New Cohort Starts:

Donate

2813 Career Guide

Marine Corps

2813: Telephone Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Telephone Systems Technician (2813)

Translate Your 2813 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 2813 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
High matchStable demand

Network and Computer Systems Administrator

$88K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate

Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

$60K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PLC ProgrammingAdvanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Security Systems Installer

$55K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Security+ CertificationKnowledge of IP Networking

Avionics Technician

$72K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationAircraft-specific training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2813 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex communication networks requires understanding how different components interact and predicting the impact of changes or failures on the overall system.

The ability to visualize and understand complex systems, predict outcomes based on various inputs, and identify potential points of failure.

Rapid Prioritization

Responding to equipment failures and network outages demands quick assessment of the situation, determining the most critical issues, and allocating resources to restore essential services first.

The capability to quickly assess the urgency and importance of tasks, prioritize actions based on impact, and effectively manage time and resources under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict protocols for installation, maintenance, and repair of communication equipment to ensure network integrity, security, and safety is paramount.

The discipline to follow established procedures and guidelines meticulously, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and adherence to regulations.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of network status, potential threats, and environmental factors that could impact communication infrastructure is essential for proactive maintenance and rapid response to emergencies.

The ability to monitor and interpret real-time information, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the surrounding environment.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012.00

As a 2813, you've been working with complex networks of communication equipment. Building automation systems involve integrating various building systems (HVAC, lighting, security) into a unified network. Your experience in installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting makes you a great fit.

SCADA Systems Technician

SOC 17-3029.08

Your experience working with communication networks translates directly to SCADA systems, which are used to control and monitor industrial processes. You've been installing, setting up, and troubleshooting communication equipment - skills that are directly applicable here. Your analytical skills will be valuable in identifying and resolving system issues.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've been installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting communication equipment, and wind turbines contain complex electrical and communication systems. Your existing skills in working with electrical systems, understanding schematics, and performing maintenance will be directly transferable to this role. You're already comfortable with heights and working in challenging conditions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Telephone Systems Technician Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, CA

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in telecommunications technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • Telephone Switching Systems Fundamentals
  • Digital Communications Principles
  • Fiber Optics Installation and Maintenance
  • Network Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
  • Voice over IP (VoIP) Configuration
  • Cryptographic equipment installation and maintenance
  • Configuration and maintenance of tactical telephone exchanges

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

BICSI Installer Level 270% covered

BICSI (Building Industry Consulting Service International) standards, specifically related to cabling and telecommunications infrastructure. Also, understanding specific local and national electrical codes.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Deeper dive into networking concepts, security protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies as defined by CompTIA. Review OSI model in detail.

Recommended Next Certifications

BICSI TechnicianCisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Certified Fiber Optic Technician (CFOT)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TTC-59 telephone switchNortel DMS-100, Cisco MGX 8800 series, or other Class 5 telephone switches
DSVT (Digital Switched Voice Telephony)VoIP PBX systems (e.g., Asterisk, FreePBX)
STE/STU-III secure telephoneEncrypted VoIP phones, secure communication apps (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp with encryption)
Promina 400 multiplexerCisco, Juniper, or Alcatel-Lucent multiplexer platforms
DCS (Defense Communications System)Wide Area Network (WAN) technologies (e.g., MPLS, SD-WAN)
Spectrum AnalyzersKeysight, Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzers

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 2813 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free