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255N Career Guide

Army

255N: Network Management Technician

Career transition guide for Army Network Management Technician (255N)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 255N veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

$87K
High matchStable demand

Information Security Analyst

$112K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)Knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)

Computer and Information Systems Manager

$159K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationBusiness administration knowledge

IT Project Manager

$105K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies

Telecommunications Specialist

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific telecom equipment certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)Knowledge of modern telecommunications protocols

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 255N training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Developing mental models of complex information networks and systems, understanding how different components interact, and predicting the impact of changes or disruptions.

Creating abstract representations of intricate systems, analyzing interdependencies, and forecasting outcomes based on various inputs and conditions.

Resource Optimization

Managing and allocating network resources (bandwidth, hardware, personnel) efficiently to ensure optimal performance and availability, especially under constrained conditions.

Strategically distributing and utilizing available assets (budget, staff, equipment) to maximize productivity and achieve desired results within limitations.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the network's status, potential threats, and ongoing operations to make informed decisions and anticipate potential problems.

Developing a broad understanding of the environment, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and adapting strategies based on real-time information.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Maintaining network functionality and critical services even when components fail or the network is under attack, adapting procedures and finding workarounds to minimize disruption.

Adapting to unexpected challenges, finding creative solutions when resources are limited, and maintaining essential services despite setbacks or failures.

Adversarial Thinking

Anticipating potential threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors on the network to proactively implement security measures and defend against malicious activity.

Identifying potential weaknesses in systems or plans, anticipating challenges from competitors or adversaries, and developing strategies to mitigate risks and overcome obstacles.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.00

You've been responsible for maintaining network functionality under pressure and ensuring critical services remain operational even when components fail. This translates directly to business continuity planning, where you'll develop and implement strategies to minimize disruption and ensure business processes continue during emergencies or disasters. Your experience with degraded-mode operations and resource optimization is invaluable.

Supply Chain Analyst

SOC 13-1151.00

You've demonstrated exceptional skills in resource optimization and system modeling to manage complex networks efficiently. As a Supply Chain Analyst, you'll leverage these same skills to analyze and optimize supply chain processes, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and materials, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 13-1199.02

You're adept at maintaining situational awareness and responding effectively to unexpected events. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll plan and coordinate responses to natural disasters and other emergencies, leveraging your ability to quickly assess situations, allocate resources, and ensure the safety and well-being of others. Your experience in degraded-mode operations will prove critical.

Financial Risk Analyst

SOC 13-2051.00

You're an expert in adversarial thinking and system modeling, allowing you to anticipate potential threats and vulnerabilities in complex systems. As a Financial Risk Analyst, you'll use these skills to assess and mitigate financial risks, identifying potential weaknesses in investment strategies, anticipating market fluctuations, and developing strategies to protect assets and minimize losses.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Warrant Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Fort Eisenhower, GA

800 training hours20 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Network Infrastructure Design
  • Network Security Implementation
  • Routing and Switching Protocols
  • Wireless Network Configuration and Management
  • Network Troubleshooting and Optimization
  • Cybersecurity Fundamentals
  • Spectrum Management
  • Cryptographic Network Planning

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Study WAN technologies, routing protocols, and some of the newer networking hardware and software covered in the N10-008 exam.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Familiarize yourself with the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerability management, and compliance regulations relevant to civilian IT environments.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)40% covered

This is an advanced certification. Study all 8 domains, especially risk management, software development security, and business continuity planning from a civilian perspective.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Regional Security Stacks (JRSS)Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
Global Information Grid (GIG)Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure and services
Tactical Radios (SINCGARS, AN/PRC-117G)Two-way radio communication systems, Land Mobile Radio (LMR)
Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) tools (Remedy, ServiceNow)IT service management platforms (ServiceNow, Jira Service Management)
Network Management Systems (SolarWinds, Cisco Prime)Network monitoring and management software (Datadog, PRTG Network Monitor)
Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet)Encrypted Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure data transmission
Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio (TRC-170)Point-to-point microwave communication systems

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