26N Career Guide
26N: Aerial Surveillance Infrared Systems Repairer
Career transition guide for Army Aerial Surveillance Infrared Systems Repairer (26N)
Translate Your 26N Experience Now
Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.
Start Free TranslationCivilian Career Pathways
Top civilian roles for 26N veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Avionics Technician
Skills to develop:
Electronics Technician
Skills to develop:
Field Service Technician (Electro-Mechanical)
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Technical Trainer (Electronics/Avionics)
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 26N training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
You maintained and repaired complex aerial surveillance systems. This required a deep understanding of how the various components interacted and how the overall system functioned to identify and fix problems.
This ability to understand complex systems and how they interact translates directly to the civilian world where many roles require analyzing and optimizing complex processes.
Procedural Compliance
You rigorously adhered to technical manuals (TM 38-750), safety regulations, and quality control standards while maintaining sensitive surveillance equipment, ensuring proper operation and preventing failures.
Your commitment to following established procedures and protocols is a valuable asset in industries where precision and adherence to standards are critical for safety and operational success.
Resource Optimization
You were responsible for requisitioning, maintaining, and managing repair parts and supplies for complex surveillance systems, ensuring that the right resources were available when needed while minimizing waste and controlling costs.
Your experience in managing resources and controlling inventory translates well to civilian roles that require efficient allocation of resources and cost management.
After-Action Analysis
You prepared technical and administrative reports on maintenance activities, identifying trends, documenting problems, and recommending improvements to enhance the reliability and maintainability of aerial surveillance systems.
Your ability to analyze past performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions is highly valuable in civilian roles focused on continuous improvement and process optimization.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-2098.01You've been maintaining complex electronic systems, and this role uses those same skills to maintain and repair the integrated systems that control buildings. You're used to troubleshooting issues and following procedures, which translates directly to this field.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9062.00You've got experience in troubleshooting and fixing sophisticated gear. As a robotics technician, you'll use those skills to keep robots running smoothly in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9099.01You've worked on complex aerial systems. As a wind turbine technician, you’ll apply your skills to maintaining and repairing wind turbines, which involves electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems, often in challenging outdoor environments.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Aerial Sensor Maintenance Training, Fort Huachuca, AZ
Topics Covered
- •Infrared System Theory and Operation
- •OV-1C Mohawk Aircraft Systems
- •Data Link Transmitting Equipment Maintenance
- •Ground Receiving/Processing Equipment Maintenance
- •Troubleshooting and Component Replacement
- •Electronic Circuit Schematic Diagrams
- •Special Purpose Test Equipment Operation
- •Technical Documentation and Reporting (TM 38-750)
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Focus on general electronics troubleshooting, industry standards, and specific CET exam topics not covered in the military training.
Study up on current computer hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting techniques relevant to modern IT environments.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| OV-1 Mohawk Aerial Surveillance Aircraft | Fixed-wing aircraft maintenance and repair |
| AN/AAS-24 Interrogation System | Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras |
| Data Link Transmitting Equipment (OV-1) | Microwave communication systems |
| Ground Receiving/Processing Equipment (Imagery) | Image processing workstations and software (e.g., ENVI, ERDAS IMAGINE) |
| TM 38-750 (Maintenance Management System) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software |
| AN/APQ-161 radar system | Commercial weather radar systems |
| Prescribed Load List (PLL) | Inventory management and control systems |
Ready to Translate Your Experience?
Our AI-powered translator converts your 26N experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.
Translate My Resume — Free