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1B1X6 Career Guide

Air Force

1B1X6: Airfield Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Airfield Systems Specialist (1B1X6)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1B1X6 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)Fiber optic splicing certification

Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) certificationExperience with specific industrial equipment (e.g., robotics)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA 10 or 30-hour certificationClimbing and rescue certificationWind turbine-specific training

Broadcast Technician

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)Specific broadcast equipment certifications

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1B1X6 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Airfield Systems specialists develop a deep understanding of how various electronic and mechanical systems interact within the airfield environment. They mentally model the flow of signals, power, and data to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.

This ability to visualize and understand complex interconnected systems translates directly to roles requiring systems thinking, where you can predict outcomes, identify potential issues, and optimize overall performance.

Procedural Compliance

This role demands strict adherence to technical manuals, safety regulations, and established maintenance procedures. Airfield Systems specialists follow detailed protocols for installation, maintenance, and repair to ensure safety and operational readiness.

Your experience in meticulously following procedures and protocols is highly valuable in regulated industries where compliance is paramount. You are adept at understanding and implementing complex rules and guidelines.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Airfield Systems specialists are trained to maintain critical systems even when components fail or resources are limited. They find workarounds, troubleshoot problems under pressure, and ensure essential functions continue during emergencies.

Your ability to maintain functionality and solve problems under duress is a valuable asset in any organization. You excel at finding solutions and adapting to unexpected challenges to keep things running smoothly.

Situational Awareness

Airfield Systems specialists must maintain a constant awareness of the operational environment, including weather conditions, air traffic patterns, and equipment status. They use this awareness to anticipate potential problems and respond quickly to changing conditions.

Your ability to assess the surrounding environment and understand how various factors impact operations is essential for maintaining efficiency and safety. You excel at identifying potential risks and opportunities and responding effectively.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems Technician

SOC 49-9071.00

You've been maintaining complex electronic systems that are critical for air traffic control. As an Industrial Control Systems Technician, you'll apply those same skills to maintain and troubleshoot the automated systems that run factories, power plants, and other critical infrastructure. You're already familiar with schematics, testing equipment, and ensuring system reliability – a perfect fit!

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You're experienced in working with electrical and mechanical systems in challenging outdoor environments. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll use your skills to maintain and repair wind turbines, ensuring they generate clean energy efficiently. You're adept at troubleshooting, climbing towers, and working with specialized tools – all skills that translate directly to this role.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been responsible for the smooth operation of complex electronic systems. As a Building Automation Systems Technician, you'll use your expertise to maintain and troubleshoot the systems that control lighting, HVAC, security, and other essential functions in commercial buildings. You're familiar with wiring diagrams, sensors, and control systems – making you a valuable asset in this growing field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airfield Systems Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,360 training hours34 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or telecommunications.

Topics Covered

  • Airfield Navigation Aids (NAVAIDs) Theory and Operation
  • Ground-to-Air Radio Systems Maintenance
  • Meteorological Equipment Maintenance (e.g., Weather Radar)
  • Air Traffic Control (ATC) Communication Systems
  • Electronic Principles and Troubleshooting
  • Antenna Systems Installation and Maintenance
  • Flight Inspection Procedures
  • Maintenance Management and Documentation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires study of current electronics industry standards, specific troubleshooting techniques for non-military equipment, and knowledge of consumer electronics.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)70% covered

Requires studying FCC rules and regulations Part 13 and passing the Element 1 and Element 3 exams. While military training covers much of the required electronics knowledge, specific FCC regulations need to be studied.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)CompTIA Network+Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/MRN-7 Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) SystemCommercial TACAN systems for airport navigation
AN/TRN-26 Transportable Ground-to-Air Radio SystemMobile VHF/UHF radio communication systems for aviation
Mark XIIA Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) SystemCommercial air traffic control transponders and interrogators
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME)Commercial DME transceivers used in aviation navigation
Instrument Landing System (ILS)Commercial ILS systems for precision approach
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)Commercial airport surveillance radar systems
Airfield Lighting SystemsCommercial airfield lighting control and monitoring systems

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