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2E051D Career Guide

Air Force

2E051D: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (2E051D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E051D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Radar Technician

$75K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseVendor-specific certifications (e.g., Raytheon, Lockheed Martin)

Avionics Technician

$70K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseExperience with specific aircraft models

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cabling certificationNetworking certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+)Experience with specific telecom equipment (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)

Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) certificationIndustrial safety training (e.g., OSHA 30)Experience with specific industrial equipment

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine technician certification (e.g., from a technical college)Safety training for working at heightsExperience with hydraulics and mechanical systems

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E051D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You troubleshoot complex radar and communication systems by understanding how each component interacts within the overall system architecture.

This ability to visualize and understand complex interconnected systems translates directly to designing, analyzing, and optimizing complex processes in various industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are adept at maintaining critical systems under duress, quickly diagnosing issues, and implementing workaround solutions to ensure continued functionality even when systems are not operating at full capacity.

The capability to troubleshoot, problem-solve, and maintain operations in less-than-ideal conditions is valuable in any dynamic environment, where unexpected challenges can arise.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere to strict maintenance procedures and technical orders to ensure the accuracy, safety, and reliability of ground radar systems, which is crucial for mission success and equipment longevity.

This commitment to following established protocols and guidelines is essential in any regulated industry, assuring that safety standards and operational requirements are consistently met.

Situational Awareness

You continuously monitor radar system performance, assess environmental factors, and adapt maintenance strategies to maximize operational effectiveness, demonstrating a heightened awareness of the surrounding environment and its impact on system functionality.

The ability to remain attuned to the operational environment, foresee potential issues, and adapt strategies accordingly is highly valuable in project management, risk assessment, and strategic planning roles.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012.00

You've been working with complex electronic systems and understand how to troubleshoot and maintain them. Building automation systems are similar, controlling HVAC, lighting, and security systems. Your experience with schematics and test equipment makes you a perfect fit for keeping these systems running efficiently.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've honed skills in radar and communications maintenance, demanding precision and a deep understanding of complex systems. Wind turbines, with their intricate electrical and mechanical components, require similar expertise in diagnostics, repair, and maintenance, especially in challenging environments. Your ability to interpret technical documents and solve problems under pressure makes you well-suited to ensure the reliability of wind energy infrastructure.

Amusement and Recreation Equipment Mechanic

SOC 49-9091.00

You've worked extensively with complex electronic and mechanical systems. Amusement park rides share that complexity, and require regular maintenance and troubleshooting to ensure safety and reliability. You’re already equipped with the skills to diagnose and repair these systems, and your dedication to safety translates perfectly.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Technical Training, Keesler AFB, MS

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or telecommunications.

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Ground Radar System Components (Transmitters, Receivers, Antennas)
  • Electronic Troubleshooting and Repair Techniques
  • Digital Signal Processing in Radar Systems
  • Networking and Communications Subsystems
  • Radar System Alignment and Calibration
  • Safety Procedures for High-Power Radar Equipment
  • Technical Order (TO) Interpretation and Compliance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires studying specific electronics principles, troubleshooting methodologies outside of radar systems, and current industry standards not covered in military training. Focus on consumer electronics and broader industrial applications.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Requires studying broader networking concepts, topologies, and protocols beyond those specific to radar and communication systems. Focus on general network troubleshooting and security.

ETA International Radar Endorsement80% covered

Requires studying specific radar theory, operation, and maintenance procedures that are tested by ETA. While experience is significant, formal study guides would bridge minor knowledge gaps.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 Radar SystemLong-range air surveillance radar
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarCommercial airport primary radar
AN/TPX-42A InterrogatorMode S transponder interrogator
Digital Airport Surveillance Radar (DASR)Modernized airport surveillance radar systems
Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR)Long-range civilian air traffic control radar
Common Air Route Surveillance Radar (CARSR)Next-generation long-range air traffic control radar
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systemsSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems

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