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1B195 Career Guide

Air Force

1B195: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (1B195)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1B195 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications relevant to desired industry (e.g., CompTIA, industry-specific equipment)Familiarity with civilian-standard test equipmentKnowledge of current electronics industry standards

Avionics Technician

$80K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) licenseExperience with specific aircraft avionics systems used in civilian aviationKnowledge of FAA regulations and maintenance procedures

Radar Systems Engineer

$110K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldSpecific software skills (e.g., MATLAB, Python) for radar system modeling and simulationAdvanced knowledge of radar signal processing techniques

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of telecommunications protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, VoIP)Experience with fiber optic cabling and testingCertification in telecommunications equipment installation (e.g., BICSI)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30)Mechanical aptitude and experience with hydraulics/pneumaticsCertification in wind turbine maintenance and repair

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1B195 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You were responsible for understanding how all components of complex radar systems interacted, from antennas to processors, to diagnose and repair issues effectively.

You can quickly grasp the interconnectedness of complex systems, predict potential failure points, and develop strategies for preventative maintenance or rapid troubleshooting.

Procedural Compliance

You adhered to strict technical orders and safety regulations when installing, maintaining, and repairing sophisticated radar systems, ensuring consistent and reliable operation.

You're highly disciplined and understand the importance of following established protocols and safety standards, ensuring quality and minimizing risks in any regulated environment.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You maintained operational effectiveness even when systems were not functioning optimally due to malfunctions or damage, using your skills to work around the problem.

You can effectively troubleshoot problems and maintain operations under pressure, finding innovative solutions and alternative approaches when resources or systems are compromised.

Resource Optimization

You were tasked with optimizing resources, including tools, support equipment, personnel, and supplies to meet the maintenance requirements of radar systems, ensuring minimal downtime and efficient operations.

You're skilled in managing and allocating resources effectively to achieve maximum output, minimizing waste and optimizing efficiency in any operational setting.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been expertly trained to maintain and repair complex electromechanical systems. You're adept at troubleshooting, following procedures, and working at heights – all crucial for wind turbine maintenance. Wind turbines are essentially giant, high-tech systems, and your experience with radar systems makes you uniquely qualified to keep them running smoothly.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091.00

You've been responsible for complex mechanical and electronic systems. Your ability to diagnose, repair, and maintain sophisticated systems translates perfectly to amusement park rides, roller coasters, and other attractions. Plus, your understanding of safety protocols will be invaluable in ensuring the safety of park guests.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012.00

You've been working with complex interconnected systems, which is what building automation is all about. You're used to troubleshooting, maintaining, and optimizing these systems for peak performance. You'll be right at home keeping these 'smart' buildings operating efficiently.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or related fields

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Troubleshooting
  • Antenna Systems and Waveguides
  • Transmitter and Receiver Theory
  • Digital Logic and Computer Systems
  • Radar System Calibration and Alignment
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures
  • Technical Order Interpretation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires knowledge of specific electronic components, troubleshooting techniques, and industry standards not explicitly covered in the military training. Further study and hands-on experience with civilian electronic systems will be needed.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

While the military training covers network fundamentals, further study is needed on current networking technologies, protocols, and security practices common in civilian IT environments. Focus on TCP/IP, routing, and network security best practices.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)80% covered

While military training provides a solid foundation in radio communications, this license requires specific knowledge of FCC rules and regulations. Additional study and exam preparation are necessary.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)CompTIA Security+AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 RadarLong-range air surveillance radar systems used in civilian air traffic control and weather forecasting.
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)Commercial airport surveillance radar for air traffic control.
AN/TPN-19 Landing Control CenterMobile air traffic control towers used at smaller regional airports or for disaster response.
IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) SystemsCivilian Mode S transponders and ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) systems used for aircraft identification.
Radar Test Sets (e.g., AN/UPM-155)Spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and network analyzers used for testing and calibrating radar and communication equipment.
Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems (VHF/UHF)Commercial VHF/UHF radio systems used for air traffic control and emergency communication.
Video Mappers and Display SystemsGeographic Information Systems (GIS) software and high-resolution display systems used for visualizing radar data.

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