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2E052 Career Guide

Air Force

2E052: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (2E052)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E052 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Aircraft Mechanic License (A&P)Specific aircraft model training

Radar Technician

$82K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with specific radar systems used in civilian aviation or weather forecastingFCC General Radiotelephone Operator License

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cable installation and splicingNetworking certifications (CompTIA Network+, CCNA)

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) programmingHydraulic and pneumatic systems trainingManufacturing process knowledge

Wind Turbine Technician

$65K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical safety trainingClimbing and rescue certificationSpecific wind turbine manufacturer training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E052 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You understand how complex radar systems function as a whole, predicting how changes in one component affect others. You use this understanding to troubleshoot and optimize system performance.

This translates to an ability to understand and manage complex systems in any field. You can analyze how different parts of a system interact and identify potential points of failure or areas for improvement.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict maintenance procedures, technical orders, and safety protocols is second nature. You understand the importance of following established guidelines to ensure consistent performance and prevent errors.

This showcases your ability to follow established protocols and maintain high standards of quality and safety. You're reliable in regulated environments, and dedicated to doing things the right way.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at troubleshooting and maintaining radar systems under pressure, often with limited resources or in challenging environments. You can quickly adapt to unexpected problems and find creative solutions to keep systems operational.

This highlights your resilience and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. You can think on your feet, adapt to challenges, and maintain performance even when things don't go according to plan.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational status of radar systems, environmental factors, and potential threats is crucial. You're adept at gathering information from various sources and using it to make informed decisions.

This showcases your ability to stay informed, assess risks, and make sound judgments based on available information. You are a proactive and strategic thinker who anticipates potential problems and takes necessary precautions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041.00

You've been maintaining sophisticated radar systems; now imagine applying those skills to complex industrial machinery. Your ability to diagnose and repair intricate equipment makes you a perfect fit for keeping factories running smoothly.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've got extensive experience with complex electronic and mechanical systems. As a wind turbine technician, you'll use those troubleshooting and repair skills to maintain these massive machines, ensuring clean energy production.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You're already familiar with the intricate workings of electronic systems. You can leverage that expertise to install, maintain, and repair building automation systems (HVAC, lighting, security), making buildings more efficient and comfortable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Technical Training, Keesler AFB, MS

1,200 training hours30 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting
  • Radar System Components (Transmitters, Receivers, Antennas)
  • Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
  • Weather Radar Systems
  • Ground Aircraft Control and Warning Radar Systems
  • Radar System Maintenance and Repair Procedures
  • Use of Electronic Test Equipment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of current electronics technology, industry standards, and troubleshooting techniques not explicitly covered in military training. Focus on consumer electronics repair and specific CET exam topics.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

While military experience provides a strong foundation, studying network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies specific to CompTIA Network+ is necessary.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)50% covered

Focus on current wireless networking standards (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax), RF engineering fundamentals, site survey techniques, security protocols, and troubleshooting specific to wireless networks.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Six Sigma Green BeltCCNP Enterprise (Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 RadarModern airport surveillance radar systems
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarCommercial aviation radar systems
Mark XIIA IFF SystemSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) transponders
AN/TPX-42A InterrogatorAir traffic control radar beacon system
Video Mapper SystemGeographic Information System (GIS) software
Ground-to-Air Radio (VHF/UHF)Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems
Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR)Long-range air traffic control radar

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