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1B171 Career Guide

Air Force

1B171: Client Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Client Systems Technician (1B171)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1B171 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

$87K
High matchHigh demand

Information Security Analyst

$108K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP)Specific knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)

Computer Network Architect

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Architect (CCAr)Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
High matchStable demand

Project Manager, IT

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1B171 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex network and communication systems requires building a mental model of how different components interact, predicting potential points of failure, and tracing issues through the system.

This skill translates directly to understanding and optimizing complex processes in various industries, from manufacturing to logistics.

Rapid Prioritization

When multiple systems go down or users report issues simultaneously, you must quickly assess the impact of each problem and determine the order in which to address them to minimize disruption.

This skill is valuable in any fast-paced environment where you need to make quick decisions under pressure and allocate resources effectively.

Procedural Compliance

You're expected to adhere to strict protocols for security, maintenance, and system configuration. This ensures consistency, prevents errors, and maintains system integrity.

Your commitment to following established procedures makes you reliable and trustworthy in roles requiring high levels of accuracy and attention to detail.

Resource Optimization

Managing hardware, software licenses, and maintenance schedules requires careful planning and allocation of resources to ensure maximum efficiency and minimize downtime.

You can leverage this skill to improve operational efficiency in various business settings by identifying areas for cost savings and process improvements.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Process Analyst

SOC 13-1111

You've been analyzing and optimizing complex systems in the military; now, put those skills to work streamlining business operations. Your ability to model systems and identify bottlenecks will make you a valuable asset to any company looking to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044

You've been supporting end-users and troubleshooting technical issues; now, use your expertise to teach others. Your experience explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise manner makes you an ideal candidate for training employees on new software or hardware.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-3021

You've been implementing security procedures and managing security incidents; now, focus on proactively identifying and mitigating IT risks. Your understanding of vulnerabilities and security protocols will help organizations protect their valuable data and systems.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Client Systems Technician Course, Keesler AFB, MS

630 training hours15 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Client hardware and software troubleshooting
  • Network fundamentals
  • Cryptographic client device management
  • Voice network configuration and maintenance
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)
  • Security incident reporting and corrective procedures
  • Sustainment activity planning and management

Certification Pathways

Ready to Certify

CompTIA A+

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Review networking concepts like routing, subnetting, and specific network troubleshooting tools.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Study cybersecurity best practices, risk management, and incident response procedures in depth.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)50% covered

Focus on Cisco-specific networking technologies, configurations, and command-line interface.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Remedy Help Desk SystemServiceNow, Zendesk, Jira Service Management
Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)Two-way radio systems (e.g., Motorola), cellular communication systems
Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI)Hardware Security Modules (HSM), cryptographic key management systems
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systemsCisco Unified Communications, Avaya IP Office
Automated Message Handling System (AMHS)Secure email gateways, message transfer agents
Joint Incident Management System (JIMS)Emergency response and incident management software

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