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6490 · NAVY · Officer

Security
Officer.

Navy 6490 (Security Officer). 160 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $70K–$98K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours160DoD pipeline

ACE creditACEUp to 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice or Security Management

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 6490 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 6490 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have10

01
Situational Awareness→ Understanding complex environments and proactively identifying potential problems in business situations.
02
Adversarial Thinking→ Skills in risk management, security consulting, and fraud prevention.
03
Procedural Compliance→ Adept at navigating complex regulatory environments, ensuring quality control, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.
04
Resource Optimization→ Strategically allocating resources to achieve maximum impact, optimizing processes for efficiency, and making data-driven decisions.
05
Automated Security Incident Reporting System (ASIRS)→ Case Management Software
06
Entry Control Point (ECP) Biometric Scanners→ Biometric Access Control Systems
07
Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS) Alert Systems→ Emergency Notification Systems
08
Brig Management Information System (BMIS)→ Correctional Facility Management Software
09
Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS)→ Visitor Management Systems (VMS) with integrated background checks
10
Integrated Security System (ISS) - Shipboard→ Integrated Security Management System (ISMS)

To learn12

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

+Network security principles and practices+Cloud security fundamentals (AWS, Azure, GCP)+Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools (e.g., Splunk, ELK stack)+Compliance frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA)+Risk management methodologies+Data privacy regulations+Cybersecurity threat analysis+Incident response procedures+Vulnerability management+Agile project management methodologies+Software development lifecycle (SDLC)+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

Security Manager

$98K

High match

High demand

Skills to develop

— OSHA Safety Standards
— Corporate Security Procedures

P.02

Law Enforcement Officer

$75K

Good match

Growing demand

Skills to develop

— State Peace Officer Certification
— Local Law Enforcement Procedures

P.03

Emergency Management Director

$85K

Good match

Stable demand

Skills to develop

— FEMA Certifications
— HAZMAT Training

P.04

Correctional Officer Supervisor

$70K

High match

Stable demand

Skills to develop

— State Corrections Certification
— Crisis Intervention Training

P.05

Compliance Officer

$78K

Moderate match

High demand

Skills to develop

— Industry-Specific Compliance Regulations
— Auditing Procedures

/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 6490 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Situational Awareness

As a 6490, you maintained constant awareness of your surroundings, anticipating threats within a dynamic environment that included both shipboard and shore-based facilities. You had to quickly assess ongoing situations involving personnel, physical security, and potential breaches.

Transfers to

This translates to an exceptional ability to understand complex environments and proactively identify potential problems or opportunities in the civilian sector. You can quickly grasp the nuances of a business situation, anticipate potential risks, and make informed decisions.

S.02

Adversarial Thinking

Your role required you to think like an adversary, anticipating potential threats to security and law enforcement protocols. You developed and implemented countermeasures to prevent sabotage, theft, and contraband introduction, always staying one step ahead.

Transfers to

This translates directly to skills in risk management, security consulting, or fraud prevention. You have the ability to foresee potential vulnerabilities and develop strategies to mitigate them, making you invaluable in protecting assets and ensuring compliance.

S.03

Procedural Compliance

You ensured strict adherence to regulations and protocols in law enforcement, physical security, and corrections. You had to meticulously follow procedures to maintain order, prevent incidents, and ensure the safety of personnel and assets.

Transfers to

This experience makes you highly adept at navigating complex regulatory environments in the civilian world. You understand the importance of following established processes, ensuring quality control, and maintaining compliance with industry standards. You're reliable and detail-oriented, a valuable asset in any regulated field.

S.04

Resource Optimization

As a technical manager, you were responsible for effectively allocating resources, including personnel, equipment, and funding, to maximize the effectiveness of security and law enforcement programs. You had to find innovative solutions to achieve objectives within budgetary constraints.

Transfers to

This translates to exceptional resource management skills. You're able to strategically allocate resources to achieve maximum impact, optimize processes for efficiency, and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes. This skill set is highly valued in project management and operations roles.

/ 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 immersed in procedural compliance, law enforcement, and risk management. Your ability to understand regulations, identify potential violations, and implement corrective actions translates directly to ensuring a company adheres to legal standards and internal policies.

Adjacent · Match

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2099.00

You've honed your adversarial thinking and situational awareness skills to prevent sabotage and theft. You can leverage these skills to detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent activities within an organization, protecting its assets and reputation.

Adjacent · Match

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9011.00

You've already excelled in physical security and resource management, preparing you to develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate resources during crises, and ensure the safety and security of personnel and facilities in various emergency scenarios.

Adjacent · Match

Corporate Security Manager

SOC 11-9199.00

You've spent your career safeguarding personnel and assets. You can now apply your expertise in risk assessment, security protocol development, and law enforcement to protect a company's physical and intellectual property, ensuring a safe and secure working environment.

Adjacent · Match

/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED

Academy