New Cohort Starts:

Donate

26D Career Guide

Army

26D: Ground Control Approach Radar Repairer

Career transition guide for Army Ground Control Approach Radar Repairer (26D)

Translate Your 26D Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 26D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Radar Technician

$75K
High matchStable demand

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Aircraft Mechanic License (Airframe and Powerplant)Specific avionics systems training

Electronics Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced electronics troubleshootingSpecific industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA)

Field Service Engineer

$70K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsProject managementSpecific product training

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Quality control certifications (e.g., CQI)Knowledge of ISO standardsStatistical process control

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 26D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You routinely diagnose and repair complex radar systems by understanding how all the components interact and predict how changes in one part will affect the whole system.

This ability to understand complex systems and their interactions translates into being able to design, analyze, and troubleshoot intricate systems in a variety of fields.

Procedural Compliance

You have a strong understanding of technical manuals, regulations, and inspection techniques for airborne sensor systems, ensuring all maintenance is performed to exacting standards.

Your meticulous adherence to procedures ensures quality and safety, skills highly valued in regulated industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at troubleshooting malfunctioning equipment by sectionalization, localization, and isolation of malfunctions, allowing for continued operation even under stress.

You can quickly identify and resolve issues under pressure, ensuring that operations continue with minimal disruption.

After-Action Analysis

You review, consolidate, and prepare technical reports pertaining to radar repair activities, and determine the adequacy of equipment performance.

Your keen eye for detail and data analysis skills allows you to identify trends, make recommendations for improvements, and prevent future issues.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been maintaining and repairing radar systems, and now you can apply those same troubleshooting and maintenance skills to robots in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics. You understand complex systems and how to keep them running.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081

You're already familiar with electrical and mechanical systems, so you can put your maintenance skills to work ensuring wind turbines operate efficiently. You have experience troubleshooting complex systems, which will be invaluable in diagnosing and repairing turbine issues.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You've got the skills to install, maintain, and repair automated systems in commercial buildings. You understand schematics and complex control systems, which will allow you to manage HVAC, lighting, and security systems effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Control Approach Radar Repairer Course, Fort Eisenhower

1,240 training hours31 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • AC/DC Fundamentals
  • Basic Electronic Theory
  • Radar System Power Supplies
  • Servo, Timing, and Gating Circuitry
  • Radar Transmission and Receiving
  • Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
  • Use of Test Equipment
  • Airborne Sensor Systems Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of advanced electronics topics like microprocessors, digital circuits, and specific troubleshooting techniques for consumer or industrial electronics.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Requires study of network topologies, protocols, security, and troubleshooting, as well as hands-on experience with network devices.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/MPN-14K Ground Control Approach (GCA) RadarAirport Surveillance Radar (ASR) systems
AN/TPN-19 Landing Control CentralMobile air traffic control tower systems
AN/UPM-155 Radar Test SetRF signal generators and spectrum analyzers
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systemsAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders
Technical Manuals (TMs) and Field Manuals (FMs)Equipment maintenance manuals and documentation
AN/APN-209 radar altimeterCommercial radar altimeters

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 26D experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free