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1B1X5 Career Guide

Air Force

1B1X5: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (1B1X5)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1B1X5 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific aircraft model training

Electronics Technician

$68K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA)PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) knowledge

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cable installation and repairNetworking certifications (e.g., CCNA)

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine-specific technical trainingClimbing and safety certificationsMechanical aptitude

Field Service Engineer

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsProject management basics

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1B1X5 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You used system modeling to understand how all the components of complex radar and communication systems interacted, predicting how changes in one area would affect the whole system. You could then troubleshoot issues efficiently.

This translates to an ability to understand complex interconnected systems, anticipate potential problems, and strategize effective solutions – skills highly valued in many technical fields.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to technical orders, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures to ensure the reliability and safety of ground radar systems and personnel. You were expected to follow complex procedures precisely, and hold others to the same standard.

This demonstrates your commitment to following established protocols, maintaining high standards of quality and safety, and ensuring consistent results – qualities that are highly valued in regulated industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When systems failed, you had to quickly diagnose the issue, implement workarounds, and maintain essential functionality under pressure and with limited resources. You made critical decisions under stress to keep essential systems operational.

This means you excel at problem-solving in crisis situations, maintaining composure under pressure, and finding creative solutions to keep things running smoothly even when things aren't perfect.

Situational Awareness

You maintained constant awareness of the status of radar systems, environmental conditions, and potential threats to ensure the effective operation of air traffic control and warning systems. This involved integrating information from multiple sources to anticipate problems.

This demonstrates your ability to gather, process, and synthesize information from multiple sources to make informed decisions, anticipate potential problems, and maintain a clear understanding of your environment.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086.00

You've been installing, maintaining, and repairing complex electronic systems, which directly translates to the skills needed for wind turbine maintenance. Your experience with diagnostics and troubleshooting will allow you to quickly adapt to wind turbine technology, ensuring optimal performance and uptime of these critical renewable energy assets.

Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Analyst

SOC 15-1210

You've been responsible for the reliability and security of critical radar and communication systems. You understand the importance of protecting these systems from threats and ensuring their continued operation. That makes you an ideal candidate to secure industrial control systems from cyberattacks, leveraging your understanding of system vulnerabilities and security protocols to keep vital infrastructure safe.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069.00

You've been repairing and maintaining complex electronic and mechanical systems. You possess the troubleshooting and repair skills to maintain and optimize robotic systems in manufacturing, logistics, or other automated environments. Your experience with schematics and technical documentation will accelerate your learning and make you a valuable asset in the growing field of robotics.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Troubleshooting
  • Antenna Systems Maintenance
  • Transmitter and Receiver Repair
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Networking Fundamentals
  • Radar System Calibration and Alignment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires knowledge of specific electronic components, troubleshooting techniques beyond radar systems, and hands-on practical skills demonstrated through exam.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Focus on general networking principles, protocols, and troubleshooting techniques not specific to radar systems. Requires broader understanding of network security and infrastructure.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)ITIL 4 FoundationCCNA - Routing and Switching

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 Radar SystemModern air traffic control radar systems from companies like Raytheon or Thales
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarCommercial airport radar systems used for aircraft detection and tracking
IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) SystemsAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders and interrogation systems
AN/TPX-42A Interrogator SetSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems used in civilian air traffic control
ATC Automation Systems (e.g., STARS)Air traffic management software like those from Frequentis or Indra
WR-21 Weather RadarDoppler weather radar systems manufactured by companies such as Enterprise Electronics Corporation
Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems (VHF/UHF)Commercial aviation VHF/UHF radio communication systems from companies like Rohde & Schwarz

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