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24N Career Guide

Army

24N: Chaparral System Maintainer

Career transition guide for Army Chaparral System Maintainer (24N)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 24N veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Missile and Munitions Technician

$75K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian certifications (e.g., safety, handling)Knowledge of civilian missile systems (if applicable)

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationExperience with specific aircraft avionics systems

Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) trainingExperience with specific industrial machinery

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationKnowledge of quality control methodologies (ISO 9000, etc.)

Technical Trainer

$68K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design principlesAdult learning methodologiesSpecific industry knowledge (e.g., manufacturing, aerospace)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 24N training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a CHAPARRAL system maintainer, you developed a deep understanding of how various components interact within a complex missile system. You diagnosed faults by mentally simulating system behavior and predicting the effects of malfunctions.

This ability to visualize and understand interconnected systems translates directly into fields that require understanding complex processes, like software development or process engineering. You can quickly grasp how changes in one area impact the whole.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to maintenance procedures and safety protocols. You understood the importance of following steps precisely to ensure proper function and prevent accidents.

This dedication to procedure is highly valued in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and quality control. Employers will trust you to follow established protocols meticulously and maintain high standards.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You maintained the CHAPARRAL system even under pressure, troubleshooting malfunctions and implementing temporary fixes to keep the system operational. You learned to adapt and find solutions even when resources were limited.

This resourcefulness and ability to perform under pressure are critical in crisis management, IT support, and disaster recovery roles. Your experience handling breakdowns makes you adept at finding creative solutions in challenging situations.

Resource Optimization

You managed repair parts, tools, and personnel to ensure efficient maintenance operations. You were responsible for requesting parts, scheduling maintenance, and ensuring the team had the resources they needed.

This ability to allocate and manage resources effectively translates into roles in logistics, supply chain management, and operations management. You will excel in roles where maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste are key.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've been maintaining and repairing complex electromechanical systems in the Army. As an industrial machinery mechanic, you'll troubleshoot, repair, and maintain machinery in factories and industrial settings, utilizing your diagnostic and repair skills. Your experience with the CHAPARRAL system translates seamlessly to diagnosing and fixing complex machinery, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing downtime.

Calibration Technician

SOC 49-2091

Your experience implementing calibration support systems and ensuring the accuracy of the CHAPARRAL missile system makes you an ideal candidate for a calibration technician role. You've been working with precise instruments, understanding their intricacies, and ensuring they meet required standards. This translates perfectly to calibrating measuring and test equipment in various industries, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've been maintaining a complex missile system. As a wind turbine technician, you'll use your troubleshooting and maintenance skills on complex electromechanical systems. You'll diagnose malfunctions, perform repairs, and ensure efficient energy generation in a growing industry.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Chaparral Missile System Maintenance Course, Fort Sill, OK

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in electronics and maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Chaparral Missile System Overview
  • Missile and Launcher Subsystems Maintenance
  • Electronic Troubleshooting
  • Hydraulic System Maintenance and Repair
  • Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
  • Inventory Management and Accountability Procedures
  • Technical Publications and Schematics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires study of general electronics principles, testing practices and procedures, and some specific electronics applications not covered in the CHAPARRAL system.

CompTIA A+40% covered

Requires study of current computer hardware, operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), networking, security, and troubleshooting, as the CHAPARRAL training is specific to that system's components.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
M48 CHAPARRAL Air Defense SystemSurface-to-air missile system maintenance and repair
AN/APX-72 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) TransponderAviation transponder maintenance and repair; Avionic systems troubleshooting
Direct Support Maintenance System (DSMS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for tracking maintenance and repair
Calibration Support System (CSS)Metrology and calibration management software
Chaparral Organizational and Direct Support Maintenance Manuals (TM 9-1425-562-34)Technical documentation, schematics, and repair manuals for complex electromechanical systems
Modification Work Order (MWO) SystemEngineering Change Management (ECM) systems

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