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2591 Career Guide

Marine Corps

2591: Operational Communication Chief

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Operational Communication Chief (2591)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2591 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

$87K
High matchHigh demand

Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers

$65K
High matchStable demand

Information Security Analyst

$105K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)Specific security software knowledge

Computer Network Architect

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Architect (CCAr)Advanced network design principles

Emergency Management Director

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency management certifications (e.g., CEM)FEMA trainingDisaster planning experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2591 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As an operational communication chief, you constantly monitor communication networks and operational environments to anticipate potential disruptions or threats to communication flow, ensuring seamless information transfer.

This ability to maintain a broad awareness of your surroundings and anticipate potential issues translates to an aptitude for identifying risks and opportunities in dynamic civilian environments.

Rapid Prioritization

When communication systems experience multiple failures simultaneously, you quickly assess the severity of each issue and prioritize restoration efforts to maintain critical communication channels.

Your experience in rapidly assessing and prioritizing competing demands makes you adept at managing complex projects and resources under pressure in the civilian sector.

Team Synchronization

You lead teams of technicians and specialists in the installation, maintenance, and repair of communication equipment, requiring you to coordinate their efforts effectively to achieve operational goals.

Leading and coordinating teams under pressure translates directly to civilian project management, where effective team synchronization is crucial for achieving project goals and meeting deadlines.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When primary communication systems fail, you implement backup solutions and alternative communication methods to maintain operational capabilities, demonstrating your expertise in operating under less-than-ideal conditions.

Your proficiency in maintaining operations during system failures equips you to excel in roles that require adaptability and problem-solving in challenging and unpredictable environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been responsible for maintaining critical communication lines under pressure, coordinating teams during outages, and ensuring continued operations even when systems fail. This directly translates to the skills needed to prepare for and respond to emergencies, where effective communication and quick decision-making are paramount. Your experience in degraded-mode operations is particularly valuable in these high-stakes scenarios.

Network Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212.00

You've been proactively inspecting communication units, anticipating potential disruptions, and maintaining system readiness. You already understand the importance of protecting networks and data. Your experience in maintaining secure communication channels in a military environment positions you well to analyze and protect civilian networks from threats.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been managing the equipment and personnel required to maintain communication infrastructure, which involves resource optimization and strategic planning. Your experience in ensuring the right resources are available at the right time to maintain communication capabilities translates seamlessly to managing supply chains and logistics in a civilian context, ensuring efficient and effective operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Field Radio Chief Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, CA

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in telecommunications management

Topics Covered

  • Advanced Radio Theory and Operation
  • Network Management and Troubleshooting
  • Communication Security (COMSEC) Procedures
  • Supervisory Leadership and Management
  • Communication Planning and Implementation
  • Antenna Theory and Installation
  • Advanced Troubleshooting and Repair of Communication Equipment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Study the latest networking technologies, cloud networking concepts, and network security best practices covered in the most recent exam objectives.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)60% covered

Focus on the latest wireless standards (802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 and newer), advanced wireless security protocols, and vendor-neutral troubleshooting techniques.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

Formal project management methodologies (PMBOK), agile project management principles, and specific project documentation requirements.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)ITIL 4 FoundationCompTIA Security+Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/PRC-117F Multiband Manpack RadioMotorola APX series P25 radios
AN/PRC-150 HF RadioCodan HF Radio Systems
AN/TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio TerminalMicrowave backhaul systems (e.g., Ericsson MINI-LINK series)
Data Distribution System - Consolidated (DDS-C)Enterprise data management platforms (e.g., Informatica, IBM InfoSphere)
Joint Automated Management and Accounting System (JAMAS)SAP ERP or Oracle Financials
Global Command and Control System-Joint (GCCS-J)Situational awareness platforms (e.g., Palantir, ESRI ArcGIS)
Integrated Tactical Intrusion Detection System (ITIDS)Enterprise-grade intrusion detection/prevention systems (e.g., McAfee, Symantec)

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