AOC 40A Space Operations

AOC Description

Serves as the principal Space Operations staff officer in the G3 section at division level and higher; as an Army Space Support Team leader or member of a Joint Space Support Team. Serve as the Space Operations instructor at TRADOC schools. Provide Space Operations coordination and advice at all levels of command; serve in a broad spectrum of research, planning and operational assignments in the Space and Missile Defense Command. Serve as the Army's Space Operations Career Manager, in joint assignments with USSPACECOM and other unified staffs and as astronauts with NASA.

National Certifications

The following civilian credentials are related to AOC 40A. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.

Compare Credential Agency Related As CA Eligible Attainability GI Bill® Accreditation ID
ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Magnetic Particle Testing (ACCP-MT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel - X-Ray and RAM (IRSSP-Combo) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   GI BillGI Bill  
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) In DemandIs In Demand American Society for Quality (ASQ) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Certified Aerospace Technician Core Is Not In Demand SpaceTEC someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel - X-Ray (IRSSP-X-Ray) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   GI BillGI Bill  
NCATT Radio Communication Systems (RCS) Is Not In Demand ASTM International otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
NCATT Dependent Navigation Systems (DNS) Is Not In Demand ASTM International otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Liquid Penetrant Testing (ACCP-PT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Radiographic Testing (ACCP-RT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Ultrasonic Testing (ACCP-UT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program Level II - Visual and Optical Testing (ACCP-VT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Radiographic Testing (RT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT Central Certification Program (ACCP) Professional Level III - Visual Testing (VT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Acoustic Emission Testing (AE) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Electromagnetic Testing (ET) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Infrared/Thermal Testing (IR) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Leak Testing (LT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Radiographic Testing (RT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Visual Testing (VT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
NCATT Onboard Communications & Safety Systems (OCS) Is Not In Demand ASTM International otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level II Certification - Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level II Certification - Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level II Certification - Radiographic Testing (RT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level II Certification - Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
ASNT NDT Level II Certification - Visual Testing (VT) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Personnel - Radioactive Materials (IRSSP - RAM) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible   GI BillGI Bill  
NCATT Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) Is Not In Demand ASTM International otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
EMC Design Engineer Senior Is Not In Demand International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics (iNARTE) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
EMC Design Engineer Is Not In Demand International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics (iNARTE) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
GEOINT Professional Certification Fundamentals (GPC-F) Is Not In Demand National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh   AccreditationAccreditation
Fluid Power System Designer Is Not In Demand International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Industrial and Systems Is Not In Demand National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh    
GEOINT Professional Certification Aeronautical (GPC AA-II) Is Not In Demand National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible     AccreditationAccreditation
GEOINT Professional Certification Applied Science (GPC AS-II) Is Not In Demand National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible lowlow   AccreditationAccreditation
GEOINT Professional Certification Geospatial Data Management (GPC GDM-II) Is Not In Demand National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible mediummedium GI BillGI Bill AccreditationAccreditation
ASNT NDT Level III Certification - Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) Is Not In Demand American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) otherOther CA EligibleCA Eligible      
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Chemical Is Not In Demand National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh    
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Mechanical Is Not In Demand National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) someSome CA EligibleCA Eligible highhigh    

State Licensure

Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Related Civilian Occupations

The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by AOC 40A-Space Operations. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.

Civilian Job Duties Matched Bright Outlook Registered Apprenticeship Local Salary Info
Aerospace Engineers mostMost   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Chief Executives someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Electrical Engineers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Logistics Engineers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Materials Engineers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Mechanical Engineers someSome   Registered ApprenticeshipApprenticeship  find local salaryfind local salary
Nuclear Engineers someSome     find local salaryfind local salary
Validation Engineers someSome Bright OutlookBright Outlook    find local salaryfind local salary

Related Federal Occupations

The following federal occupations are similar to AOC 40A-Space Operations. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.

In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.

Continuing Education

For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see:

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This is an official U.S. Army websiteUpdated: February 26, 2021

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Mandatory

This credential is mandatory for some Soldiers, see the Mandated Certifications tab for more information.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base. Click here for more information.

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Click here to go to Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The American Society for Quality (ASQ), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential is for the professional who understands product quality evaluation and control. CQEs demonstrate an understanding of quality control systems, application and analysis of testing and inspection procedures, how to use metrology and statistical methods to diagnose and correct improper quality control methods, and quality cost concepts and techniques. In addition, CQEs know how to develop and administer management information systems and audit quality systems for deficiency identification and correction and understand human factors and motivation. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience requirements. Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Certified Aerospace Technician Core COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The SpaceTEC, Certified Aerospace Technician Core is an entry-level certification that covers general knowledge in the areas of introduction to aerospace, applied mechanics, basic electricity, test and measurements, materials and processes, and aerospace safety. To earn the Certified Aerospace Technician Core certification, candidates must meet at least one of the eligibility criteria and pass both a written exam and a practical exam. Candidates who do not receive a satisfactory score on the written exam are also required to pass an oral exam.
Click here to go to GEOINT Professional Certification Fundamentals (GPC-F) web page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, GEOINT Professional Certification Fundamentals (GPC-F) is the foundation of the GEOINT Professional Certification Program (GPC). The GPC-F is an entry-level credential. The GPC-F aims to define the common set of competencies across the National Systems of Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) and is an essential element of the overall development of GEOINT professionals. The GPC-F exam evaluates a candidate's knowledge of the fundamental concepts, principles, and practices of GEOINT practitioners, as well as their knowledge of the NSG. The development of the GPC is part of a larger USD(I) Initiative to professionalize the Defense Intelligence Enterprise Workforce. 

Note: Accessing additional information about GPC credentials may require JWICS network permission.
Click here to go to Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Industrial and Systems COOL Snapshot page.

Credential description coming soon.
Click here to go to GEOINT Professional Certification Aeronautical (GPC AA-II) web page.

The GEOINT Professional Certification Aeronautical (GPC AA-II) is an intermediate-level Aeronautical imagery credential. The aim of the GCP is to define the common set of competencies across the National Systems of Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) and is an essential element of the overall development of GEOINT professionals. The GPC AA -II is designed to demonstrate ability, along a scale of proficiency, within the topical area of GEOINT Aeronautical facts, concepts, and principles deemed critical by experts to the successful execution of GEOINT mission functions. The development of the GPC is part of a larger USD(I) Initiative to professionalize the Defense Intelligence Enterprise Workforce. The GPC will ensure that credentialed GEOINT practitioners are certified to have demonstrated proficiency in a common set of competencies. This certification process facilitates advancement of professional development and training standards, promotes better synchronization, and aligns individual capabilities within the DOD intelligence enterprise through transportable credentials.
Note that accessing some additional information about GPC credentials may require JWICS network permission.
Click here to go to GEOINT Professional Certification Applied Science (GPC AS-II) web page.

The GEOINT Professional Certification Applied Science (GPC AS-II) is an intermediate-level geospatial science credential. The aim of the GCP is to define the common set of competencies across the National Systems of Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) and is an essential element of the overall development of GEOINT professionals. The GPC AS -II is designed to demonstrate ability, along a scale of proficiency, within the topical area of GEOINT Applied Science (Bathymetry, Geodetic Earth Science, Geodetic Orbit Science, and Geodetic Surveying) facts, concepts, and principles deemed critical by experts to the successful execution of GEOINT mission functions. The development of the GPC is part of a larger USD(I) Initiative to professionalize the Defense Intelligence Enterprise Workforce. The GPC will ensure that credentialed GEOINT practitioners are certified to have demonstrated proficiency in a common set of competencies. This certification process facilitates advancement of professional development and training standards, promotes better synchronization, and aligns individual capabilities within the DOD intelligence enterprise through transportable credentials.
Note that accessing some additional information about GPC credentials may require JWICS network permission.
Click here to go to GEOINT Professional Certification Geospatial Data Management (GPC GDM-II) web page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, GEOINT Professional Certification Geospatial Data Management (GPC GDM-II) is an intermediate-level credential. The GPC GDM-II aims to define the common set of competencies across the National Systems of Geospatial-Intelligence (NSG) and is an essential element of the overall development of GEOINT professionals. The GPC GDM-II is designed to demonstrate ability, along a scale of proficiency, within the topical area of GEOINT Geospatial Data Management facts, concepts, and principles deemed critical by experts to the successful execution of GEOINT mission functions. The development of the GPC is part of a larger USD(I) Initiative to professionalize the Defense Intelligence Enterprise Workforce. The GPC ensures that credentialed GEOINT practitioners are certified to have demonstrated proficiency in a common set of competencies. GPC GDM-II facilitates advancement of professional development and training standards, promotes better synchronization, and aligns individual capabilities within the DOD intelligence enterprise through transportable credentials.

Note: Accessing additional information about GPC credentials may require JWICS network permission.
Click here to go to Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Chemical COOL Snapshot page.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Chemical, is generally the first step in the process of becoming a professional licensed engineer (P.E.). The FE Exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. Candidates must review specific eligibility requirements that are determined by each licensing board.  Candidates must pass a written exam.
Click here to go to Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Mechanical COOL Snapshot page.

The National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam - Mechanical, is generally the first step in the process of becoming a professional licensed engineer (P.E.). The FE Exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. Candidates must review specific eligibility requirements that are determined by each licensing board.  Candidates must pass a written exam.

High

Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Low

May be difficult to attain: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

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This credential has been accredited by:
This credential has been accredited by:
This credential has been accredited by: