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2E071E Career Guide

Air Force

2E071E: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (2E071E)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E071E veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$82K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P certification

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

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

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety certificationsClimbing and rescue trainingSpecific wind turbine manufacturer training

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$58K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC programmingHydraulics and pneumaticsFormal apprenticeship or vocational training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E071E training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex radar systems requires understanding how all components interact. You mentally build a model of the entire system to predict how changes in one area will affect others, enabling efficient fault isolation.

The ability to construct and utilize system models translates to understanding complex processes and workflows, allowing you to predict outcomes, identify bottlenecks, and optimize performance in various civilian settings.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Radar technicians must maintain functionality even when parts fail or are damaged. You learn to work around limitations, adapt procedures, and find creative solutions to keep critical systems running under duress.

Operating in degraded mode translates directly to resilience and problem-solving under pressure. You can maintain productivity and find alternative solutions when resources are limited or unexpected challenges arise.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to technical orders, safety protocols, and maintenance procedures is paramount in radar maintenance. You understand the importance of following established protocols to ensure safety, prevent damage, and maintain system integrity.

Your commitment to procedural compliance ensures consistency, safety, and quality in any civilian operation. This focus on established protocols minimizes errors, maximizes efficiency, and promotes a safe working environment.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining radar systems requires constant awareness of the surrounding environment, potential threats, and the impact of weather conditions. This includes understanding how external factors affect system performance and the need for quick adjustments.

Your heightened situational awareness allows you to anticipate problems, adapt to changing conditions, and make informed decisions in dynamic civilian environments. You can quickly assess risks, identify opportunities, and respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086.00

You've been working with complex electromechanical systems in challenging environments for years. As a Wind Turbine Technician (49-9086.00) you'll troubleshoot, repair, and maintain wind turbines, often in remote locations, using your pattern recognition and problem-solving skills honed from radar maintenance. You're used to working with schematics, testing equipment, and adhering to strict safety protocols, making this a natural transition.

Industrial Automation Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You're adept at understanding and troubleshooting complex systems, skills that are directly transferable to industrial automation. As an Industrial Automation Technician (49-9062.00) , you'll install, maintain, and repair automated systems in manufacturing plants, using your system modeling and pattern recognition skills. Your experience with schematics, testing equipment, and safety procedures will be highly valued.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.02

You're highly skilled in maintaining complex, interconnected systems. As a Building Automation Systems Technician (49-9021.02) you'll install, program, and maintain the systems that control lighting, HVAC, security, and other functions in commercial buildings, leveraging your skills in system modeling, degraded-mode operations, and procedural compliance. You'll be able to leverage your proficiency in identifying, resolving and preventing system malfunctions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,280 training hours32 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or communications systems

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
  • Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
  • Weather Radar Systems
  • Troubleshooting and Repair Techniques
  • Antenna Systems and Waveguides
  • Communications Subsystems Integration
  • Technical Order Compliance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Focus on specific troubleshooting techniques, industry standards, and current electronics technology not explicitly covered in military training.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Study the latest networking technologies, protocols, and security best practices not directly related to radar systems but essential for modern network environments.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)80% covered

Review FCC rules and regulations, maritime radio, and aircraft radio which may not be explicitly covered in military radar system training.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Radio Frequency Technician (CRFT)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 RadarCommercial Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarAir traffic control radar systems used at civilian airports
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) SystemsSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) used in civilian aviation
AN/TPX-42A Interrogator SystemMode S transponder interrogation systems
Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems (VHF/UHF)Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems used by emergency services and aviation
Radar Data Remoting SystemsReal-time data streaming and visualization platforms
AN/UPS-3 Ground Radar Training SimulatorsAir traffic control simulation software for training purposes

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