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14J Career Guide

Army

14J: Air Defense Early Warning System Operator

Career transition guide for Army Air Defense Early Warning System Operator (14J)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 14J veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Air Traffic Controller

$138K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Air Traffic Control CertificationStrong prioritization skills

Surveillance Systems Technician

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications related to the types of systems they will maintain (e.g., radar, CCTV)Networking fundamentals

Emergency Management Specialist

$82K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) credentialFEMA certifications (IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800)

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., Palantir, Analyst's Notebook)Specific domain knowledge (e.g., cybersecurity, counterterrorism)

Radar Technician

$70K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator LicenseExperience with specific radar systems used in civilian applications

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 14J training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

14Js maintain constant awareness of the airspace, tracking multiple aircraft and assessing potential threats in real-time. This requires a high level of vigilance and the ability to quickly process complex information to make critical decisions.

This translates directly to the ability to understand the dynamics of a complex environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time data and changing conditions.

Rapid Prioritization

Air Defense Artillery sergeants must quickly assess and prioritize threats, manage resources, and direct personnel under pressure. This requires the ability to rapidly evaluate situations and make decisions that minimize risk and maximize effectiveness.

This skill translates into the ability to manage multiple tasks, delegate effectively, and make sound judgments under tight deadlines and in dynamic environments.

Team Synchronization

This role involves coordinating and directing teams of soldiers, ensuring everyone is working together seamlessly to achieve a common goal. This includes clear communication, delegation of tasks, and fostering a cohesive team environment.

The ability to synchronize team efforts translates to effective leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, essential for managing projects and achieving organizational goals.

System Modeling

14Js develop a deep understanding of complex air defense systems, including their capabilities, limitations, and interdependencies. They use this knowledge to predict system behavior, troubleshoot problems, and optimize performance.

This translates to an understanding of how complex systems work, allowing you to analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements.

After-Action Analysis

After training exercises or real-world operations, 14Js conduct thorough after-action reviews to identify areas for improvement and refine tactics and procedures. This involves analyzing data, soliciting feedback, and developing actionable recommendations.

This skill allows you to critically evaluate past performance, identify root causes of problems, and implement corrective actions to improve future outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to maintain situational awareness under pressure and make critical decisions in high-stress environments. Your experience in threat assessment and resource management makes you an ideal candidate for coordinating emergency response efforts.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

You've honed your skills in managing complex systems and resources effectively, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Your experience in monitoring equipment readiness and coordinating logistical support makes you well-suited for optimizing supply chains and improving efficiency.

Intelligence Analyst

SOC 15-2051.00

You've developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills in your military career, particularly in the ability to assess complex data and intelligence. Your pattern recognition and threat assessment abilities will allow you to excel in this field.

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2011.00

You've honed the ability to track multiple aircraft, make split-second decisions, and maintain constant situational awareness, all while under extreme pressure. Your experience in air defense operations and communications translates perfectly to managing air traffic safely and efficiently.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Defense Artillery School, Fort Sill, OK

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Military Science

Topics Covered

  • Air Defense System Operation
  • Early Warning Systems
  • Aircraft Identification
  • Map Reading and Land Navigation
  • Radio Communications Procedures
  • Intelligence Reporting
  • Preventive Maintenance on Systems
  • Crew Drill Training

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)30% covered

Requires study of information security principles, risk management, and security architecture. Focus on cryptography, access control, and security assessment.

CompTIA Security+50% covered

Needs to study network security, compliance and operational security, threats and vulnerabilities, application, data and host security, access control and identity management, and cryptography.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel RadarAirport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
Patriot Air and Missile Defense SystemIntegrated Air and Missile Defense Systems
Avenger Air Defense SystemShort Range Air Defense (SHORAD) systems for critical infrastructure protection
Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS)Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems
Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS)Satellite ground stations for data processing and distribution
Air and Missile Defense Workstation (AMDWS)Command and Control (C2) software for air defense
Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS)Networked battlefield management systems

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