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USAF · 61231Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.61231.R.04

61231 · USAF · Enlisted

Services
Apprentice.

Air Force 61231 (Services Apprentice). 336 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $62K–$85K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours336DoD pipeline

ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Food Service Management and Hospitality Services

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 61231 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 61231 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have05

01
Operating automated information management systems→ Troubleshooting and maintaining IT systems.
02
Resource Optimization→ Data-driven decision making and process improvement.
03
Services Readiness Assessment Tool (SRAT)→ Identifying potential issues and ensuring system reliability.
04
Team Synchronization→ Coordinating technical projects and teams.
05
Civilian system equivalents: ABSS, FSMS, LMS, AFFMS, SRAT, MATS→ Understand equivalent systems in the civilian tech world

To learn12

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

+SQL for querying databases+Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)+Basic programming concepts in Python+Software testing methodologies+Test automation tools (e.g., Selenium, JUnit)+Scripting languages (e.g., Python, Bash)+IT support ticketing systems (e.g., Jira, Zendesk)+Operating system basics (Windows, Linux)+Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS)+Agile project management methodologies+Project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana)+Technical documentation and communication

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

Hotel Manager

$75K

High match

Stable demand

Skills to develop

— Advanced hospitality management techniques
— Revenue management strategies

P.02

Restaurant Manager

$68K

High match

Growing demand

Skills to develop

— Advanced food safety certification (e.g., HACCP)
— Restaurant-specific POS systems training

P.03

Recreation Director

$62K

Good match

Stable demand

Skills to develop

— Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification
— Grant writing for recreational programs

P.04

Logistics Manager

$85K

Moderate match

High demand

Skills to develop

— Supply chain management certification (e.g., CSCP)
— APICS certification

P.05

Retail Operations Manager

$78K

Good match

Growing demand

Skills to develop

— Advanced inventory management techniques
— Retail management certification
— E-commerce platform management

/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 61231 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Resource Optimization

Managing budgets, inventory, and staffing across diverse service programs (food, lodging, recreation) to maximize efficiency and effectiveness with limited resources.

Transfers to

Effectively allocating and managing resources (financial, human capital, material) to achieve optimal outcomes and minimize waste in various operational contexts.

S.02

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and prioritizing competing demands across multiple service areas (e.g., food service, lodging, mortuary affairs), particularly during emergencies or peak operational periods.

Transfers to

Swiftly evaluating and ranking tasks, projects, or issues based on urgency and importance, enabling effective responses to dynamic and high-pressure situations.

S.03

Team Synchronization

Coordinating and synchronizing the activities of diverse teams across different service functions to ensure seamless operations and consistent service delivery.

Transfers to

Orchestrating the efforts of various teams or departments to achieve a common goal, ensuring efficient communication, collaboration, and alignment of activities.

S.04

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a constant awareness of the operational environment, including customer needs, staff performance, and potential risks, to proactively address challenges and opportunities.

Transfers to

Continuously monitoring and assessing the surrounding environment, identifying potential issues, and anticipating future needs to make informed decisions and take proactive measures.

/ 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.

Event Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1199

You've been managing complex service operations, coordinating diverse teams, and optimizing resources across multiple areas. As an Event Logistics Coordinator, you'll use those skills to orchestrate seamless event experiences, handling everything from venue setup to vendor management – ensuring every detail is executed flawlessly, just like you did in the military!

Adjacent · Match

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012

You've demonstrated expertise in overseeing various service-related activities, including lodging, maintenance, and resource allocation. In a Facilities Manager role, you'll leverage these skills to maintain and optimize the functionality, safety, and efficiency of buildings and grounds – ensuring a smooth and productive environment for everyone, much like you did in the military.

Adjacent · Match

Supply Chain Analyst

SOC 13-1151

You've been responsible for managing inventory, coordinating logistics, and ensuring efficient resource allocation across multiple service programs. As a Supply Chain Analyst, you'll use those skills to analyze supply chain data, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to optimize the flow of goods and services – ensuring that products are delivered on time and within budget.

Adjacent · Match

/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED

Academy