Civil Affairs Jobs for Civilians after Military Service

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Examples Civil Affairs Military Roles

• Army Civil Affairs Specialist (MOS 38B)
• Marine Corps Civil Affairs Specialist (MOS 0532)
• Air Force Political-Military Affairs Strategist (16PX)
• Navy Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST)

Skills Acquired in Civil Affairs

Service in Civil Affairs equips you with high-demand skills, including:

• Organizing and analyzing complex information
• Writing clear and concise reports
• Liaising with foreign governments and militaries
• Understanding and navigating different cultures
• Managing civil information
• Coordinating foreign humanitarian assistance
• Supporting civil administration

A service member leaving the military can use these skills to succeed in several civilian fields.

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Here are four common career paths for veterans with a Civil Affairs background.

Political Scientist

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. They collect and analyze data, test political theories, and assess the impact of policies on governments and their citizens. They also monitor current events to forecast political and economic trends.

Your experience working with other governments and your analytical skills align with this field. To work as a political scientist, you typically need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science or public administration. A bachelor’s degree may secure an entry-level position as a research assistant.

Public Relations Specialist

A public relations (PR) specialist manages communication for a company, organization, or government agency. They craft messages for the media, maintain a client’s reputation, and use social media to monitor public opinion. This role requires writing speeches, cultivating media relationships, and tracking campaign effectiveness.

This career uses the same communication, writing, and interpersonal skills you mastered in Civil Affairs. A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or business is the standard requirement for this field.

Management Consultant

Management consultants assist organizations in planning and executing projects to increase profitability and efficiency. They recommend strategies to improve a client’s profits, internal systems, and overall performance. Consultants often specialize in specific fields, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or education.

This job relies heavily on the analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills from your military service. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement, but many firms prefer an MBA.

Emergency Management Specialist

Emergency management specialists coordinate responses to natural or man-made disasters. They collaborate with multiple agencies to manage emergency shelters, oversee evacuation routes, and ensure that people receive essential supplies such as medicine, food, and water. This career involves long-term recovery planning and often requires a flexible schedule.

Your experience in civil support, resource management, and coordinating with various organizations directly applies to this role. A bachelor’s degree in emergency management or a related field is typically required. FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute also offers training for this career path.