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251A Career Guide

Army

251A: Battlefield Management Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Army Battlefield Management Systems Technician (251A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 251A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

$88K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+Windows Server administration

Information Security Analyst

$105K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) toolsVulnerability assessment

IT Project Manager

$115K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP)Agile methodologiesScrum Master certification

Telecommunications Specialist

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific telecom vendor certifications (e.g., Cisco, Avaya)VoIP TechnologiesFiber optic cabling

Computer Systems Engineer

$120K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)DevOps practicesSoftware development lifecycle (SDLC)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 251A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

This role requires creating and understanding complex models of battlefield automation systems, AIS, and IP networks to ensure effective communication and data flow across various echelons of command.

You can visualize and understand complex systems, break them down into manageable components, and predict how changes in one area will impact the whole system. This allows you to optimize performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements.

Rapid Prioritization

In managing battlefield automation and information systems, quick decision-making is crucial when addressing network vulnerabilities, system failures, or emerging threats to ensure mission-critical operations continue uninterrupted.

You excel at rapidly assessing situations, identifying the most critical issues, and focusing your efforts where they will have the greatest impact. This skill is invaluable in high-pressure environments where time is of the essence.

Adversarial Thinking

This role entails anticipating and neutralizing network and system security threats, requiring the ability to think like an adversary to identify vulnerabilities and proactively implement protective measures.

You're adept at identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities in systems and processes by thinking like someone who might want to exploit them. This allows you to develop robust defenses and mitigate potential damage.

Resource Optimization

The management of personnel and equipment assets associated with battlefield automation systems necessitates efficient allocation of resources to ensure optimal system performance and readiness.

You're skilled at maximizing the effectiveness of available resources, whether it's personnel, equipment, or budget. You can identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and ensure that resources are used strategically to achieve desired outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-9199

You've been identifying and mitigating network and system security threats throughout your military career. Your skills in adversarial thinking, vulnerability testing, and implementing security measures translate directly to managing IT risks for civilian organizations, protecting them from cyberattacks and data breaches. SOC Code: 11-9199

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199

You've been developing contingency operation measures for tactical networks, so you understand how to maintain operations during disruptions. As a Business Continuity Planner, you’ll use your expertise to develop and implement plans to ensure businesses can continue operating during emergencies or disasters. SOC Code: 13-1199

Technical Sales Engineer

SOC 41-9031

You have experience in coordinating between military and industry, as well as providing technical guidance to various stakeholders. Your expertise in complex IT systems makes you a valuable asset in a sales role where you can articulate the value of technical products or services to potential clients. SOC Code: 41-9031

Training & Education Equivalencies

Warrant Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Fort Gordon, GA

600 training hours15 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in Information Technology and Networking

Topics Covered

  • Battlefield Automation System (BAS) Management
  • Automated Information Systems (AIS) Administration
  • Internet Protocol (IP) Network Management
  • Information Assurance (IA) and Cybersecurity
  • Tactical Network Design and Implementation
  • System Integration and Testing
  • Configuration Management
  • Contingency Operations Planning

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Security+70% covered

Study specific cryptographic concepts, risk management frameworks (like NIST), and compliance regulations (HIPAA, PCI DSS).

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)40% covered

Requires significant study of all eight domains of information security, especially law, investigations, and ethics.

CompTIA Network+75% covered

Review the latest networking technologies, troubleshooting methodologies, and network security best practices.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)Project Management Professional (PMP)AWS Certified Security – SpecialtyCertified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Battlefield Automation System (BAS)SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
Automated Information Systems (AIS)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET)Commercial Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET)Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with government-grade encryption
Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)Encrypted Voice over IP (VoIP) systems
Information Dissemination System (IDS)Data Loss Prevention (DLP) systems
Transport Assemblage Perimeter Protection (TAPP)Network Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
Defense Switched Network (DSN)Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems

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