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Live · Guide v1.0MN · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
Home/Career Guides/MN
NAVY · MNCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.MN.R.04
MN · NAVY · Enlisted

Mineman.

Navy MN (Mineman). 1,200 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $35K–$65K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours1,200DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours in basic electronics, ordnance handling, and maritime studies
Tech roles3mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 3

Industry tech roles your MN 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 MN training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have05
  • 01
    Explosives Safety and HandlingCybersecurity protocols, risk assessment, and secure coding practices.
  • 02
    Electronic Testing and TroubleshootingDebugging and root cause analysis of software and hardware issues.
  • 03
    Sonar Operations and MaintenanceSignal processing, data analysis, and pattern recognition.
  • 04
    Procedural ComplianceAdherence to coding standards, security policies, and regulatory requirements.
  • 05
    System ModelingDesigning and implementing software architectures and infrastructure solutions.
To learn06

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

+Linux fundamentals+Python for security+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes basics+C/C++ programming+Real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts
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

Explosives Technician

$65K
High match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Commercial Blasting License (if applicable to role)
  • HAZMAT Certification
P.02

Electrical and Electronics Repairer

$58K
Good match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • Specific certifications related to civilian equipment (e.g., CompTIA A+)
  • PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Training
P.03

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • Six Sigma Certification
  • ISO 9000 Training
P.04

Ship Fitter

$50K
Moderate match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Welding Certification
  • Blueprint Reading
P.05

Security Guard

$35K
Moderate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
  • State-Specific Security License
  • CPR/First Aid Certification
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

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

S.01

Procedural Compliance

Minemen adhere to strict safety protocols and detailed procedures when handling, assembling, and disassembling underwater mines to prevent accidents and ensure operational readiness.

Transfers to

Meticulous adherence to established protocols and regulations, ensuring safety and accuracy in high-stakes environments.

S.02

System Modeling

Minemen use system modeling when testing and maintaining underwater explosive devices (mines). They must understand how various electronic components work together to ensure proper repair and functionality.

Transfers to

Understanding complex systems and their interactions to troubleshoot, maintain, and improve performance.

S.03

Situational Awareness

Whether aboard minesweepers detecting underwater mines or ashore handling ordnance, minemen constantly maintain awareness of their surroundings to anticipate threats and ensure the safety of themselves and their team.

Transfers to

Maintaining a high level of awareness of the surrounding environment and potential risks to ensure safety and operational effectiveness.

S.04

Degraded-Mode Operations

Minemen are trained to maintain and repair complex systems even under less-than-ideal conditions, such as limited resources, time constraints, or equipment malfunctions.

Transfers to

Ability to effectively troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues even when facing limited resources or adverse conditions.

/ 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.

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041

You've been meticulously following procedures and ensuring the functionality of complex explosive devices. Now, you can apply this expertise to ensuring the quality and safety of products in various industries, identifying potential defects and implementing corrective actions.

Adjacent · Match

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've already got the skills to maintain and repair complex electro-mechanical systems. As an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, you'll use that experience to keep factories running smoothly, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions and performing preventive maintenance.

Adjacent · Match

Hazardous Materials Technician

SOC 19-5051

You're highly trained in the safe handling and storage of dangerous materials. Transition your skills into civilian life as a Hazardous Materials Technician! You will be ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials in industrial or environmental settings.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Mineman Accession Training Pipeline

Eglin AFB, FL
1,200hHours
30wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 15 semester hours in basic electronics, ordnance handling, and maritime studies

Topics · 7
  • Mine Identification and Nomenclature
  • Mine Assembly and Disassembly Procedures
  • Electronic Testing and Troubleshooting
  • Explosives Safety and Handling
  • Minefield Navigation and Clearance
  • Sonar Operations and Maintenance
  • Shipboard Security and Safety Procedures
Partial coverage · 3
  • Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60%

    Requires study of broader electronics principles and troubleshooting techniques beyond specific mine systems.

  • Explosives Handler Certification (various providers)70%

    Requires familiarization with civilian regulations, specific explosives types, and documentation procedures.

  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40%

    Requires additional study of general industry safety standards beyond military-specific safety protocols.

Recommended next · 03
  • Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)Adjacent
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
  • Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

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

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization SystemRemotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) with sonar and video capabilities for underwater inspection and object manipulation (e.g., used in underwater welding or salvage operations).Operations
AN/AQS-20A Sonar Mine Detecting SetHigh-resolution sonar systems used in underwater mapping and object detection for offshore oil & gas, or scientific research.Signals
MK 60 CAPTOR MineAdvanced sensor-activated security systems for perimeter defense or asset protection.Operations
MK 62/63/65 Quickstrike MinesLarge payload delivery systems controlled through electronic detonation, similar to demolition charges in construction.Operations
Mine Handling Equipment (various)Robotic material handling systems used in manufacturing or warehousing to move heavy or hazardous items.Operations
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) tools and equipmentBomb disposal equipment and techniques are directly transferable to hazardous materials handling and disposal in civilian settings.Operations
Naval Ordnance Management System (NOMS)Inventory management systems for tracking and managing hazardous materials, ammunition and explosives, comparable to those used in mining and construction industries.Operations
/ Translator · Live

Translate MN 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.