Army 13F Fire Support Specialist to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2024-2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 13F Fire Support Specialists transitioning out—your fire support coordination, target identification, intelligence analysis, close air support operations, JTAC qualifications (if held), operations planning, multi-domain coordination, communications proficiency, and proven ability to execute precision missions under fire make you highly competitive across intelligence analysis, law enforcement, operations coordination, defense contracting, emergency management, and technical training. Realistic first-year salaries range from $60,000-$85,000 in law enforcement, intelligence analysis, or operations roles, scaling to $95,000-$150,000 in federal law enforcement, defense intelligence, or senior operations positions. JTAC-qualified contractors, targeting analysts, and senior training roles can earn $120,000-$200,000+.

You didn't just "call for fire"—you coordinated precision fires across artillery, mortars, close air support, and naval gunfire; analyzed terrain and enemy activity to identify high-value targets; operated advanced targeting systems and communications equipment; coordinated with aircraft, gunships, drones, and artillery batteries requiring split-second timing; maintained situational awareness across multiple fire support assets; made life-or-death decisions calling danger-close missions; integrated intelligence to support maneuver operations; and executed in the most demanding tactical environment where errors meant friendly casualties. That's multi-domain coordination, intelligence analysis, tactical decision-making, crisis management, technical proficiency, and operational excellence. The civilian world needs those skills—you just need to target industries where fire support experience translates to operational value.

Most 13F specialists transition to intelligence analysis (especially geospatial and targeting), law enforcement (especially tactical/SWAT), defense contracting (JTAC instruction, fire support training, targeting analysis), emergency management, operations coordination, or corporate security. JTAC-qualified 13Fs command premium salaries. Your transition timeline is 6-12 months with strategic planning. Start 9-12 months before ETS.

What Does an Army 13F Fire Support Specialist Do?

As a 13F Fire Support Specialist (FiSTer), you served as the maneuver commander's fires expert, coordinating and integrating all available fire support:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinated fires from artillery, mortars, naval gunfire, close air support (CAS), attack helicopters, and armed drones
• Identified and analyzed targets using maps, imagery, and intelligence
• Conducted target acquisition through observation, surveillance, and reconnaissance
• Operated laser rangefinders (LLDR, LTLM), GPS, and targeting systems
• Communicated with fire direction centers, aircraft, and fire support coordination elements
• Adjusted indirect fire based on observation of impacts
• Integrated intelligence to develop targeting products
• Coordinated close air support missions as Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member
• Maintained situational awareness of friendly positions and fire support assets
• If JTAC-Qualified: Controlled close air support aircraft, coordinated airspace, cleared aircraft hot on targets, managed air-to-ground communications

Advanced Skills (JTAC-Qualified 13Fs): Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) is the premier fire support qualification. JTAC-qualified 13Fs:

• Controlled aircraft executing CAS missions
• Cleared aircraft to engage targets with precision munitions
• Coordinated airspace and deconfliction
• Managed risk for danger-close operations
• Operated advanced targeting and communications systems
• Integrated air and ground operations
• Executed under extreme pressure where errors meant friendly fire

Technical Proficiency:

• Map reading and terrain analysis (advanced level)
• Target identification and prioritization
• Fire mission planning and coordination
• Radio communications across multiple networks
• Targeting systems and lasers
• Intelligence integration
• Ballistics and trajectory analysis
• Risk assessment (collateral damage, fratricide prevention)

Skills You've Developed (And Their Civilian Equivalents)

Intelligence and Analytical Skills:

• Target identification and analysis → Intelligence analysis, targeting analysis, threat assessment
• Terrain and imagery analysis → Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), imagery analysis, GIS analysis
• Pattern recognition (enemy activity) → Intelligence analysis, investigative analysis, threat detection
• Intelligence integration → All-source intelligence analysis, fusion analysis
• Surveillance and reconnaissance → Law enforcement surveillance, investigative work
• Tactical assessment → Risk assessment, threat analysis, security analysis

Operations and Coordination Skills:

• Multi-domain coordination (air, artillery, mortars) → Operations coordination, logistics coordination, project management
• Close air support coordination → Aviation operations, air traffic coordination, emergency response coordination
• Real-time decision-making → Crisis management, emergency response, tactical operations
• Mission planning → Operations planning, project planning, strategic planning
• Communications across multiple channels → Emergency communications, dispatch, operations center
• Situational awareness (complex battlespace) → Security operations, emergency management, tactical law enforcement
• Risk management (danger-close, collateral damage) → Risk assessment, safety management, compliance

Technical and Communication Skills:

• Advanced radio communications → Telecommunications, emergency communications, dispatch
• Targeting systems operation → Technical equipment operation, precision systems
• Laser systems operation → Technical systems, instrumentation
• GPS and navigation systems → GIS operations, mapping, navigation
• Technical troubleshooting → Technical support, field service
• Clear and concise communication → Emergency communications, air traffic, operations coordination

Leadership and Character:

• Independent operations → Self-managed roles, autonomous decision-making
• Leadership under extreme pressure → Crisis leadership, emergency management, tactical operations
• Split-second decision-making → Emergency response, crisis management, tactical roles
• Accountability (life-or-death decisions) → High-stakes operations, critical decision roles
• Adaptability to chaos → Emergency response, crisis management, dynamic operations

Top Civilian Career Paths for 13F Fire Support Specialists

Intelligence Analysis (Natural Translation for Fire Support Skills)

Civilian Job Titles:

• Intelligence Analyst (all-source, targeting, GEOINT)
• Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Analyst
• Targeting Analyst / Targeting Officer
• All-Source Intelligence Analyst
• Imagery Analyst
• Threat Intelligence Analyst
• Counterintelligence Analyst
• Operations Intelligence Analyst

Salary Ranges (2024-2025 Data):

• Intelligence Analyst (entry, cleared): $60,000-$85,000
• Geospatial Intelligence Analyst: $70,000-$105,000
• Targeting Analyst: $75,000-$120,000
• All-Source Intelligence Analyst: $75,000-$115,000
• Senior Targeting Analyst (OCONUS): $100,000-$160,000
• Counterintelligence Analyst: $85,000-$135,000
• Intelligence Operations Manager: $100,000-$150,000

What Translates Directly: Your target identification, imagery analysis, pattern recognition, intelligence integration, and tactical assessment skills directly align with intelligence analyst roles. You already performed targeting analysis in combat—civilian intel analysts do similar work in offices.

Certifications Needed:

• Active Security Clearance: Critical. Maintain if possible (12-18 month reinvestigation if lapsed).
• Bachelor's Degree (Intelligence Studies, International Relations, GIS): Often required. Use GI Bill.
• GIS Certifications (ArcGIS, QGIS): Cost: $500-$3,000. Valuable for GEOINT roles.
• Intelligence Community certifications: Often employer-provided after hiring.

Top Employers:

• National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
• Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
• CIA (Directorate of Analysis, targeting)
• NSA (National Security Agency)
• FBI (Intelligence Branch)
• CACI International (intelligence support contractor)
• Leidos, SAIC, Booz Allen Hamilton (intelligence contractors)
• General Dynamics, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman
• Palantir Technologies
• BAE Systems, ManTech International
• Special Operations Command (SOCOM) support contractors

Best For: 13F specialists who enjoyed intelligence and targeting aspects, have active clearances, are willing to get bachelor's degree, and prefer analytical desk work.

Law Enforcement (Especially Tactical/Investigative Roles)

Civilian Job Titles:

• Police Officer / Deputy Sheriff
• Detective / Criminal Investigator
• SWAT Officer / Tactical Team Member
• Border Patrol Agent
• Federal Law Enforcement (FBI, DEA, ATF, US Marshals)
• Intelligence Officer (law enforcement)
• Surveillance Specialist
• Air Support Coordinator (police aviation)

Salary Ranges:

• Police Officer: $55,000-$90,000 (average $70,500)
• Detective/Investigator: $65,000-$100,000
• SWAT Officer: $75,000-$110,000 (with specialty pay)
• Border Patrol Agent: $62,000-$111,000 (GL-5 to GS-12)
• FBI Special Agent: $97,000-$131,000 (GS-10 to GS-13 with LEAP)
• DEA Special Agent: $87,500-$131,000
• Intelligence Officer (LE): $70,000-$110,000
• Senior Federal Investigator: $110,000-$165,000

What Translates Directly: Your tactical operations, surveillance, target identification, coordination skills, weapons proficiency, and high-stress decision-making align perfectly with law enforcement—especially tactical teams and investigative roles.

Certifications Needed:

• Police Academy: $4,700-$6,900 (6-8 months, often employer-paid)
• Bachelor's Degree: Required for FBI, DEA (use GI Bill). Criminal Justice, Intelligence Studies preferred.

Top Employers:

• Major metro police departments (tactical teams actively recruit FiSTers)
• Sheriff's offices (investigative and tactical divisions)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - especially HRT (Hostage Rescue Team)
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• US Marshals Service
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - HSI

Best For: 13F specialists who want tactical work with mission focus, public service, investigative roles, and prefer structured organizations.

Defense Contracting (JTAC Instruction and Fire Support Training)

Civilian Job Titles:

• JTAC Instructor / SME (Subject Matter Expert)
• Close Air Support (CAS) Instructor
• Fires Integration Trainer
• Targeting Analyst (contractor)
• Fire Support Trainer
• Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) Instructor
• Operations Analyst (fire support)
• Training Program Manager

Salary Ranges:

• Fire Support Instructor (CONUS): $75,000-$110,000
• JTAC Instructor (CONUS): $85,000-$130,000
• Targeting Analyst (CONUS, cleared): $80,000-$120,000
• JTAC SME (OCONUS - Middle East, Afghanistan remnants, Africa): $120,000-$200,000+
• Senior JTAC Instructor (SOCOM support): $110,000-$170,000
• Fire Support Training Manager: $100,000-$150,000

What Translates Directly: Your fire support expertise, JTAC qualifications (if held), training experience, and tactical proficiency make you valuable for training active-duty forces or supporting operations as contractor.

Certifications Needed:

• Active JTAC Qualification: Premium pay if current. If expired, difficult to recertify as contractor.
• Active Security Clearance: Critical for most positions. TS/SCI required for many.
• Bachelor's Degree: Often required for senior SME roles. Use GI Bill.

Top Employers:

• Cubic Corporation (air-ground training systems)
• L3Harris Technologies
• CACI International (SOCOM support)
• General Dynamics (training support)
• SOC (Special Operations Consulting) - actively recruits JTACs
• Amentum (formerly DynCorp)
• SAIC, Leidos, Booz Allen Hamilton
• PAE, Vectrus, KBR
• Engility (now SAIC)
• Gryphon Technologies
• MPRI (now part of Engility/SAIC)

Best For: 13F specialists (especially JTAC-qualified) who want to stay connected to fire support operations, have active clearances, are willing to work at installations or deploy OCONUS, and want premium contractor pay.

Emergency Management and Crisis Coordination

Civilian Job Titles:

• Emergency Management Specialist
• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Coordinator
• Emergency Communications Specialist
• Crisis Management Coordinator
• Disaster Response Coordinator
• FEMA Coordinator
• 911 Dispatcher / Emergency Dispatcher
• Emergency Services Coordinator

Salary Ranges:

• Emergency Management Specialist (FEMA): $71,000-$141,000 (average $89,776)
• Emergency Operations Center Coordinator: $55,000-$85,000
• 911 Dispatcher: $40,000-$65,000
• Emergency Communications Specialist: $50,000-$75,000
• Emergency Management Director: $85,000-$150,000
• Crisis Management Director (corporate): $95,000-$145,000

What Translates Directly: Your crisis coordination, multi-agency communication, real-time decision-making, situational awareness, and ability to coordinate resources under pressure align with emergency management.

Certifications Needed:

• NIMS/ICS Certifications: Free through FEMA (ICS-100 through ICS-800).
• CEM (Certified Emergency Manager): IAEM credential. Cost: $400-$600. Requires 3+ years experience.
• Emergency Dispatcher Certifications: Often employer-provided.
• Bachelor's in Emergency Management: Increasingly required for director roles. Use GI Bill.

Top Employers:

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• State/county emergency management agencies
• 911 Centers / Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)
• Fire departments (emergency coordination)
• Hospitals and healthcare systems (emergency preparedness)
• Universities (emergency management)
• Corporations (crisis management departments)

Best For: 13F specialists who excel at coordination and communication, want mission-focused work with community impact, and prefer government/public sector.

Operations Coordination and Project Management

Civilian Job Titles:

• Operations Coordinator
• Project Coordinator
• Logistics Coordinator
• Operations Analyst
• Supply Chain Coordinator
• Aviation Operations Coordinator
• Mission Coordinator

Salary Ranges:

• Operations Coordinator: $50,000-$75,000
• Project Coordinator: $50,000-$75,000
• Operations Analyst: $60,000-$90,000
• Logistics Coordinator: $50,000-$75,000 (logisticians median $80,880, BLS)
• Aviation Operations Coordinator: $60,000-$90,000
• Operations Manager: $70,000-$110,000

Job Outlook: Logisticians +17% (2024-2034), much faster than average (BLS).

What Translates Directly: Your multi-domain coordination, mission planning, communications, situational awareness, and real-time decision-making align with operations coordination roles.

Certifications Needed:

• Bachelor's Degree (Operations Management, Business, Logistics): Use GI Bill.
• PMP (Project Management Professional): Cost: $500-$3,000. Strengthens candidacy.
• Six Sigma Green Belt: Cost: $1,500-$3,000. For process improvement roles.

Top Employers:

• Airlines (operations coordination)
• Logistics companies (UPS, FedEx, DHL, XPO)
• Defense contractors (operations support)
• Manufacturing companies (operations coordination)
• Healthcare systems (operations)
• Corporations (operations departments)

Best For: 13F specialists who enjoyed coordination aspects, prefer office environments, want stable corporate careers, and are willing to get additional education.

Air Traffic Control and Aviation Operations (Leveraging CAS Experience)

Civilian Job Titles:

• Air Traffic Controller (FAA)
• Aviation Operations Specialist
• Flight Data Specialist
• Flight Dispatcher
• Drone Operations Coordinator
• Aviation Safety Specialist

Salary Ranges:

• Air Traffic Controller (FAA): $45,000-$80,000 (entry), $85,000-$180,000+ (experienced, varies by facility)
• Aviation Operations Specialist: $50,000-$75,000
• Flight Dispatcher: $45,000-$75,000
• Drone Operations Coordinator: $55,000-$85,000
• Aviation Safety Specialist: $60,000-$95,000

What Translates Directly: Your close air support coordination, airspace awareness, aircraft communications, and ability to manage multiple aircraft align with aviation operations.

Certifications Needed:

• FAA Air Traffic Control Training: FAA Academy or contract tower training. Highly competitive.
• Flight Dispatcher License: FAA. Cost: $5,000-$10,000. Duration: 5-7 weeks.
• Drone Pilot (Part 107): FAA. Cost: $150-$500. For drone operations.

Top Employers:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - air traffic control
• Airlines (operations, dispatch)
• Contract tower operators (Serco, Robinson Aviation)
• Drone companies (operations coordination)
• Airports (operations departments)

Best For: 13F specialists (especially JTAC-qualified) interested in aviation operations, willing to pursue FAA training, and want high-paying technical careers.

Required Certifications and Training (ROI Analysis)

High Priority

Bachelor's Degree (Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, GIS)

• Cost: $0 with GI Bill
• Duration: 4 years (or 2-3 with credits)
• ROI: Required for intel analyst, federal LE, opens $70K-$140K+ roles

Security Clearance Maintenance

• Cost: $0 if maintained (12-18 months reinvestigation if lapsed)
• ROI: Worth $20K-$40K in salary for cleared positions

Police Academy (if targeting law enforcement)

• Cost: $4,700-$6,900 (often employer-paid)
• Duration: 6-8 months
• ROI: Opens $55K-$165K law enforcement careers

GIS Certifications (ArcGIS, QGIS)

• Cost: $500-$3,000
• Duration: Self-study or courses
• ROI: Opens $60K-$105K GEOINT/GIS analyst roles

Medium Priority

PMP (Project Management Professional)

• Cost: $500-$3,000
• Duration: Study + exam (requires 3 years experience)
• ROI: Opens $70K-$120K operations/project management roles

CEM (Certified Emergency Manager)

• Cost: $400-$600
• Duration: Exam (requires 3+ years experience)
• ROI: Emergency management director roles $85K-$150K

Drone Pilot License (FAA Part 107)

• Cost: $150-$500
• Duration: Self-study + exam
• ROI: Drone operations, surveying roles $55K-$120K

Flight Dispatcher License (FAA)

• Cost: $5,000-$10,000
• Duration: 5-7 weeks
• ROI: Flight dispatcher roles $45K-$90K

Lower Priority

Private Investigator License (if targeting investigations)

• Cost: $200-$1,000 (requires 2-3 years LE experience in most states)
• ROI: Opens $45K-$85K PI work

Salary Expectations by Experience Level

Entry Level (0-3 Years Civilian)

• Intelligence Analyst (cleared): $60,000-$80,000
• Police Officer: $50,000-$70,000
• Operations Coordinator: $50,000-$70,000
• Emergency Communications: $45,000-$65,000
• Defense Contractor (entry): $65,000-$85,000

Mid-Level (3-7 Years Civilian)

• Targeting Analyst: $85,000-$115,000
• Detective/Federal Agent: $85,000-$110,000
• JTAC Instructor (CONUS): $90,000-$125,000
• Emergency Management Specialist: $75,000-$100,000
• Operations Manager: $75,000-$105,000

Senior Level (7+ Years Civilian)

• Senior Targeting Analyst: $110,000-$150,000
• Federal Investigator (GS-14): $120,000-$150,000
• JTAC SME (OCONUS): $130,000-$200,000+
• Emergency Management Director: $100,000-$150,000
• Intelligence Operations Manager: $110,000-$160,000

Premium Roles (JTAC-Qualified)

• JTAC Instructor (SOCOM): $110,000-$170,000
• JTAC Contractor (OCONUS): $150,000-$220,000+
• Senior JTAC SME: $130,000-$200,000+

Resume Translation: Fire Support Skills to Civilian Language

Instead of: "13F Fire Support Specialist" Write: "Operations coordinator with expertise in multi-domain coordination, intelligence analysis, target identification, tactical communications, and crisis decision-making in high-threat environments"

Instead of: "Coordinated close air support missions" Write: "Coordinated aviation assets executing precision missions; managed air-ground communications, airspace deconfliction, and risk assessment for time-sensitive operations"

Instead of: "JTAC-Qualified" Write: "Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC): Controlled close air support aircraft executing precision strikes; cleared aircraft to engage targets; managed airspace and communications coordinating pilots, ground forces, and fire support assets"

Instead of: "Identified and analyzed targets" Write: "Conducted intelligence analysis identifying high-value targets; analyzed imagery and terrain; integrated multi-source intelligence to support tactical operations"

Instead of: "Called for fire missions" Write: "Coordinated precision fires across artillery, mortars, and air assets; calculated targeting data; communicated with fire direction centers ensuring mission success while preventing collateral damage"

Instead of: "Operated targeting systems" Write: "Operated advanced targeting systems including laser rangefinders and GPS; provided precision coordinates for air and artillery strikes; maintained situational awareness across complex battlespace"

Quantify Everything:

• "Coordinated 200+ fire missions integrating artillery, mortars, and close air support with zero friendly fire incidents"
• "Conducted target analysis identifying 50+ high-value targets enabling successful operations"
• "If JTAC: Controlled 100+ close air support missions coordinating fighter aircraft, attack helicopters, and armed drones"
• "Trained 15 personnel on fire support operations and targeting procedures"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Emphasizing JTAC Qualification: If JTAC-qualified, lead with this—worth $30K-$80K in contractor salaries
2. Not Maintaining Clearance: If you have clearance, keep it active—worth $20K-$40K salary premium
3. Limiting Yourself to "Fire Support" Jobs: Your skills transfer to intel, LE, operations, emergency management
4. Not Getting Bachelor's Degree: Required for intel analyst and federal LE—use GI Bill
5. Waiting Too Late: Federal hiring (FBI, intel agencies) takes 12-18 months. Apply early.
6. Not Networking: Connect with FiSTers and JTACs who transitioned—they'll help
7. Underselling Coordination Skills: You coordinated across air, artillery, and ground—emphasize multi-domain coordination
8. Not Considering Emergency Management: Your coordination skills are perfect for 911/emergency operations

Success Stories

Carlos, 27, E-5 (5 years 13F) → Targeting Analyst: Leveraged clearance and fire support targeting experience. Completed bachelor's in intelligence (GI Bill). Hired by defense contractor at $82,000 doing targeting analysis. Now senior targeting analyst ($115,000) after 4 years.

Jason, 29, E-6 (8 years 13F, JTAC) → JTAC Contractor: Maintained JTAC qual and clearance. Hired by SOC supporting SOCOM at $135,000. Now senior JTAC SME ($165,000) training special operations forces.

Marcus, 26, E-4 (4 years 13F) → Detective: Completed police academy and bachelor's in criminal justice. Hired as officer ($60,000). Promoted to detective after 4 years ($85,000). Uses fire support observation and targeting skills daily.

Tyler, 28, E-5 (6 years 13F) → Emergency Management Specialist: Earned bachelor's in emergency management (GI Bill). Hired by county at $68,000. Now emergency operations coordinator ($82,000). Coordinates multi-agency responses.

Kevin, 30, E-6 (9 years 13F, JTAC) → FBI Special Agent: Completed bachelor's degree. Applied to FBI 18 months before separation. Hired as special agent ($105,000 with LEAP). Plans to pursue FBI HRT after 3 years.

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

This Week:

1. Determine if JTAC-qualified (critical for contractor paths)
2. Document clearance level and expiration
3. Choose 2-3 career paths (intel, LE, contracting, emergency mgmt)
4. Update resume emphasizing coordination, targeting, intelligence
5. Connect with 10 FiSTers/JTACs on LinkedIn

This Month:

1. Apply to 10-15 positions (intel analyst, police, operations coordinator)
2. If targeting intel: Start GIS training or bachelor's in intelligence
3. If targeting federal LE: Apply to FBI, DEA (18-month process)
4. If JTAC: Contact SOC, CACI, Leidos for contractor opportunities
5. Network with 5 veterans in target fields

Next 3 Months:

1. Complete 30+ applications
2. Enroll in bachelor's degree if needed (GI Bill)
3. Apply to SkillBridge (intel analysis, operations, training roles)
4. Practice interviews and STAR method responses
5. If JTAC: Maintain qual and clearance at all costs

Your fire support experience—intelligence analysis, multi-domain coordination, tactical decision-making, and crisis management—is valuable across multiple high-paying civilian careers. If you're JTAC-qualified, you're in high demand for contractor work. Plan strategically and execute.

Adjust Fire.

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