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2831 Career Guide

Marine Corps

2831: AN/TRC-170 Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps AN/TRC-170 Technician (2831)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2831 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$72K
High matchStable demand

Electronics Technician

$65K
High matchGrowing demand

Network Engineer

$90K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CCNA or other networking certification

Field Service Technician

$60K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skills

Avionics Technician

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certifications

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2831 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an AN/TRC-170 technician, you develop a deep understanding of how complex communication systems function, including signal flow, dependencies between components, and the impact of adjustments on overall system performance.

This ability to visualize and understand interconnected systems translates directly to understanding complex business processes and identifying potential points of failure or optimization.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are trained to troubleshoot and repair communication systems under pressure, often in austere environments, using limited resources and incomplete information to maintain critical communication links.

This skill equips you to maintain essential functions under duress, ensuring business continuity during IT disruptions, supply chain issues, or unexpected crises.

Procedural Compliance

Your work requires strict adherence to technical manuals, safety regulations, and established protocols to ensure the reliable operation and maintenance of sensitive communication equipment.

This rigorous attention to detail and commitment to following established procedures is valuable in ensuring regulatory compliance, maintaining quality control standards, and minimizing errors.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational environment, equipment status, and potential threats is critical for preventing disruptions and ensuring the security of communication networks.

This vigilance and ability to assess complex situations quickly is vital for identifying and mitigating risks, improving security protocols, and protecting critical assets.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

SCADA Systems Technician

SOC 49-2094.00

You've been working with sophisticated communication equipment and troubleshooting complex systems. As a SCADA technician, you'll use those skills to maintain and repair the systems that control critical infrastructure like power grids and water treatment plants. Your expertise in diagnosing and resolving technical issues will be invaluable in ensuring the reliable operation of these essential services.

Network Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212.00

You've been responsible for maintaining the security of communication networks. As a Network Security Analyst, you'll use your expertise to protect computer networks from cyber threats, identify vulnerabilities, and implement security measures. Your experience in troubleshooting technical issues and maintaining secure systems will be highly valued in this role.

Field Service Engineer (Robotics)

SOC 49-9062.00

You've gained expertise in diagnosing and repairing complex electronic and mechanical systems. As a Field Service Engineer specializing in robotics, you'll apply your skills to install, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic systems in manufacturing and other industries. Your experience in working with sophisticated equipment and solving technical problems will make you a highly effective in this role.

Training & Education Equivalencies

AN/TRC-170 Technician Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, CA

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • AN/TRC-170 System Overview
  • Signal Flow and Troubleshooting
  • Antenna Theory and Alignment
  • Cryptographic Equipment Maintenance
  • Power Distribution and Management
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures
  • Use of Test Equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes)

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

The 2831 role likely provides strong hands-on experience, but a Network+ candidate would need to study up on the OSI model, networking concepts, and security best practices to pass the exam.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

While the 2831 role includes component-level repair, the CET exam covers a broader range of electronics theory and troubleshooting techniques. Additional study in areas such as analog circuits, digital logic, and test equipment is recommended.

ETA International - Communications Technician (CT)75% covered

The 2831 role aligns well with the CT certification. Study up on general communications principles, transmission lines, antennas, and modulation techniques to fill any knowledge gaps.

Recommended Next Certifications

CCNA - Cisco Certified Network AssociateCompTIA Security+Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio TerminalMicrowave backhaul systems, point-to-point wireless communication systems
Communication Security (COMSEC) equipment (e.g., KG-84, KIV-7)Encryption appliances, hardware security modules (HSMs)
Digital Wideband Transmission SystemsHigh-bandwidth network infrastructure, fiber optic communication systems
Test equipment (e.g., Oscilloscopes, Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators)Electronic test and measurement equipment (same categories)
Power Generators and Distribution Systems (Military-grade)Industrial generators, UPS systems
Technical Manuals and Schematics (MIL-STD documentation)Technical documentation, equipment manuals, engineering drawings

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