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Live · Guide v1.03P191 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 3P191Career Guide · Operations · Security · VWC.CG.3P191.R.04
3P191 · USAF · Enlisted

Combat Arms Training and Maintenance
Specialist.

Air Force 3P191 (Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Specialist). 320 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $40K–$60K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours320DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 3 semester hours in marksmanship and weapons maintenance
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your 3P191 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge

The gap, named.

What 3P191 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have05
  • 01
    Air Force Small Arms Training Requirements and StandardsSecurity protocols, risk management, and data protection.
  • 02
    M9/M17 Pistol Operation and MaintenanceTroubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
  • 03
    Ammunition Management and AccountabilityData tracking and management.
  • 04
    After-Action AnalysisBusiness process improvement.
  • 05
    Range Safety Procedures (Air Force Instruction 31-207)Security compliance roles.
To learn04

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.

+Security fundamentals, including network security, endpoint security, and incident response.+Help desk ticketing systems (e.g., Zendesk, ServiceNow) and remote support tools.+Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and SQL.+Markdown, reStructuredText, or other markup languages.
How VWC fits

Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.

See VWC Programs →
/ 03 · Civilian Pathways

Where your code lands.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 5
P.01

Firearms Instructor

$60K
High match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • Civilian firearms certifications (e.g., NRA)
  • Enhanced communication skills for diverse learners
P.02

Security Guard/Officer

$40K
Good match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • State-specific security license
  • CPR/First Aid certification
  • De-escalation techniques
P.03

Small Arms Repairer/Gunsmith

$45K
Good match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Gunsmithing certification or apprenticeship
  • Knowledge of diverse firearm types
P.04

Range Safety Officer

$55K
High match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • Range Safety Officer certification (e.g., NRA)
  • Customer service skills
  • Emergency response training
P.05

Loss Prevention Specialist

$42K
Moderate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Surveillance techniques
  • Interview and interrogation techniques
  • Loss prevention certification
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 3P191 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Procedural Compliance

Combat Arms Specialists adhere strictly to safety protocols and training procedures when instructing personnel on firearms use and maintenance, ensuring all activities are conducted according to regulations.

Transfers to

The ability to consistently follow established procedures and protocols, ensuring accuracy, safety, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

S.02

Resource Optimization

G9 Specialists manage ammunition budgets and supplies for the combat arms shop, optimizing resource allocation to ensure training needs are met effectively without exceeding budgetary constraints.

Transfers to

The capacity to efficiently allocate and manage resources, such as budgets, materials, and personnel, to maximize productivity and minimize waste.

S.03

Situational Awareness

Combat Arms personnel maintain a high level of situational awareness to identify potential risks during training exercises and respond effectively to unexpected events, ensuring the safety of all participants.

Transfers to

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment and potential threats, allowing for informed decision-making and proactive risk management.

S.04

After-Action Analysis

After training exercises or real-world events, Combat Arms personnel conduct after-action analyses to identify areas for improvement in training methods, safety protocols, and resource management, enhancing future performance.

Transfers to

The practice of systematically reviewing past events or projects to identify lessons learned, best practices, and areas for improvement, leading to enhanced performance in future endeavors.

/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches

Roles the recruiter won't suggest.

Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've been meticulously following procedures and ensuring the safety of others in high-stakes environments. As a Compliance Officer, you'll use those skills to ensure companies adhere to regulations and avoid risks. Your background in firearms training and resource management will be invaluable in identifying potential compliance issues.

Adjacent · Match

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

Your experience managing ammo budgets and supplies translates directly to logistics analysis. You've been optimizing resource allocation in a challenging environment; now, you can apply those skills to improve supply chain efficiency and reduce costs for businesses. You already know how to track inventory, forecast demand, and ensure resources are available when needed.

Adjacent · Match

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 13-1061.00

You've honed your situational awareness and risk management skills in the military. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll use those abilities to prepare for and respond to disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities. You're already adept at assessing threats, developing emergency plans, and coordinating resources during crises.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Combat Arms Training Course

Lackland Air Force Base, TX
320hHours
8wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 3 semester hours in marksmanship and weapons maintenance

Topics · 8
  • Air Force Small Arms Training Requirements and Standards
  • M9/M17 Pistol Operation and Maintenance
  • M4/M16 Rifle Operation and Maintenance
  • Basic Marksmanship Principles
  • Advanced Shooting Techniques and Drills
  • Ammunition Management and Accountability
  • Range Safety Procedures
  • Remedial Firearms Training Techniques
Partial coverage · 3
  • Certified Firearms Instructor70%

    May need to study specific state or federal laws regarding firearms ownership, use, and training.

  • Small Arms Repairer/Technician40%

    Requires significantly more in-depth knowledge of gunsmithing principles, advanced repair techniques, and specific manufacturer certifications.

  • OSHA General Industry Safety and Health Training30%

    Requires study of OSHA standards related to general industry, hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and emergency action plans.

Recommended next · 03
  • Range Safety OfficerAdjacent
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)Adjacent
  • Certified Personal Protection Specialist (CPPS)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
M9 PistolBeretta 92FS pistol (or similar handgun)Operations
M4 CarbineAR-15 style rifle (or similar semi-automatic rifle)Operations
Air Force Qualification Course (AFQC) curriculumNRA firearms training courses and materialsOperations
Range Safety Procedures (Air Force Instruction 31-207)OSHA safety regulations, NRA range safety guidelinesOperations
Small Arms Repair Log (generated via Air Force Equipment Management System)Gunsmithing repair logs and maintenance records (paper or digital)Operations
Ammunition Management Information System (AMIS)Inventory management software (e.g., Fishbowl Inventory, Zoho Inventory) for ammunition trackingOperations
Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP) PublicationsSAAMI (Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute) standards and technical dataOperations
/ Translator · Live

Translate 3P191 into a resume that ships.

Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.