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1N691 Career Guide

Air Force

1N691: Communication Signals Intelligence Analyst

Career transition guide for Air Force Communication Signals Intelligence Analyst (1N691)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1N691 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Information Security Analyst

$105K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)Familiarity with specific security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)

Intelligence Analyst

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in intelligence analysis software (e.g., Analyst's Notebook)Knowledge of specific threat actors and TTPsExperience with open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques

Network Security Engineer

$115K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Network security certifications (e.g., CCNA Security, CompTIA Network+)Experience with firewall configuration and intrusion detection/prevention systemsCloud security knowledge (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Data Security Analyst

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with data loss prevention (DLP) toolsKnowledge of data encryption methodsFamiliarity with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Technical Writer (Cybersecurity Focus)

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Excellent written communication skillsAbility to explain technical concepts clearly and conciselyUnderstanding of cybersecurity principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1N691 training built — and where they transfer.

Adversarial Thinking

As a 1N691, you constantly think like the enemy, anticipating how hostile intelligence services might exploit vulnerabilities in DoD telecommunications. You're essentially reverse-engineering their thought processes to identify weaknesses before they can be exploited.

This translates directly to a keen ability to identify risks and vulnerabilities in any system or process. You can predict potential problems and develop proactive solutions by thinking like an adversary.

Pattern Recognition

You analyze vast amounts of telecommunications data, identifying subtle patterns and trends that indicate potential security breaches or OPSEC violations. This requires a sharp eye for detail and the ability to connect seemingly disparate pieces of information.

This skill allows you to identify anomalies and predict future outcomes based on current trends. You're adept at seeing the bigger picture and making informed decisions based on data analysis.

System Modeling

You develop a deep understanding of how telecommunications systems work, including their vulnerabilities and potential points of failure. This allows you to assess the impact of security breaches and develop effective countermeasures.

You can quickly grasp the intricacies of complex systems and identify potential weaknesses. This makes you valuable in any role that requires strategic thinking and problem-solving.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a constant awareness of the evolving threat landscape and the vulnerabilities of friendly telecommunications. This allows you to respond quickly and effectively to potential security breaches.

You possess a heightened sense of awareness that allows you to anticipate potential problems and react proactively. You are able to quickly assess dynamic situations and make informed decisions under pressure.

After-Action Analysis

You evaluate the results of ESSA activities, identifying lessons learned and recommending improvements to security procedures. This ensures that vulnerabilities are addressed and that the system is constantly evolving to meet new threats.

You have a strong ability to learn from past experiences and identify areas for improvement. You're able to critically evaluate processes and recommend changes that enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2011

You've been trained to think like an adversary and identify vulnerabilities. You've honed the skills to detect patterns in data and assess risks, so you're well-equipped to uncover fraudulent activities in financial systems, insurance claims, or other areas.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 13-1161

You've mastered the art of collecting, processing, and analyzing data to identify trends and vulnerabilities. You're adept at understanding complex systems and anticipating future outcomes, which will help you excel at understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics.

Intelligence Analyst (for a Cybersecurity Firm)

SOC 15-2051

You've already got the core skills for intel analysis! You've spent your time reverse engineering threats, identifying vulnerabilities, and understanding how adversaries think. In a civilian cybersecurity role, you’ll apply these skills to protect companies from cyberattacks.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Signals Intelligence Analyst Training Program, Goodfellow Air Force Base, TX

1,320 training hours33 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in telecommunications, information security, and intelligence analysis

Topics Covered

  • Telecommunications Systems Fundamentals
  • Signals Collection and Processing Techniques
  • Vulnerability Analysis Methodologies
  • Operations Security (OPSEC) Principles
  • Electronic System Security Assessment (ESSA) Procedures
  • Database Management and Analysis
  • Reporting and Briefing Techniques
  • Defensive Counterinformation (DCI) Concepts

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)70% covered

Requires study of formal hacking methodologies, legal/ethical issues, and specific hacking tools. Military experience provides a strong foundation in network analysis and vulnerability assessment, but lacks the depth of hacking tradecraft.

CompTIA Security+75% covered

Requires studying specific commercial security tools, compliance regulations (HIPAA, PCI DSS), and cryptography. Military experience focuses on practical application but may lack formal commercial security knowledge.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)50% covered

Requires studying all domains in the common body of knowledge (CBK), especially those related to governance, risk management, compliance, and software development security. Military experience covers security operations, but lacks breadth across all domains.

Recommended Next Certifications

GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS)Secure web browsing and data sharing platforms
Multimedia Message Manager (MMM)Multimedia content management systems
Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS)Satellite and terrestrial data broadcasting services
National Security Agency Network (NSANet)Secure private networks
Target Knowledge Base (TKB)Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and knowledge management databases
Analytic Modernization (ANMOD)Data analytics platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
Defense Information System Network (DISN)Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies

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