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131A Career Guide

Army

131A: Field Artillery Targeting Technician

Career transition guide for Army Field Artillery Targeting Technician (131A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 131A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Radar Technician

$75K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific radar system certifications (e.g., FAA radar systems)

Electronics Engineering Technician

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree in Electronics TechnologyProficiency in CAD software

Intelligence Analyst

$82K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Python)Security clearance (if required by employer)

Technical Trainer

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design certificationAdult learning principles training

Operations Research Analyst

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Master's degree in Operations Research, Mathematics, or related fieldProficiency in statistical modeling software (e.g., R, SAS)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 131A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You analyze the complex interdependencies within field artillery radar systems to predict performance, identify potential points of failure, and optimize system configurations for various operational scenarios.

This translates to an ability to understand and model intricate systems, predict outcomes based on different inputs, and optimize performance for complex operations.

Rapid Prioritization

You constantly assess incoming target data, equipment status reports, and evolving threat assessments to prioritize maintenance tasks, target selection, and resource allocation under pressure.

This means you excel at quickly assessing situations, identifying critical issues, and making decisions about resource allocation, especially when time is of the essence.

Adversarial Thinking

You anticipate enemy tactics and strategies to develop countermeasures, identify vulnerabilities in radar system deployments, and enhance target selection processes.

This demonstrates the ability to think strategically, anticipate potential threats, and develop effective solutions in competitive or high-stakes situations.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment, including enemy activity, friendly force positions, and the status of radar systems, to make informed decisions and provide timely recommendations.

This shows your aptitude for gathering and synthesizing information from diverse sources to maintain a clear picture of complex environments and make effective decisions.

Resource Optimization

You manage and allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and logistical support, to maximize the effectiveness of field artillery radar systems while adhering to budgetary constraints.

You are adept at efficiently allocating resources, streamlining processes, and maximizing output while adhering to budgetary and time constraints.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Data Center Manager

SOC 11-9041.00

You've been managing complex systems, prioritizing critical tasks, and optimizing resource allocation in high-pressure military environments. As a Data Center Manager, you'll use these skills to oversee the operations of critical IT infrastructure, ensuring uptime, security, and efficiency.

Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051.00

You've honed your analytical skills through target value analysis and developing enemy order of battle. As an Intelligence Analyst, you'll apply these skills to gather, analyze, and interpret data from various sources to identify trends, patterns, and threats for businesses or government agencies.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been planning, organizing, and implementing logistical support for radar systems. As a Logistics Manager, you'll leverage these abilities to oversee supply chain operations, manage inventory, and optimize distribution networks for companies.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You're skilled in maintaining situational awareness and coordinating resources during critical situations. As an Emergency Management Director, you'll use these skills to develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate disaster relief efforts, and ensure community preparedness.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Warrant Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Fort Sill, OK

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Radar system maintenance and diagnostics (Q-36, Q-37, Q-50)
  • Target value analysis and prioritization
  • Attack guidance formulation and modification
  • Intelligence Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB)
  • Target selection standards development
  • Fire support system integration
  • Enemy artillery order of battle analysis
  • Tactical Operations Center procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of general electronics principles, troubleshooting, and specific electronics applications outside of radar systems.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Requires study of project management methodologies, the PMBOK guide, and practical experience in managing projects outside of military operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)CompTIA Security+GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPQ-53 RadarWeather surveillance radar systems, air traffic control radar
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)Command and Control (C2) systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software
Joint Automated Deep Operations System (JADOCS)Geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) platforms, common operational picture (COP) software
Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS)Airspace management software, air traffic control systems
Meteorological Measuring Set (MMS)Weather forecasting and atmospheric measurement tools
Prophecy Target Development SystemGeospatial Analysis Platforms

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