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16C Career Guide

Army

16C: Nike-Hercules Fire Control Crewmember

Career transition guide for Army Nike-Hercules Fire Control Crewmember (16C)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 16C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationSpecific avionics systems training

Radar Technician

$82K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial radar systems experienceVendor-specific certifications

Network Systems Administrator

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco CCNA or equivalentNetwork security protocols

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R)Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Security Clearance (if required)

Technical Trainer

$68K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional designAdult learning principlesSpecific technical expertise

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 16C training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a 16C, you constantly maintained a high level of alertness, tracking multiple data streams from radar and communication systems to identify potential threats and ensure the readiness of the air defense system.

This translates directly into an ability to perceive and understand the environment around you, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time information. It's about being proactive and staying ahead of the curve.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to complex procedures and protocols for operating and maintaining the Nike-Hercules missile system. Any deviation could have catastrophic consequences, so precision and consistency were paramount.

This means you're highly skilled at following established guidelines, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining quality control. You understand the importance of process and can be relied upon to get things done right the first time.

Team Synchronization

The Nike-Hercules battery required seamless coordination between various crew members, from radar operators to missile launchers. You were part of a tightly knit team that had to work together flawlessly under pressure.

This demonstrates your ability to collaborate effectively with others, communicate clearly, and contribute to a shared goal. You understand how to integrate your efforts with those of your teammates to achieve optimal results.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You were trained to maintain system functionality even when components failed. You used workaround procedures to ensure that the system continues to perform. You knew how to troubleshoot and maintain operation effectiveness, even in imperfect circumstances.

You can think on your feet and troubleshoot on the fly. You are good at maintaining operations even when the situation changes. You bring a problem-solving orientation to every situation.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Power Plant Operator

SOC 51-8013.00

You've been entrusted with operating a complex and potentially dangerous weapons system. As a Power Plant Operator, you'll leverage your understanding of complex systems, your dedication to safety protocols, and your ability to respond to emergencies to ensure the reliable operation of power generation facilities.

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2011.00

You've been responsible for monitoring airspace and coordinating missile engagements. As an Air Traffic Controller, you'll utilize your exceptional situational awareness, rapid decision-making skills, and communication abilities to ensure the safe and efficient flow of air traffic.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to respond to threats and maintain operational readiness. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll apply your planning, coordination, and communication skills to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, protecting communities and saving lives.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Defense Artillery Center and School, Fort Sill, OK

280 training hours7 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Nike-Hercules missile system operation
  • Fire control equipment maintenance
  • Radar theory and function
  • Electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM)
  • Air Defense Artillery Command Post (AADCP) operations
  • Intelligence data collection and analysis
  • Emergency Destruct Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires study of modern electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques, and specific electronic components not covered in the legacy NIKE-HERCULES systems.

CompTIA Network+40% covered

Requires study of modern networking concepts, protocols, and security practices beyond the legacy communication systems used in NIKE-HERCULES.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Security+CompTIA CySA+

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Nike-Hercules Missile SystemLong-range surface-to-air missile defense systems
Acquisition RadarsAir traffic control radar systems
Tracking and Target Ranging RadarsDoppler weather radar
Automatic Data Transmission SystemsSCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
Army Air Defense Command Post (AADCP)Emergency operations center (EOC)
Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) ProceduresCybersecurity threat mitigation and network intrusion detection systems
Tactical Action BoardProject Management Dashboards

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