Army 38G Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCO to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2024-2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Army 38G Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCOs transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $85K-$180K+, senior program management, operations director, USAID chief of party, and strategic advisory roles.
Bottom Line Up Front
38G Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCOs transitioning out—you're not starting over, you're stepping into senior leadership roles with 10-20 years of operational planning and program management experience. Your civil affairs operations planning, team leadership and supervision, complex coordination across military and civilian agencies, program budget management, strategic assessment and analysis, security clearance, training development and delivery, and proven track record leading civil-military operations in the world's most challenging environments position you for immediate senior program management and operations director roles. Realistic first-year salaries range from $85,000-$120,000 in senior field management or operations coordination roles, scaling to $120,000-$165,000 in operations director, deputy chief of party, or senior advisory positions. Top-tier 38G NCOs moving into Chief of Party roles, managing major USAID programs, or leading strategic consulting practices can earn $165,000-$250,000+. Your senior leadership experience and operational expertise command premium compensation.
Here's what separates you from junior development professionals and even most officers: You've spent 10-20 years actually planning, coordinating, and executing civil-military operations across multiple deployments. You've managed teams, budgets, and complex programs. You know how to get things done in bureaucratic environments with limited resources. That's senior program management experience development organizations pay $120K-$180K+ to acquire.
You didn't just "serve as a Civil Affairs NCO." You:
- Planned and coordinated battalion and brigade-level civil affairs operations across entire provinces and regions
- Supervised teams of 5-15 Civil Affairs personnel conducting tactical and operational-level civil-military operations
- Managed civil-military operations centers (CMOCs) coordinating between multiple military units, USAID missions, State Department personnel, UN agencies, and dozens of NGOs
- Developed civil affairs operations plans and orders integrating civil considerations into military planning (ASCOPE/PMESII analysis, civil-military integration)
- Controlled budgets ranging from $500K to $10M+ for quick-impact projects, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction programs
- Conducted operational-level assessments informing commander's decisions and USAID development programming
- Trained and mentored junior CA personnel and partner nation officials
- Held Top Secret/SCI clearance and advised commanders on political-military integration
- Led multi-agency coordination efforts involving DoD, State Department, USAID, UN, and partner nation governments
That's operations management, strategic planning, stakeholder coordination, budget oversight, team leadership, and program execution. The development world desperately needs senior professionals with your operational competence—and they pay accordingly.
Best civilian career paths for 38G Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCOs
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 38G NCOs consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Senior program management (international development)
Civilian job titles:
- Senior Program Manager
- Deputy Chief of Party (DCoP)
- Operations Director/Manager
- Program Director
- Portfolio Manager (managing multiple projects)
- Technical Director (Governance, Stabilization)
- Country Program Manager
Salary ranges:
- Senior Program Manager: $105,000-$145,000
- Deputy Chief of Party: $130,000-$175,000
- Operations Director: $110,000-$155,000
- Program Director: $125,000-$170,000
- Portfolio Manager (managing $20M-$50M+ portfolios): $140,000-$190,000
- Overseas hardship assignments: Add 20-35% differential
Top companies actively hiring 38G veterans:
- Chemonics International (largest USAID implementer, 3-star veteran employer)
- DAI (Development Alternatives Inc.)
- Tetra Tech
- FHI 360
- Creative Associates International
- PAE (Pacific Architects and Engineers)
- Management Systems International (MSI)
- DT Global
- Abt Associates
- Engility (now Parsons)
What translates directly:
- Operations planning and coordination (you planned multi-phase operations—that's program management)
- Team leadership and supervision (you led teams—that's program staffing and management)
- Budget management (you controlled CERP/QIP budgets—that's grants and financial oversight)
- Multi-stakeholder coordination (you coordinated with everyone—that's partnership management)
- Strategic assessment and planning (you did operational planning—that's program strategy)
- Reporting and briefings (you briefed commanders—that's donor reporting and presentations)
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required for senior roles; master's strongly preferred—use GI Bill)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) ($575 exam + $1,500-3,000 prep)—shows you understand civilian PM standards
- Regional expertise and language proficiency (French, Arabic, Spanish add value)
- Security clearance (maintain if possible—worth $15K-$30K premium for stabilization contracts)
Reality check:
This is your most direct path to high-earning positions. Your 10-20 years as a 38G directly translates to senior program management. USAID contractors need experienced leaders who can manage $10M-$50M programs, supervise 20-50 staff, coordinate with USAID mission offices, and deliver results in difficult environments.
You're not competing with entry-level master's graduates—you're competing with mid-career program managers who have 7-10 years of development experience. Your military leadership, operational planning, and deployment experience give you an advantage.
Hiring timeline: 6-12 weeks for senior positions (longer than entry-level due to stakeholder review). Companies want to see your resume, conduct 2-3 interviews, and verify you can lead civilian teams and manage donor relationships.
Salary progression: Start at $100K-$130K as Senior Program Manager. Within 3-5 years, you're at $130K-$165K as Deputy Chief of Party or Operations Director. By year 7-10, top performers reach Chief of Party earning $165K-$230K.
Tax benefit: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) excludes up to $126,500 of foreign-earned income from federal taxes.
Best for: 38G NCOs who want to continue operational leadership in international development, are comfortable living overseas 60-80% of time, and want maximum earning potential in mission-driven careers.
Chief of Party (top-tier program leadership)
Civilian job titles:
- Chief of Party (CoP)
- Country Director (NGO equivalent)
- Program Leader
- Project Director
Salary ranges:
- Chief of Party ($5M-$15M programs): $140,000-$180,000
- Chief of Party ($15M-$50M programs): $165,000-$210,000
- Chief of Party ($50M+ flagship programs): $190,000-$250,000
- Multi-country or regional CoP: $200,000-$280,000+
What translates directly:
Everything. As a 38G, you've essentially been serving as CoP for military-funded development programs. You managed budgets, supervised staff, coordinated with donors (USAID), ensured compliance (military regulations), reported results, and delivered impact. The only difference is civilian title and donor regulations (FAR/AIDAR instead of military directives).
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree minimum (master's strongly preferred—most CoPs have graduate degrees)
- PMP certification (nearly all CoP positions require or prefer PMP)
- 7-10+ years of senior program management experience (you have 10-20 years military—that counts)
- Demonstrated management of $5M-$20M+ programs (translate your CERP, QIP, and coordinated development budgets)
- Language proficiency (for regional CoP positions)
Reality check:
Chief of Party is the top field leadership position in international development. You're the USAID contractor's on-the-ground leader, accountable for program performance, staff management, donor relations, financial oversight, and results delivery. It's equivalent to being a battalion or brigade commander for a civilian development program.
Most CoPs have 12-20 years of development experience, but your 10-20 years as a 38G NCO is directly comparable. The challenge is convincing hiring committees (who may not understand military backgrounds) that your experience translates. You'll need to clearly articulate your leadership, budget management, and program coordination in development language.
Realistic pathway: Most former 38G NCOs don't land CoP immediately. You'll typically spend 2-4 years as Senior Program Manager or Deputy Chief of Party ($110K-$150K), then move to CoP ($165K-$230K). Some with exceptional credentials and networks land CoP roles within 12-18 months.
The lifestyle is demanding: 50-60 hour weeks, extensive donor engagement, staff management challenges, 70-90% overseas time, high pressure to deliver results. But compensation and impact are excellent.
Best for: 38G NCOs with strong leadership skills, proven program management track records, willingness to pursue advanced education if needed, and desire to lead major international development programs.
Operations and logistics management (alternative track)
Civilian job titles:
- Operations Director
- Country Operations Manager
- Logistics and Procurement Director
- Administrative and Finance Manager (large programs)
- Regional Operations Coordinator
- Base Manager / Compound Manager
Salary ranges:
- Operations Manager: $85,000-$115,000
- Operations Director: $105,000-$145,000
- Country Operations Manager: $110,000-$150,000
- Regional Operations Coordinator: $120,000-$160,000
What translates directly:
- Logistics planning and execution (you moved people, equipment, supplies)
- Security management and force protection (you operated in hostile environments)
- Administrative systems and compliance (you managed military admin and awards)
- Procurement and contracting (you managed vendor relationships and contracts)
- Facility management and life support (you ran field sites and CMOCs)
- Fleet management and communications systems
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (preferred; associate's acceptable for some positions)
- Logistics or operations certifications (APICS, CPSM, or similar)
- Security management training (you have force protection experience—get civilian certification)
- Microsoft Office and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or development-specific systems)
Reality check:
Operations and logistics roles are less visible than program management but equally critical. International development programs require sophisticated operations management: compound security, fleet management, procurement, HR, finance, IT, and logistics—especially in hardship locations.
Your military operations and logistics background is highly valued. You've managed life support, logistics, security, and administration in combat zones. That's exactly what USAID contractors and NGOs need for their field operations.
Salary is slightly lower than program management ($95K-$145K vs. $110K-$165K), but pressure is lower and positions are more numerous. Operations directors don't manage programs but ensure programs can operate—security, logistics, admin, finance, HR.
This is a good path if you prefer operational support over program implementation, or if you want to transition faster (operations positions are easier to land than senior program manager roles).
Best for: 38G NCOs who prefer operational leadership over programmatic roles, have strong logistics and administrative backgrounds, and want solid salaries with less donor-facing pressure.
Federal government civilian positions (stability and retirement)
Civilian job titles:
- Civil Affairs Advisor (GS-13 to GS-15)
- Senior Program Analyst (GS-13 to GS-14)
- Operations Officer (GS-13 to GS-14)
- Senior Foreign Affairs Specialist
- Regional Analyst—Civil Affairs (DIA, NGA)
- Training and Doctrine Developer
Salary ranges:
- GS-12: $78,000-$101,000 (with locality)
- GS-13: $93,000-$120,000
- GS-14: $110,000-$143,000
- GS-15: $129,000-$168,000
- Senior Executive Service (SES): $140,000-$210,000
What translates directly:
- All your 38G experience applies to DoD, State, and USAID civilian CA positions
- Security clearance (maintain or reinstate—huge advantage)
- Operational planning and doctrine development
- Training program design and delivery
- Policy analysis and strategic planning
- Regional expertise and interagency coordination
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required for GS-11+; master's preferred for GS-13+)
- Security clearance (required—maintain yours if possible)
- DoD training and certifications (Defense Acquisition University for some roles)
- PMP or federal project management certifications
Reality check:
Federal civilian positions offer the best benefits package: stable 40-45 hour work weeks, federal pension (FERS) worth $25K-$40K annually in retirement, TSP with 5% match, excellent health insurance, job security, and work-life balance.
Starting salaries are 10-25% lower than private sector ($95K-$130K vs. $110K-$150K for comparable experience), but total compensation including benefits is competitive. You'll also work domestically (mostly DC area) rather than overseas.
Veterans' preference gives you 5-10 point advantage in federal hiring. Your 10-20 years as 38G qualifies you for GS-12 to GS-14 positions immediately ($78K-$143K depending on education and specifics).
Career progression is structured and predictable. GS-12 → GS-13 takes 2-3 years. GS-13 → GS-14 takes another 3-4 years. Senior 38G NCOs can reach GS-14 or GS-15 ($110K-$168K) within 5-7 years, then compete for SES ($140K-$210K).
Best for: 38G NCOs prioritizing stability, federal retirement, work-life balance, domestic location, and willing to accept slightly lower cash compensation for better benefits and job security.
Management consulting and strategic advisory
Civilian job titles:
- Senior Consultant (Government and International Development)
- Strategic Advisor
- Practice Lead—Stabilization and Conflict
- Program Evaluation Lead
- Training and Capacity Building Director
Salary ranges:
- Senior Consultant: $110,000-$150,000
- Manager/Practice Lead: $130,000-$170,000
- Senior Manager/Director: $150,000-$200,000
- Principal: $180,000-$250,000
- Independent consultant (daily rates): $800-$1,500/day ($200K-$375K annually)
Top firms hiring 38G backgrounds:
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Deloitte (Government and International Development)
- CACI International
- Accenture Federal Services
- PA Consulting
- RAND Corporation
- Management Systems International (MSI)
- The Arkin Group
- DAI (consulting division)
What translates directly:
- Strategic planning and operations analysis
- Program design and implementation
- Organizational development and capacity building
- Performance monitoring and evaluation
- Training development and delivery
- Leadership and change management
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree required; master's highly valued (MBA, MPA, or International Relations—use GI Bill for top-tier programs)
- PMP and/or strategy certifications (Lean Six Sigma, PMI-ACP)
- Security clearance (for defense and intelligence consulting—adds $15K-$30K value)
- Technical expertise (conflict analysis, governance, security sector reform)
Reality check:
Management consulting offers the highest long-term earning potential—$150K-$250K+ for experienced principals and partners. However, it requires strong analytical skills, business acumen, client management, and often an advanced degree.
Consulting lifestyle is demanding: 50-70 hour weeks, frequent travel (40-60%), tight deadlines, extensive writing and presentations. But compensation is strong and intellectually stimulating.
Booz Allen Hamilton, CACI, and Deloitte actively recruit senior military NCOs for their government practices. Your 38G background positions you for stabilization, conflict, governance, and civil-military consulting.
Starting salaries for former senior NCOs are typically $110K-$140K. Promotion to Senior Consultant or Manager ($140K-$170K) takes 3-5 years. By year 7-10, top performers reach Director or Principal levels earning $180K-$250K.
Going independent: Many former 38Gs spend 4-6 years at a consulting firm building expertise and networks, then launch independent practices. Daily rates for experienced consultants specializing in civil-military operations, stabilization, or governance are $800-$1,500/day. Working 200-250 billable days per year generates $160K-$375K revenue.
Best for: 38G NCOs with strong analytical and communication skills, interest in strategy and policy, willingness to pursue advanced education (MBA or master's), and desire for high earnings with intellectual challenge.
Training and education (leverage instructor experience)
Civilian job titles:
- Senior Training Specialist
- Instructional Designer
- Training Program Manager
- Director of Training and Education
- Curriculum Development Manager
- Learning and Development Director
Salary ranges:
- Training Specialist: $70,000-$95,000
- Senior Training Specialist: $85,000-$115,000
- Training Program Manager: $95,000-$130,000
- Director of Training: $110,000-$150,000
- Contract instructor (daily rates): $500-$1,200/day
What translates directly:
- Training development and delivery (you've trained thousands of soldiers and partner nation personnel)
- Curriculum design and instructional systems
- Adult learning principles and facilitation
- Performance evaluation and assessment
- Training program management
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree (required; education or training field preferred)
- Training certifications (ATD - Association for Talent Development, CPLP, instructional design certificates)
- Technical expertise (civil-military operations, governance, stability operations)
Reality check:
If you spent significant time as an instructor (SWCS, CA schoolhouse, BCT support), training and education is a natural transition. Government contractors, defense companies, and corporate training firms need experienced instructors who can develop and deliver training programs.
Compensation is moderate ($85K-$130K for most positions) but work-life balance is excellent—primarily domestic work, 40-50 hour weeks, minimal travel unless you're a roving instructor.
Defense contractors (CACI, Booz Allen, SOC) hire former CA NCOs to train active-duty forces, develop doctrine, and support training centers.
Best for: 38G NCOs with strong training backgrounds, desire to work domestically, interest in education and development, and preference for work-life balance over maximum earnings.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "38G Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCO" on your resume and assuming civilians understand. Translate it:
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCO (38G) | Senior program manager with 15+ years leading international development and civil-military operations in conflict zones; managed $10M+ budgets and supervised teams of 20+ personnel |
| CA Operations Sergeant Major / CA Team Sergeant | Senior operations leader planning and coordinating multi-stakeholder programs with DoD, USAID, State Department, UN agencies, and 50+ NGO partners |
| Civil-Military Operations Center (CMOC) Chief | Operations Director managing coordination center facilitating collaboration among military forces, USAID, diplomatic personnel, international organizations, and local government officials |
| CA Operations Planning | Strategic program planning and design integrating political, economic, social, security, and governance factors; developed operational plans for $5M-$20M reconstruction and stabilization programs |
| Budget management (CERP, QIP, HA) | Financial oversight and grants management for $5M+ development portfolio; approved funding for 100+ community projects serving 200,000 beneficiaries |
| Team leadership and supervision | Supervised and mentored 10-15 civil affairs professionals conducting assessments, program implementation, and stakeholder coordination across a province |
| Training and mentorship | Designed and delivered training programs for 200+ military personnel and partner nation officials in governance, civil-military coordination, and stability operations |
| Operational assessments | Strategic analysis and reporting on political, economic, social, and security conditions informing $50M+ in development programming and military operations |
| Top Secret/SCI clearance | Active TS/SCI security clearance with CI polygraph (specify level and status) |
| Multi-agency coordination | Partnership management and stakeholder engagement coordinating 10+ government agencies, 30+ NGOs, and local government institutions |
Use quantifiable leadership metrics: "Supervised 15-person civil affairs team conducting operations across 3 provinces serving 500K population," "Managed $8M budget for 75 community development projects improving infrastructure and services for 150K beneficiaries," "Coordinated with USAID, State Department, UN, and 40+ NGOs on $30M reconstruction program."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "S9 operations," "ASCOPE/PMESII," or "CERP" without translation. Write "civil affairs operations planning," "comprehensive socio-political and economic analysis," and "community development grant programs."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill as a 38G NCO:
High priority (get these):
Bachelor's degree (International Relations, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field) - Required for senior program management roles. Master's preferred for Chief of Party and consulting. Use your GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 4 years bachelor or 2 years master (many online programs for working professionals). Value: Non-negotiable for $100K+ positions—adds $20K-$40K in salary potential.
Master's degree (MPA, MBA, International Development, Security Studies) - Highly valued for senior management and Chief of Party roles. Top programs: Harvard Kennedy School, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Georgetown SFS, American University. Cost: $0-$80K (GI Bill covers ~$27K/year; Yellow Ribbon programs cover rest at many schools). Value: Positions you for CoP ($165K-$230K), senior consulting ($150K-$200K), and opens doors to senior leadership.
PMP (Project Management Professional) - Nearly mandatory for senior program manager and CoP positions. You have 10-20 years of experience—you'll pass easily. Cost: $575 exam + $1,500-$3,000 prep course. Time: 2-4 months study. Value: Adds $15K-$25K in salary and is required or strongly preferred for most senior positions.
Language proficiency (French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese) - Critical for regional leadership roles. USAID and contractors pay language bonuses. Cost: Free if you developed languages during service; $500-$3,000 for intensive refresher courses. Value: Qualifies you for regional CoP and senior advisor positions paying $10K-$20K more.
Maintain your security clearance - Find a job requiring clearance within 2 years or it lapses. Cost: $0 if you keep it active. Value: Worth $15K-$30K premium for stabilization and conflict zone contracts.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
Advanced M&E certifications - Monitoring & Evaluation expertise is increasingly valued. American Evaluation Association credentials. Cost: $1,000-$3,000. Value: Opens M&E Practice Lead positions and strengthens technical credentials.
Executive education programs - Senior leadership programs (Harvard Executive Education, Wharton Executive Education) for specific skills. Cost: $5,000-$15,000 (not GI Bill eligible but tax deductible). Value: Networking and leadership development—worth it if pursuing consulting or senior HQ roles.
Financial management certifications - If pursuing finance or operations director tracks, certifications in government contracting, grants management, or USAID compliance. Cost: $1,000-$3,000. Value: Demonstrates financial management expertise beyond operations.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
Technical sector certifications - Unless pivoting to specific technical field (IT, engineering, health), technical certifications aren't critical. Your value is in program leadership and operations management, not technical specialization.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be brutally honest. There are civilian skills you need to develop:
Development frameworks and donor regulations: Learn USAID program cycle, FAR/AIDAR regulations, logical frameworks, theories of change, and M&E systems. Your military planning experience translates, but you need to learn civilian development language. Study USAID's ADS (Automated Directives System) and recent program documentation.
Civilian team leadership: Military leadership is hierarchical and directive. Development organizations emphasize collaborative leadership, participatory management, and consensus-building. You'll need to adjust your leadership style—fewer direct orders, more facilitation and influence.
Business development and proposal writing: If you're targeting senior roles with contractors, you'll support business development—identifying opportunities, contributing to proposals, building client relationships. This is learned on the job but very different from military acquisition.
Financial management and compliance: Development programs have complex financial regulations (FAR, AIDAR, cost principles). You managed military budgets—civilian development budgets have different rules. Take courses in grants management and USAID compliance.
Networking and relationship building: Development careers are relationship-driven. Join professional associations (Society for International Development, InterAction), attend conferences, build LinkedIn network, and connect with former CA personnel in development. Jobs are often filled through referrals before they're posted.
Computer systems proficiency: You need advanced Excel skills (complex budgets, data analysis), PowerPoint (professional presentations), and familiarity with development-specific systems (DevResults, PIRS, AMPERES). Take courses if needed—this is non-negotiable for senior roles.
Real 38G NCO success stories
Robert, 42, former CA Operations Sergeant (E-8) → DAI Deputy Chief of Party
After 18 years including 4 deployments, Robert separated with bachelor's (completed during service). Applied for Senior Program Manager roles with USAID contractors. Hired by DAI as Senior Program Manager in Afghanistan at $115K. After 3 years, promoted to Deputy Chief of Party in Nigeria at $155K managing governance program. Recently completed online master's using GI Bill while working—preparing for CoP role.
Samantha, 45, former CA Sergeant Major (E-9) → Booz Allen Director
Samantha served 20 years, retired as CA Sergeant Major. Used GI Bill for MBA at Georgetown. Hired by Booz Allen as Senior Consultant in government practice at $125K. After 5 years, promoted to Director managing stabilization and governance portfolio at $185K. Leads teams providing strategic advisory to DoD, State, and USAID.
James, 40, former CA Operations NCO (E-7) → Chief of Party
James did 15 years, separated as SFC with master's degree. Joined Chemonics as Program Manager in Colombia at $105K. Spent 6 years progressing through Senior Program Manager ($130K) to Deputy CoP ($150K). Landed Chief of Party role for $25M governance program in Kenya at $195K managing 40-person team.
Michelle, 38, former CA Team Sergeant (E-7) → Federal GS-14
Michelle served 14 years with 3 deployments. Applied for DoD civilian CA advisor positions. Hired as GS-13 at $105K (with locality) providing CA expertise to USASOC. Promoted to GS-14 ($128K) after 3 years. Now leading training development and doctrine for Civil Affairs enterprise with excellent federal benefits and work-life balance.
Action plan: your first 180 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Months 1-2: Strategic positioning
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Document security clearance level, investigation date, expiration—maintain if possible
- Hire professional military-to-civilian resume writer specializing in senior NCO transitions ($400-$1,000—worth every penny)
- Create executive-level LinkedIn profile emphasizing program leadership, budget management, and results (include "former Army Civil Affairs Sergeant Major with 18 years leading international development operations")
- Join LinkedIn groups: Civil Affairs Association, USAID implementing partners, senior development professionals
- Connect with 30+ former senior CA NCOs in development—conduct informational interviews
- Research 10-15 target organizations (Chemonics, DAI, Tetratech, Booz Allen, federal agencies)
- Attend Society for International Development and InterAction events/webinars
Months 3-4: Credentialing and education
- Enroll in bachelor's or master's program if needed (required for senior roles—use GI Bill)
- Register for PMP exam and begin prep course ($575 exam + $1,500-3,000 prep)
- Complete humanitarian certifications (DisasterReady.org—free)
- Take USAID online courses on program cycle, compliance, and development effectiveness
- Study recent USAID solicitations and project documents in your expertise areas
- Update language certifications if applicable (DLPT, OPI)
- Consider SkillBridge internship if still on active duty (last 180 days—get foot in door)
Months 5-6: Executive job search
- Apply to 30-40 senior positions (Senior Program Manager, Deputy CoP, Operations Director, GS-13/14)
- Target companies known for hiring senior military: Chemonics, DAI, Tetratech, Booz Allen, CACI
- Tailor each resume emphasizing leadership, budget management, and quantified results
- Network aggressively—reach out directly to senior leaders at target organizations
- Practice executive-level interviews emphasizing strategic leadership and program results
- Prepare to discuss transition from military directive leadership to collaborative development management
- Be patient—senior positions take 8-16 weeks from application to offer
- Consider starting as Senior Program Manager ($110K-$130K) to get into development, then move to DCoP/CoP within 2-3 years
Bottom line for 38G Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCOs
Your 10-20 years as a Civil Affairs Planning/Operations NCO positions you for immediate senior leadership in international development.
You've proven you can plan and execute complex programs, lead teams under pressure, manage significant budgets, coordinate across multiple organizations, deliver measurable results, operate in the world's most challenging environments, and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. That's not entry-level experience—that's senior program management expertise USAID contractors pay $110K-$180K+ to acquire.
USAID implementing partners, international NGOs, management consulting firms, and federal agencies actively recruit senior CA NCOs. You're not starting at the bottom—you're entering at mid-to-senior levels based on your leadership track record.
First-year income of $100K-$130K is realistic in senior program management or operations director roles. Within 3-5 years, $130K-$165K is achievable as Deputy Chief of Party or senior consultant. By year 5-8, top performers reach Chief of Party or Director levels earning $165K-$230K+.
Your security clearance, regional expertise, languages, proven program leadership, and operational competence are worth $20K-$40K in salary premium. Use transition programs (Hiring Our Heroes, American Corporate Partners), leverage CA networks, translate military experience into development language, and target strategically.
You've spent 10-20 years stabilizing nations, building governance, coordinating reconstruction, and delivering results in war zones. Now you'll lead civilian development programs doing the same work—with more resources, longer timelines, and sustainable impact. You're qualified. Execute the transition.
Ready to lead international development programs? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to position your senior leadership experience, research organizations, and launch your development career.