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0659 Career Guide

Marine Corps

0659: Data Chief

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Data Chief (0659)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 0659 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

$87K
High matchHigh demand

Information Security Analyst

$105K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (CISSP, Security+)

Computer Network Architect

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced networking certifications (CCNP, CCIE)Project management skills

Help Desk Manager

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ITIL certificationCustomer service management experience

Telecommunications Specialist

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific telecom vendor certificationsKnowledge of current telecom technologies (VoIP, cloud-based systems)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 0659 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Data chiefs build mental models of complex network systems to understand data flow, dependencies, and potential points of failure. They use this understanding to optimize network performance and troubleshoot issues.

The ability to understand and represent complex systems, predict their behavior, and identify potential problems.

Rapid Prioritization

In a dynamic environment, data chiefs must quickly assess network issues, prioritize tasks based on impact on operations, and allocate resources to the most critical problems.

The ability to quickly assess situations, prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, and allocate resources effectively.

Adversarial Thinking

Data chiefs must anticipate potential threats and vulnerabilities to network security, thinking like an attacker to identify weaknesses and implement countermeasures to protect sensitive data.

The ability to anticipate potential threats, identify vulnerabilities, and develop strategies to mitigate risks.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Data chiefs are skilled at maintaining essential communications and data services even when systems are damaged or compromised. They can implement workarounds and temporary solutions to keep networks operational under duress.

The ability to maintain essential functions and services even when systems are damaged, degraded, or under duress.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Analyst

SOC 13-2051

You've been planning for network outages and disruptions, and swiftly restoring critical systems in high-pressure situations. As a Business Continuity Analyst, you'll use that experience to design and implement strategies that keep businesses running smoothly, no matter what challenges arise.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-3021

You've been safeguarding networks from cyber threats and vulnerabilities. As an IT Risk Manager, you'll leverage your skills in threat assessment and mitigation to protect an organization's data and systems.

Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051

You're adept at piecing together information from disparate sources, identifying patterns, and drawing actionable insights to protect networks. You have a mind for detail, are naturally curious, and are relentless about uncovering hidden threats. This skillset translates well to the civilian sector, where you can apply it to analyze data, identify trends, and provide valuable intelligence to businesses or government agencies.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Data Communications Chief Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, CA

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in telecommunications or networking

Topics Covered

  • Advanced Network Design and Implementation
  • Network Security Protocols and Implementation
  • WAN Technologies (MPLS, VPNs)
  • Network Management and Monitoring Tools
  • Help Desk Management and Operations
  • Troubleshooting Complex Network Issues
  • Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning for Networks

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Focus on newer networking technologies, cloud networking concepts, and some updated protocols.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Review the latest threat landscape, incident response procedures, and compliance regulations.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)50% covered

Study specific Cisco technologies, configuration nuances, and the latest Cisco networking solutions.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Global Command and Control System - Joint (GCCS-J)Enterprise-level Command and Control Systems, similar to IBM Netcool or HP OpenView
Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN)Large-scale enterprise network infrastructure, similar to Cisco Systems or Juniper Networks implementations.
AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack RadioSatellite communication systems, such as those provided by Iridium or Inmarsat.
Tactical Data Network (TDN)Mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) utilizing technologies like mesh networking or software-defined networking (SDN).
Information Assurance Vulnerability Alert (IAVA) processCybersecurity vulnerability management platforms like Rapid7 or Tenable.
Automated Message Handling System (AMHS)Secure messaging platforms like Microsoft Exchange with encryption or specialized secure email providers.
Joint Regional Security Stacks (JRSS)Next-generation firewalls and intrusion prevention systems from vendors like Palo Alto Networks or Fortinet.

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