SEIZE YOUR NEXT MISSION

Facility Management
Your perfect career path

Are you an active-duty military service member or a veteran ready to conquer your next mission? Facility management “FM” is the dynamic career path you've been looking for, with unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.

YOUR NEW CAREER BEGINS HERE ...

Petty Officer First Class Lee

Why Facility Management?

FM isn't just a job; it's a calling — for leaders, problem solvers, and individuals committed to excellence. In this profession, your military-honed traits like adaptability, attention to detail and strategic thinking are the key ingredients for success.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Unleash Your Potential

Picture yourself at the helm of facility management, where your skills and expertise are not just valued but essential.

Transitioning from a military career to facilities management can leverage both hard and soft skills developed in the military. Here's a breakdown of relevant skills:

HARD
Skills

Project Management

Military personnel often have experience in planning, executing, and overseeing projects. Facilities management frequently involves coordinating maintenance projects, renovations and upgrades, making project management skills invaluable.

Technical Maintenance Skills

Military personnel often gain hands-on experience with maintaining equipment, vehicles and facilities. This translates well into the technical aspects of facilities management, such as understanding HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing, and building codes.

Safety & Compliance

Military training emphasizes safety protocols and adherence to regulations. This is crucial in facilities management to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations, such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements.

Budgeting & Resource Management

Military units operate within budgetary constraints and manage resources efficiently. Similarly, facilities managers are often responsible for budgeting maintenance expenses, procurement of supplies and optimizing resource allocation.

Technical Systems Knowledge

Military training frequently involves using and maintaining complex technical systems. This can include familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), building automation systems (BAS) and other facility management software and technologies.

These are just a few of the skills you have learned in your time in the military that can be transferred into a career in facility management.

Soft
Skills

Leadership and Teamwork

Military personnel often develop strong leadership and teamwork skills through their service. These skills are essential for effectively managing teams of maintenance staff, contractors and other stakeholders in facilities management.

Communication

Effective communication is critical in both military operations and facilities management. Military personnel often excel in clear and concise communication, which is valuable for coordinating maintenance activities, reporting issues and interacting with tenants or occupants.

Problem Solving & Decision Making

Military training emphasizes quick and effective decision-making in high-pressure situations. This skill translates well to facilities management, where managers often encounter unexpected challenges and must make decisions to resolve issues promptly.

Attention to Detail

Military operations require meticulous attention to detail to ensure tasks are completed accurately and safely. In facilities management, attention to detail is crucial for conducting inspections, identifying maintenance needs and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Adaptability & Flexibility

Military personnel are trained to adapt to changing circumstances and environments. In facilities management, managers must be adaptable and flexible to respond to emergencies, changing priorities and evolving facility needs.

Military MOS Facility Management

Engineer Senior Sergeant (12A)
Firefighter (12M)
Carpentry & Masonry Specialist (12W)
Combat Engineer (12B)
Horizontal Construction Engineer (12N)
General Engineering Supervisor (12X)
Bridge Crewmember (12C)
Primer Power Production Specialist (12P)
Geospatial Engineer (12Y)
Diver (12D)
Power Distribution Specialist (12Q)
Combat Engineering Senior Sergeant (12Z)
Quarrying Specialist (12G)
Interior Electrician (12R)
Engineer, General Officer (12A)
Construction Engineering Supervisor (12H)
Technical Engineer (12T)
Construction Engineer Technician (120A)
Plumber (12K)
Concrete & Asphalt Equipment Operator (12V)
Geospatial Information Technician (125D)

Basic Utilities (1100)
Metal Worker (1316)
Bulk Fuel Specialist (1391)
Electrician (1141)
Engineer Equipment Mechanic (1341)
Petroleum Quality Assurance & Additization Specalist (1392)
Refrigeration & AC Technician (1161)
Assault Breacher Vehicle Mechanic (1343)
Utilities Chief (1169)
Engineer Equipment Operator (1345)
Water Support Technician (1171)
Engineer Equipment Chief (1349)
Basic Engineer, Construction, Facilities & Equipment (1300)
Engineer Assistant (1361)
Combat Engineer (1371)

Electrical Systems (3E0X1)
Electrical Power Production (3E0X2)
HVAC & Refrigeration (3E1X1)
Pavements & Construction Equipment (3E2X1)
Structural (3E3X1)
Water & Fuel Systems Maintenance (3E4X1)
Pest Control (3E4X3)
Engineering (3E5X1)
Operations Management (3E6X1)
Fire Protection (3E7X1)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (3E8X1)
U.S. Air Force Emergency Management (3E9X1)

John kucinski
Commander, Navy

In a lot of ways, facilities management is another form of serving and one I've found very satisfying following my Navy career. Go for it. While construction skills help, any military background can excel here. Military values and skills are assets, making each day full of diverse challenges in engineering, management, procurement, and leadership — all of which make for interesting days and a rewarding career.
Bobby LaRon, FMP
Sergeant, Army

At its core, FM is about serving people and not just the buildings we manage. Many veterans miss the esprit de corps found within the military. Service above self and being a servant leader can be continued from the military into your FM career.
israel rodriGuez, CFM
Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Reserve

FM is a dynamic field that most people don’t understand. It’s very sophisticated in that every facility has its own set of challenges and a way it operates. You wear many hats, develop knowledge of multiple systems. You switch gears at any moment from updating a budget to trying to solve issues like a major water leak. Every day is different for us.
Terral Christopher
Petty Officer First Class, Navy

In both military and facility management, serving others is key. Always keep in mind the mission at hand. Embrace change and adaptability — skills honed in the military — to thrive in FM. Stay open to new ideas, think creatively and be a valuable team player in the evolving world of FM.
jon E. martens
Master Chief Petty Officer, Navy

In both the military and FM, you’ll find a culture of comradery and mentorship. Getting a second (or even third) opinion from facility managers in like facilities will help you make better-informed decisions. This is where the connections I made through IFMA helped me out greatly.
byron edwards
Sergeant First Class, Army

Lessons learned in the military that I applied to leading FM teams include knowing your role in the organization and how it fits in the overall strategic plan, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses so you can make improvements where needed.
Sean Dalton
Commander, Navy

Transitioning from military to civilian facilities management, my military background in construction and leadership proved invaluable. Embracing continuous learning and IFMA courses, inclusive leadership, and pragmatic problem-solving has been key to success in the fast-paced FM sector.

John kucinski
Commander, Navy

In a lot of ways, facilities management is another form of serving and one I've found very satisfying following my Navy career. Go for it. While construction skills help, any military background can excel here. Military values and skills are assets, making each day full of diverse challenges in engineering, management, procurement, and leadership — all of which make for interesting days and a rewarding career.
Bobby LaRon, FMP
Sergeant, Army

At its core, FM is about serving people and not just the buildings we manage. Many veterans miss the esprit de corps found within the military. Service above self and being a servant leader can be continued from the military into your FM career.
israel rodriGuez, CFM
Chief Master Sergeant, USAF Reserve

FM is a dynamic field that most people don’t understand. It’s very sophisticated in that every facility has its own set of challenges and a way it operates. You wear many hats, develop knowledge of multiple systems. You switch gears at any moment from updating a budget to trying to solve issues like a major water leak. Every day is different for us.
Terral Christopher
Petty Officer First Class, Navy

In both military and facility management, serving others is key. Always keep in mind the mission at hand. Embrace change and adaptability — skills honed in the military — to thrive in FM. Stay open to new ideas, think creatively and be a valuable team player in the evolving world of FM.
jon E. martens
Master Chief Petty Officer, Navy

In both the military and FM, you’ll find a culture of comradery and mentorship. Getting a second (or even third) opinion from facility managers in like facilities will help you make better-informed decisions. This is where the connections I made through IFMA helped me out greatly.
byron edwards
Sergeant First Class, Army

Lessons learned in the military that I applied to leading FM teams include knowing your role in the organization and how it fits in the overall strategic plan, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses so you can make improvements where needed.
Sean Dalton
Commander, Navy

Transitioning from military to civilian facilities management, my military background in construction and leadership proved invaluable. Embracing continuous learning and IFMA courses, inclusive leadership, and pragmatic problem-solving has been key to success in the fast-paced FM sector.

TRANSITIONING TO FM

Embrace the Benefits

Transitioning to facility management isn't just a career move; it is a gateway to a world of benefits and opportunities. Experience the satisfaction of continuing to serve your community in a meaningful capacity, all while enjoying competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and tailored support programs designed to empower veterans like you.

Forge Your Path

Charting a new course can be daunting, but you're not alone on this journey. Tap into a wealth of resources, mentorship programs, and educational opportunities tailored specifically for military service members and veterans.

With the right support system by your side, you'll navigate this transition with confidence and clarity, ready to conquer new horizons.

Credentials

Elevate your career prospects with IFMA’s professional development credentials, such as the FMP, which equips you with crucial facility management skills. This program can be completed in six months and readily transfers to civilian roles.

Career

Discover a rewarding career in facility management, where your diverse military expertise effortlessly transfers into the FM profession, paving the way for career growth and upward advancement.

Community

Access invaluable support from IFMA's Military Community during your service and as a veteran, ensuring you have the resources necessary for a successful transition to civilian life.

Active-duty military and first-year civilians qualify for a US$100 base membership. Military veterans qualify for a discounted full base membership. Email membership@ifma.org for more information.

Gear up —
your next mission starts now

Seize the opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in facility management and embark on a journey of growth, purpose, and success.

Transition Resources

Explore resources to guide you toward transitioning into facilities management.

IFMA Training

Learn more about credentials and training to prepare you for your next career.

Learn More

IFMA's Military Community

Connect with others who have found exciting careers in FM post military service.

Learn More

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