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8114 Career Guide

Marine Corps

8114: Rigid Raiding Craft (RRC) Coxswain

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Rigid Raiding Craft (RRC) Coxswain (8114)

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Tech Roles You Could Aim For

Real industry tech roles your 8114 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Security Engineer

Security

SOC 15-1212
Good match

Your experience with maritime security operations and RRC weapons systems employment translates to a strong understanding of risk management and threat assessment, crucial for a Security Engineer role. Understanding of RRC Communications Systems also aligns well with network security concepts.

Typical stack:

Networking and OS internalsCryptography fundamentalsThreat modelingCloud security (IAM, VPC)Code review for security

Network Engineer

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1241
Moderate match

As an RRC Coxswain, you were responsible for maintaining RRC Communication Systems. This experience can be leveraged to pursue a role as a Network Engineer. Understanding network protocols and troubleshooting are important skills in both domains.

Typical stack:

TCP/IP fundamentalsRouting protocols (BGP, OSPF)Firewall and VPN configurationCloud networkingCisco or Juniper hands-on

DevOps Engineer

DevOps / Platform

SOC 15-1244
Moderate match

Your responsibilities for RRC Maintenance and Troubleshooting, coupled with your experience in degraded-mode operations, demonstrates a knack for problem-solving and system upkeep, skills that are valuable in DevOps roles. Situational awareness translates well to monitoring and responding to system alerts.

Typical stack:

CI/CD tooling (GitHub Actions, GitLab, Jenkins)Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Pulumi)Containers (Docker, Kubernetes)Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)Linux

IT Support Specialist (Help Desk)

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1232
Good match

Given your experience as a RRC Coxswain, you have experience with RRC Maintenance and Troubleshooting. This experience translates well to a role in IT Support, which requires constant troubleshooting of technical issues and helping people solve computer problems.

Typical stack:

Windows and macOS troubleshootingActive Directory basicsTicketing systemsCustomer communicationDocumentation

Skills You Already Have

Concrete bridges from 8114 experience to tech-industry practice.

  • RRC Communications SystemsNetwork Protocols and Security Concepts
  • RRC Maintenance and TroubleshootingSystem Troubleshooting and Problem Solving
  • Maritime Security OperationsRisk Assessment and Threat Management
  • Situational AwarenessMonitoring and Alerting
  • Rapid PrioritizationIncident Response
  • Procedural ComplianceSecurity Best Practices
  • Degraded-Mode OperationsDisaster Recovery

Skills to Learn

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

Linux fundamentalsNetworking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS, routing)Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) toolsFirewall administrationIntrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)Network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump)Network hardware configuration (routers, switches)Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Scripting with Python or BashConfiguration management tools (Ansible, Chef, or Puppet)Help desk ticketing systemsRemote desktop support toolsCustomer service communication

How VWC fits

Vets Who Code accelerates the parts we teach — software engineering fundamentals, web development, AI tooling. For everything else above, the path is doable independently with the resources we link to.

See VWC Programs

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 8114 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Small Boat Captain/Operator

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC)Specific vessel certifications (e.g., USCG)Familiarity with civilian navigation systems

Marine Mechanic/Technician

$60K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Formal mechanic certification (e.g., ABYC)Experience with specific engine brands (e.g., Yamaha, Mercury)Diagnostic software proficiency

Commercial Diver

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial diving certification (e.g., ADCI)Underwater welding or inspection trainingExperience with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)

Maritime Security Officer

$65K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Security certifications (e.g., TWIC)Advanced security trainingKnowledge of maritime law and regulations

Search and Rescue (SAR) Technician

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certificationAdvanced rescue training (swift water, etc.)Knowledge of local waterways and conditions

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 8114 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As an RRC Coxswain, you constantly monitor environmental conditions, vessel status, and team readiness to anticipate potential threats and ensure mission success.

This translates to a keen ability to perceive and understand your surroundings, predict potential problems, and proactively respond in dynamic environments.

Rapid Prioritization

During operations, you make quick decisions on resource allocation, navigational adjustments, and responses to emergent threats, often under pressure and with limited information.

Your experience allows you to rapidly assess complex situations, identify critical tasks, and efficiently allocate resources to achieve objectives, even when facing tight deadlines and unexpected challenges.

Team Synchronization

You are responsible for coordinating your boat team's actions, ensuring seamless communication, and maintaining cohesion to achieve mission objectives effectively.

You excel at fostering collaboration, ensuring clear communication, and aligning individual efforts to achieve shared goals within a team setting.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are trained to maintain operational effectiveness and safety even when equipment malfunctions or environmental conditions deteriorate, requiring creative problem-solving and adaptability.

Your ability to maintain composure and find solutions under pressure, even when resources are limited or unexpected problems arise, makes you highly resilient and resourceful.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to safety protocols, operational procedures, and maintenance schedules is paramount to ensure the integrity of the team and vessel.

You understand the importance of following established guidelines and regulations, ensuring consistent performance, and mitigating risks through diligent adherence to procedures.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been responsible for the safety and security of your team and vessel in unpredictable environments. Your skills in risk assessment, rapid decision-making, and resource allocation are directly transferable to planning and executing emergency response strategies.

Logistics Manager

SOC 13-1141.00

You've managed the maintenance and upkeep of complex equipment and ensured the availability of critical resources. Your skills in inventory management, supply chain coordination, and process optimization are highly valuable in logistics.

Marine Insurance Underwriter

SOC 13-2053.00

You've developed a deep understanding of vessel operations, safety protocols, and risk management. Your expertise can be leveraged to assess risks and make informed decisions about insuring marine assets.

Commercial Fisherman

SOC 45-3011.00

You've spent your career on the water, developing a deep understanding of navigation, weather patterns, and boat handling. You already have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in the commercial fishing industry.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Rigid Raiding Craft Coxswain Course, Camp Lejeune, NC

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Maritime Operations

Topics Covered

  • RRC Characteristics and Capabilities
  • RRC Launch and Recovery Procedures
  • RRC Navigation and Piloting
  • RRC Communications Systems
  • RRC Weapons Systems Employment
  • RRC Maintenance and Troubleshooting
  • Small Boat Tactics and Formations
  • Maritime Security Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Small Boat Operator (CSBO)70% covered

Requires study of topics related to civilian boating regulations, advanced navigation techniques specific to recreational boating, and passenger safety protocols.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGA) certifications (e.g., Boat Crew Qualification)60% covered

Requires familiarization with USCGA-specific procedures, communication protocols, and training standards. Some practical exercises may be required.

Recommended Next Certifications

Marine Engineering Certifications (e.g., ABYC certifications)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Rigid Raiding Craft (RRC)High-speed Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)
AN/PRC-152 Multiband Handheld RadioMotorola APX Series Two-Way Radio
AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)ATN NVM14 Night Vision Monocular
DAGR (Defense Advanced GPS Receiver)Garmin GPSMAP Series
Small Arms Protective Inserts (SAPI)Ballistic Plate Carriers
M240B Machine GunFN MAG 58 Machine Gun (Law Enforcement Equivalent)
Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC)Zodiac Inflatable Boat

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