1B137 Career Guide
1B137: Cable and Antenna Systems Specialist
Career transition guide for Air Force Cable and Antenna Systems Specialist (1B137)
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Top civilian roles for 1B137 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Skills to develop:
Electrician
Skills to develop:
Construction Manager
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 1B137 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
1B137s create and maintain mental models of complex communication networks, understanding how different components (cables, antennas, distribution equipment) interact to ensure seamless data flow for tactical and strategic operations.
This ability to visualize and understand intricate systems translates to designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex processes in various industries.
Procedural Compliance
This role demands strict adherence to technical manuals, safety protocols, and standardized procedures when installing, maintaining, and repairing cable and antenna systems to ensure operational effectiveness and prevent equipment damage or personnel injury.
Your meticulous approach to following established guidelines and regulations makes you exceptionally well-suited for roles requiring accuracy and consistency in high-stakes environments.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Cable and Antenna Systems specialists are adept at maintaining network functionality even when equipment malfunctions or environmental factors degrade performance. They troubleshoot, isolate faults, and implement workarounds to sustain communication capabilities under pressure.
This ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and maintain operational effectiveness in the face of adversity makes you a valuable asset in fast-paced, dynamic work environments.
Situational Awareness
These specialists must remain vigilant of their surroundings, assessing environmental conditions, potential hazards, and the operational status of communication systems to ensure safety and maintain uninterrupted connectivity.
Your heightened awareness and ability to anticipate potential problems make you adept at identifying risks and implementing proactive measures to prevent disruptions in various industries.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081As a 1B137, you're already comfortable working at heights and possess experience with cable and antenna systems. You've been installing and maintaining similar systems in the military. Your troubleshooting and repair skills are directly transferable to wind turbine maintenance. Your experience climbing towers is also directly applicable.
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
SOC 49-2022Your experience with cable and antenna systems directly translates to installing and maintaining telecommunications equipment. You've been doing similar work, and your troubleshooting skills and knowledge of network infrastructure are highly valuable in this field.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041You've been maintaining complex systems, troubleshooting technical issues, and following strict procedures. These skills can be readily applied to the maintenance and repair of industrial machinery.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Cable and Antenna Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Cable installation and repair (copper, coax, fiber)
- •Antenna systems installation and maintenance
- •Underground and aerial cabling techniques
- •Network cabling and distribution systems
- •Fiber optic splicing and termination
- •Cable fault isolation and troubleshooting
- •Use of specialized tools and test equipment
- •Safety procedures for climbing and working at heights
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires studying network concepts (OSI model, routing), security, and troubleshooting beyond physical layer focus.
Requires studying BICSI installation best practices, codes and standards, and copper cable testing procedures.
Requires studying BICSI installation best practices, codes and standards, and fiber optic cable testing and splicing procedures.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/TRC-170 Troposcatter Microwave Radio Terminal | Microwave backhaul systems, long-range wireless communication equipment |
| Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN) | Secure Voice over IP (VoIP) systems, encrypted communication platforms |
| Tactical Air Navigation System (TACAN) | Commercial aviation navigation systems (VOR/DME), GPS-based navigation |
| Ground Multiband Multimission Radio (GMR) | Commercial multiband two-way radios, satellite communication terminals |
| Base Information Transfer Infrastructure (BITI) | Enterprise-level network infrastructure, structured cabling systems |
| Power Distribution Units (PDUs) | Commercial PDUs, Smart PDUs, Rack Power Distribution |
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