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2E031C Career Guide

Air Force

2E031C: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (2E031C)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E031C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications based on industry (e.g., CompTIA Electronic Technician)Experience with specific civilian electronic systemsFamiliarity with civilian safety standards

Avionics Technician

$82K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseExperience with civilian aircraft avionics systemsFamiliarity with FAA regulations

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with fiber optic cabling and wireless communication systemsKnowledge of networking protocolsVendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)

Radar Systems Engineer

$110K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldProficiency in radar signal processing and analysisExperience with radar system design and simulation tools

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 10/30)Experience working at heightsKnowledge of mechanical and electrical systems in wind turbines

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E031C training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You routinely analyze complex radar systems, using schematics and diagrams to understand how each component interacts within the larger system. This allows you to predict potential points of failure and optimize system performance.

Your ability to understand complex systems and their interdependencies translates directly to the civilian world where you can design, analyze, and troubleshoot intricate operational systems.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to technical orders and safety regulations when installing, repairing, and maintaining radar systems. You ensure all tasks are completed according to established protocols to guarantee operational reliability and safety.

Your meticulous approach to following procedures and regulations makes you exceptionally well-suited for roles where compliance and accuracy are paramount.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at troubleshooting and repairing radar systems under pressure, often in situations where resources are limited and time is critical. You can quickly diagnose problems and implement effective solutions to restore functionality.

Your experience in maintaining functionality under duress means you excel at problem-solving in challenging environments, a valuable asset in fast-paced industries.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor radar system performance and environmental factors to identify potential issues and ensure optimal operation. This involves understanding how external conditions might impact system functionality and proactively addressing them.

Your ability to stay vigilant and understand the impact of various factors on operational systems translates into excellent risk management and strategic planning skills in the civilian sector.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041.00

You've been trained to troubleshoot and repair complex electromechanical systems. Your experience with radar systems, including diagnostics and repair, gives you a strong foundation for maintaining and fixing industrial machinery.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've worked extensively with radar and communication systems, honing your skills in electrical and mechanical repair. Wind turbines are complex systems with similar maintenance demands. Your proficiency in diagnostics and repair makes you an ideal candidate.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You've developed a deep understanding of electronic systems and troubleshooting. Your experience maintaining radar systems, combined with your analytical skills, positions you perfectly to maintain and repair robotic systems used in manufacturing and other industries.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've honed your skills in maintaining complex systems. This role involves installing, maintaining, and repairing automated systems in buildings, which requires similar diagnostic and problem-solving skills to what you've used on radar systems.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Technical Training, Keesler AFB, MS

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Ground Radar System Electronics
  • Antenna Systems and Waveguides
  • Transmitter and Receiver Maintenance
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Networking and Communications Systems Integration
  • Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
  • Technical Order Compliance and Documentation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Need to study specific electronic components, troubleshooting techniques outside of radar systems, and general electronics theory.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Study broader networking concepts, protocols, and troubleshooting in a general IT environment.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)50% covered

Requires studying FCC rules and regulations, as well as more in-depth knowledge of radio communication principles.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)CCNA SecurityAWS Certified Security - Specialty

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 Radar SystemModern long-range air surveillance radar systems used in civilian air traffic control and weather forecasting
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarCivilian airport surveillance radar systems for air traffic control (e.g., those by Thales, Raytheon)
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) SystemsSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) transponders used in commercial aviation
ATC Automation Systems (e.g., STARS)Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems like EUROCONTROL's or those by major aviation tech companies
Ground-to-Air Radio Communication SystemsCommercial VHF/UHF radio systems used for air traffic control communications
Radar Data Remoting SystemsReal-time data streaming and distribution platforms for sensor data (e.g., used in weather forecasting or industrial monitoring)
Video MappersGeographic Information Systems (GIS) software with real-time data overlay capabilities

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