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16R Career Guide

Army

16R: Air Defense Artillery Crewmember

Career transition guide for Army Air Defense Artillery Crewmember (16R)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Avionics Technician

$72K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific avionics system training

Security Systems Installer/Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific security system certifications (e.g., Bosch, Honeywell)Networking fundamentals

Heavy Equipment Mechanic

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Diesel engine repair certificationHydraulic systems knowledgeWelding skills

First-Line Supervisor of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project ManagementLeadership trainingSpecific industry knowledge (e.g., automotive, manufacturing)

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) trainingBlueprints/Schematics readingPreventative Maintenance Procedures

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

Situational Awareness

As a VULCAN crewmember, you constantly monitor the airspace, assessing potential threats and differentiating between friendly and hostile aircraft in a high-pressure environment.

This translates to an exceptional ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions based on real-time data.

Rapid Prioritization

When engaging aerial threats, you quickly assess the level of danger, prioritize targets, and allocate resources effectively to neutralize the most immediate threats.

You excel at quickly evaluating situations, identifying critical tasks, and focusing your efforts on the most important objectives, even under pressure.

Team Synchronization

Operating a VULCAN anti-aircraft gun requires seamless coordination with your crew, ensuring each member performs their assigned tasks with precision and timing to maximize effectiveness.

You understand the importance of teamwork and are adept at coordinating your actions with others to achieve a common goal, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict protocols and procedures is crucial when operating a complex weapon system like the VULCAN, ensuring safety and mission success.

You have a strong understanding of the importance of following established guidelines and procedures, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and safety in all your tasks.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to assess threats, prioritize responses, and coordinate teams under pressure, skills that are directly transferable to managing disaster response and mitigation efforts. Your understanding of procedural compliance and situational awareness will be invaluable.

Air Traffic Controller

SOC 53-2021.00

You've developed exceptional situational awareness and rapid prioritization skills, essential for managing the flow of air traffic and ensuring the safety of aircraft. Your ability to remain calm under pressure and make quick decisions makes you an ideal candidate.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've managed resources and coordinated teams in high-stakes environments, making you well-prepared to handle the complex logistics of supply chains and distribution networks. Your emphasis on procedural compliance and attention to detail will ensure efficient operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Defense Artillery Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC) and VULCAN/Stinger Crewmember Course, Fort Sill, OK

280 training hours7 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in Military Science

Topics Covered

  • VULCAN weapon system operation and maintenance
  • Air defense tactics and strategies
  • Target identification and engagement
  • Electronic warfare and countermeasures
  • Command and control systems
  • NBC defense procedures
  • Leadership skills and team management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry60% covered

Study specific OSHA standards for general industry, focusing on hazard communication, electrical safety, and machine guarding not explicitly covered in military training.

Certified Supervisor (various providers)70% covered

Focus on civilian HR practices, conflict resolution in a non-military environment, and relevant labor laws.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltAssociate Safety Professional (ASP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
M61 Vulcan Air Defense SystemClose-in weapon systems (CIWS) maintenance and operation
AN/VPS-2 RadarShort-range air surveillance radar systems
PATRIOT Missile System (Evaluator Role)Integrated air and missile defense systems operation and maintenance
Air and Missile Defense Work Station (AMDWS)Airspace management and battle management software
Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS)Air traffic control and airspace management software
SINCGARS Radio SystemMilitary-grade encrypted communication systems

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