110,000
- GIS Analyst: $60,000-$80,000
- Quality Control Inspector: $55,000-$75,000
- Security Specialist: $60,000-$85,000
- Defense Instructor/SME: $80,000-$120,000
- Journeyman Tradesman: $60,000-$85,000
Senior Level (7+ Years Civilian Experience)
- Federal Agent (GS-13/14): $110,000-$145,000
- Police Supervisor: $90,000-$130,000
- Senior GIS Specialist: $75,000-$110,000
- Security Manager: $85,000-$140,000
- Senior Defense SME (OCONUS): $120,000-$180,000
- Emergency Management Director: $100,000-$150,000
- Master Tradesman: $80,000-$110,000
Geographic Variations
Highest Paying Metros: DC (+30%), NYC (+25%), San Francisco (+30%), Seattle (+20%) Best Value: Houston, San Antonio, Phoenix, Nashville (good pay, lower cost) Federal Law Enforcement: DC, NYC, LA, Miami (high locality pay)
Resume Translation: 11C Skills to Civilian Language
Instead of: "11C Indirect Fire Infantryman" Write: "Artillery operations specialist with expertise in ballistics calculations, fire direction, crew leadership, and precision weapons systems"
Instead of: "Mortar Section Leader" Write: "Led 8-person technical crew executing precision fire missions; responsible for equipment accountability, crew training, and mission coordination"
Instead of: "Computed firing data for 81mm/120mm mortars" Write: "Calculated ballistic trajectory data using mathematical formulas, meteorological inputs, and terrain analysis to ensure precision targeting within 10-meter accuracy"
Instead of: "Directed mortar fire missions" Write: "Coordinated indirect fire support missions requiring real-time communication, precision calculations, and split-second decision-making in high-pressure combat environments"
Instead of: "Maintained mortar systems and fire control equipment" Write: "Performed preventive and corrective maintenance on precision weapons systems valued at $500K+; ensured 100% operational readiness"
Instead of: "Trained soldiers on mortar operations" Write: "Developed and delivered technical training on weapons systems, safety protocols, and fire direction procedures for 15+ personnel"
Instead of: "Executed fire missions in support of ground operations" Write: "Provided precision fire support for tactical operations requiring coordination with multiple units, real-time adjustments, and zero-defect execution"
Instead of: "Managed ammunition and equipment accountability" Write: "Maintained inventory control and safety compliance for hazardous materials (ordnance) valued at $1M+; zero discrepancies over 3-year period"
Instead of: "Deployed to Afghanistan/Iraq" Write: "Deployed to combat zone for 12 months; executed 200+ precision fire missions supporting ground operations with zero friendly fire incidents"
Quantify Everything:
- "Calculated 300+ fire missions with 95%+ first-round accuracy"
- "Led crew executing 150+ combat fire missions with zero equipment failures"
- "Trained 20 soldiers on mortar operations resulting in 100% qualification rate"
- "Maintained $2M equipment inventory with 100% accountability"
Transition Timeline
9-12 Months Before ETS
- Attend Transition Assistance Program (TAP)
- Document security clearance level and expiration
- Research 5-7 career paths matching skills
- Create civilian resume (no jargon)
- Apply to federal law enforcement (FBI, DEA—12-18 month process)
- Connect with 20+ veterans in target fields (LinkedIn)
- Identify certifications needed
6-9 Months Before ETS
- Enroll in certification programs (GIS, surveying, trade school, CDL)
- Apply to SkillBridge (last 180 days—try civilian career)
- Submit 20-30 job applications
- Attend veteran job fairs
- Get state security license if targeting security
- Network aggressively—informational interviews
3-6 Months Before ETS
- Attend interviews
- Pass background checks/polygraphs (federal LE)
- Negotiate job offers
- Complete pre-employment requirements
- Coordinate start date with terminal leave
- Finalize housing if relocating
Final 3 Months
- Complete out-processing
- Get DD-214 copies (10+ certified)
- Document all training records
- Enroll in VA healthcare
- Take terminal leave
- Start new job or certification training
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming Your MOS is "Too Specialized" for Civilian Work Wrong. Your precision, technical skills, and mathematical proficiency are valuable. You just need to translate them.
2. Targeting Only "Artillery" or "Weapons" Jobs There are very few civilian mortar jobs. Cast a wider net: surveying, GIS, quality control, law enforcement, training.
3. Underselling Your Technical Skills You performed complex ballistics calculations under fire. That's advanced math, precision work, and crisis management. Emphasize this.
4. Skipping Certifications GIS, surveying, and trade certifications open doors your experience alone won't. Invest the time.
5. Not Using GI Bill Strategically Don't waste it on a degree you don't need. Use it for high-ROI certifications and training.
6. Waiting Until Terminal Leave Start 9-12 months out. Federal jobs take 12-18 months.
7. Being Inflexible on Location Willing to relocate = 10x more opportunities.
Success Stories
Carlos, 28, E-5 (6 years 11C) → GIS Analyst Carlos used terminal leave and GI Bill to complete GIS certificate program. Applied to 25 positions, landed job with state transportation department at $58,000. After 3 years, promoted to senior analyst making $74,000. Plans to get surveyor license for $90K+ positions.
Josh, 26, E-4 (4 years 11C) → Border Patrol Agent Started application 18 months before ETS. Passed physical fitness test, background check, polygraph. Hired at GL-7 ($70,778/year) in Texas. Plans to promote to GS-9 ($78,935) within 2 years.
Miguel, 30, E-6 (8 years 11C) → Defense Contractor Instructor Leveraged mortar expertise and instructor experience to land training role at Fort Moore. Salary $95,000. Works with active-duty units, teaches mortar tactics and fire direction. Loves staying connected to artillery community.
Kevin, 27, E-5 (5 years 11C) → Quality Control Inspector Used GI Bill for quality control certification. Hired by aerospace manufacturer at $62,000. Loves precision work and attention to detail. After 4 years, senior inspector making $78,000.
Tyler, 25, E-4 (3 years 11C) → Heavy Equipment Operator Got CDL and heavy equipment training. Hired by construction company at $52,000. Union benefits, pension. After 2 years, operating cranes making $68,000.
Next Steps: Your Action Plan
This Week:
- Decide on 2-3 career paths to research
- Update resume using civilian language
- Join LinkedIn—connect with 10 veterans in target fields
- Create target company list (20+ employers)
This Month:
- Apply to 10-15 positions
- Research certifications for chosen path
- Attend job fair or networking event
- Reach out to 5 veterans for advice
- Start GI Bill planning
Next 3 Months:
- Complete 30+ applications
- Enroll in certification program
- Apply to SkillBridge if eligible
- Practice interviews
- Network weekly
You've executed harder missions than this transition. Your precision, technical expertise, and ability to perform under pressure are exactly what civilian employers need. You're not starting from zero—you're bringing years of proven technical mastery.
Plan strategically. Start early. Get certifications. Apply in volume. Network aggressively.
Fire for effect.
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.