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Live · Guide v1.014G · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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ARMY · 14GCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.14G.R.04
14G · ARMY · Enlisted

Air and Missile Defense Tactical System
Operator/Maintainer.

Army 14G (Air and Missile Defense Tactical System Operator/Maintainer). 480 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $65K–$85K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours480DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours recommended in basic electronics and communications
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your 14G background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge

The gap, named.

What 14G training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have12
  • 01
    Sentinel Radar System Operation and MaintenanceExperience with radar systems translates to work with weather surveillance or perimeter security radar systems.
  • 02
    Air and Missile Defense Warning System (AMDWS) OperationExperience with AMDWS translates to working with emergency alert systems or industrial plant warning systems.
  • 03
    Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) OperationExperience with ADSI translates to working with air traffic control systems or network management software.
  • 04
    Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS) OperationExperience with TAIS translates to working with airspace management software or drone traffic management systems.
  • 05
    Forward Area Air Defense System Engagement Operations (FAAD-EO) System OperationExperience with FAAD-EO translates to working with integrated security systems or automated threat response platforms.
  • 06
    Data Link Communication Procedures (Link-11/Link-16)Experience with Link-11/Link-16 translates to working with secure data link systems or military-grade encrypted communications.
  • 07
    Tri-Services Tactical Communications (TRITAC)Experience with TRITAC translates to working with encrypted communication networks or satellite communication systems.
  • 08
    Network Communication Fundamentals (LAN/WAN)Fundamentals of networking provides a base for understanding network infrastructure.
  • 09
    Situational AwarenessAbility to perceive complex environments translates to identifying and addressing security threats.
  • 10
    Rapid PrioritizationQuickly evaluating competing priorities translates to efficient resource allocation in critical situations.
  • 11
    System ModelingUnderstanding how system components work together translates to developing solutions to optimize performance.
  • 12
    Team SynchronizationAbility to work with different groups translates to aligning activities, sharing information, and executing plans effectively.
To learn10

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

+Linux system administration+Network security principles and tools (firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems)+Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible, Chef, Puppet)+Scripting languages (Python, Bash)+Network protocols and architectures+Routing and switching+Network security+Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)+SQL for data analysis
How VWC fits

Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.

See VWC Programs →
/ 03 · Civilian Pathways

Where your code lands.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 5
P.01

Network Systems Administrator

$85K
Good match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification
  • Advanced knowledge of network security protocols
  • Experience with cloud-based network infrastructure
P.02

Emergency Management Specialist

$78K
High match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
  • FEMA certifications (e.g., IS-100, IS-700)
  • Experience with disaster planning software
  • Knowledge of local, state, and federal emergency response procedures
P.03

Intelligence Analyst

$82K
Good match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Palantir, Analyst's Notebook)
  • Stronger understanding of intelligence cycle
  • Familiarity with open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques
P.04

Airfield Operations Specialist

$65K
Moderate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
  • FAA Air Traffic Control Certification
  • Knowledge of civilian aviation regulations
  • Experience with airfield management software
P.05

Technical Trainer

$70K
Good match
High demand
Skills to develop
  • Instructional design certification
  • Excellent presentation and communication skills
  • Knowledge of adult learning principles
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 14G training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

Situational Awareness

14G personnel constantly monitor airspace and battlefield conditions using sophisticated radar and communication systems. They must maintain a comprehensive understanding of friendly and enemy positions, potential threats, and the overall tactical environment to provide timely warnings and coordinate air defense operations.

Transfers to

This translates to the ability to perceive and understand a complex environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time data. It's about seeing the big picture while staying on top of the details.

S.02

Rapid Prioritization

In a dynamic combat environment, 14G professionals face a constant stream of information and competing demands. They must quickly assess the urgency and importance of each situation, prioritize tasks, and allocate resources effectively to ensure the most critical threats are addressed first.

Transfers to

This skill reflects the capacity to quickly evaluate competing priorities, make decisive judgments under pressure, and allocate resources efficiently to meet the most pressing needs. It's about staying calm and focused in the face of chaos.

S.03

System Modeling

14G roles involve understanding complex air defense systems, communication networks, and operational procedures. They must be able to visualize how these systems interact, predict their behavior under different conditions, and identify potential vulnerabilities or points of failure.

Transfers to

This demonstrates an aptitude for understanding how different components of a system work together, anticipating potential issues, and developing solutions to optimize performance. You can see how the parts come together to make a whole.

S.04

Team Synchronization

Air and missile defense operations require seamless coordination between various teams, including radar operators, communication specialists, and command and control personnel. The 14G facilitates this coordination, ensuring everyone is working towards a common goal and that information flows smoothly between different elements.

Transfers to

The ability to work with different groups to align activities, share information, and execute plans effectively to achieve a shared objective.

/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches

Roles the recruiter won't suggest.

Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been managing complex air defense systems and coordinating personnel in high-pressure situations. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll use those same skills to manage the flow of goods, resources, and information within a company. Your expertise in system modeling and situational awareness will be invaluable in optimizing supply chains and ensuring timely delivery.

Adjacent · Match

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

Your background in air and ground integration, coupled with your expertise in situational awareness and rapid prioritization, makes you an ideal candidate for Emergency Management. You're skilled at assessing threats, coordinating responses, and managing resources during crises – all essential skills for protecting communities and mitigating the impact of disasters. You are comfortable in high-stakes environments.

Adjacent · Match

Network Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212.00

You've got experience working with communications equipment and troubleshooting network issues. As a Network Security Analyst, you'll use your skills to protect computer networks and data from cyber threats. Your understanding of system modeling and adversarial thinking will be crucial in identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and responding to incidents.

Adjacent · Match
/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED
Academy

Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operator (14G) Course

Fort Sill, OK
480hHours
12wkWeeks
ACECredit

Up to 6 semester hours recommended in basic electronics and communications

Topics · 8
  • Sentinel Radar System Operation and Maintenance
  • Air and Missile Defense Warning System (AMDWS) Operation
  • Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI) Operation
  • Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS) Operation
  • Forward Area Air Defense System Engagement Operations (FAAD-EO) System Operation
  • Data Link Communication Procedures (Link-11/Link-16)
  • Network Communication Fundamentals (LAN/WAN)
  • Airspace Management and Early Warning Procedures
Partial coverage · 3
  • CompTIA Network+70%

    Study specific networking protocols, troubleshooting, and security concepts beyond military-specific systems.

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)30%

    In depth study of all domains within the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge including but not limited to: Security and Risk Management, Asset Security, Security Architecture and Engineering, Communication and Network Security, Identity and Access Management (IAM), Security Assessment and Testing, and Security Operations.

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)40%

    Learn the Project Management Institute (PMI) methodology, terminology, and project management processes as described in the PMBOK guide. Focus on areas like stakeholder management, risk management, and procurement management.

Recommended next · 03
  • AWS Certified Cloud PractitionerAdjacent
  • Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)Adjacent
  • ITIL 4 FoundationAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation

What you ran, in their words.

Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian EquivalentDomain
Sentinel RadarWeather surveillance radar, perimeter security radar systemsSignals
Air and Missile Defense Warning System (AMDWS)Emergency Alert Systems (EAS), industrial plant warning systemsWeapons
Air Defense Systems Integrator (ADSI)Air traffic control systems, network management softwareOperations
Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS)Airspace management software, drone traffic management systemsOperations
Forward Area Air Defense System Engagement Operations (FAAD-EO)Integrated security systems, automated threat response platformsOperations
Link-16Military grade encrypted communications; secure data link systemsOperations
Tri-Services Tactical Communications (TRITAC)Encrypted communications networks, satellite communication systemsNetworking
/ Translator · Live

Translate 14G into a resume that ships.

Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.