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2E071D Career Guide

Air Force

2E071D: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (2E071D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E071D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Radar Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cabling certificationSpecific telecom vendor certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$58K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC ProgrammingMechanical aptitudeHydraulics/Pneumatics

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA 10 or 30 certificationHigh Voltage Electrical TrainingClimbing and Rescue Certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E071D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You maintained complex radar systems, understanding how various components interacted to achieve overall functionality. You used schematics and diagrams to diagnose and resolve system-level issues.

This ability to understand and troubleshoot complex systems translates directly into roles where you need to analyze and improve processes or designs.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are experienced in maintaining system functionality when components fail or under stressful conditions. You maintained radar systems under pressure, rapidly diagnosing issues and implementing solutions to minimize downtime.

This skill translates to the civilian world where you will need to rapidly adapt to unforeseen challenges and maintain operational effectiveness under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

You adhered to strict maintenance procedures, technical orders, and safety standards while working on radar systems. Your attention to detail ensured that systems were maintained to the highest standards and operated safely.

In the civilian sector, this means you're great at following protocols and ensuring things are done right, which is valuable in regulated industries.

Resource Optimization

You were responsible for managing tools, support equipment, and supplies to ensure efficient maintenance operations. You identified and implemented improvements to maintenance processes to maximize efficiency.

You can leverage this ability to effectively allocate resources, streamline processes, and reduce waste in various civilian roles.

Situational Awareness

You maintained a high degree of awareness of the status of radar systems and the impact of maintenance activities on overall operations. You coordinated with other agencies to ensure that systems support requirements were met.

This vigilance and coordination translate to roles where oversight, communication, and comprehensive understanding are key to success.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9052

As a Radar Systems Technician, you've honed skills in electrical and mechanical systems maintenance, troubleshooting, and diagnostics. You've been responsible for the upkeep of complex electronic equipment, akin to the intricate machinery found in wind turbines. Your background in radar systems has equipped you with the ability to interpret technical manuals, use specialized tools, and work in challenging environments. You are very well prepared for a similar role in wind energy.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

Your background as a Radar Systems Technician means you possess a strong understanding of electronic and mechanical systems. You've been trained to diagnose and repair complex equipment, skills directly transferable to robotics. Your experience with radar systems has provided you with a solid foundation in troubleshooting, programming, and maintaining intricate machinery, making you an ideal candidate for a robotics technician role.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You have a strong foundation in electronics and control systems, similar to the sophisticated systems used in building automation. You've been responsible for maintaining and repairing complex radar equipment, ensuring its optimal performance. Your skills in troubleshooting, diagnostics, and system optimization are highly transferable to maintaining and enhancing the efficiency of building automation systems. You will find great success with this transition.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,296 training hours36 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Troubleshooting
  • Antenna Systems and Waveguides
  • Transmitter and Receiver Operation
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Radar System Alignment and Calibration
  • Networking and Communications Subsystems
  • Preventative Maintenance Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of current electronics industry standards, specific troubleshooting techniques outside of military-specific equipment, and hands-on practice with a wider range of commercial electronic devices.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

While military experience covers networking concepts, further study is needed on current networking technologies, troubleshooting in diverse environments, and specific exam objectives.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

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 systems
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarCommercial airport primary radar systems
Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR)FAA air traffic control radar
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) SystemsAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)
AN/TPX-42A Interrogator SystemSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR)
Radar Data Remoting SystemsRemote telemetry and control systems for industrial radar applications
Weather Radar Systems (e.g., AN/FPS-77)Commercial weather radar systems (e.g., Doppler radar)

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