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2E072 Career Guide

Air Force

2E072: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (2E072)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E072 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$80K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific vendor certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA 10 or 30 certificationClimbing and rescue certificationTechnical knowledge of wind turbine systems

Radar Systems Engineer

$110K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldAdvanced radar theory knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E072 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You use system modeling daily by understanding how various radar components (antennas, transmitters, receivers) interact within the larger system. You troubleshoot by mentally mapping the signal flow and predicting how changes in one part will affect others, essential for quickly diagnosing faults.

This ability to understand complex systems translates directly to designing, analyzing, and improving processes or products in any field. You can visualize how different elements connect and influence each other, allowing you to optimize efficiency and prevent potential issues.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When critical radar systems fail, you don't just shut down. You're trained to find workarounds, implement temporary fixes, and maintain essential functionality under pressure with limited resources. This ensures air traffic control and defense operations continue.

This is invaluable in any role requiring adaptability and resilience. You excel at finding solutions when things go wrong, maintaining productivity during crises, and quickly getting systems back on track under challenging circumstances.

Procedural Compliance

Your work is governed by strict technical orders and safety regulations. You meticulously follow procedures for installation, maintenance, and repair to guarantee the accuracy and safety of radar systems, minimizing errors and maximizing reliability.

This demonstrates a strong commitment to quality and precision. You understand the importance of adhering to standards and protocols, ensuring consistent results and minimizing risks in any regulated industry or process-driven environment.

Situational Awareness

You maintain constant awareness of the operational status of radar systems, environmental factors affecting performance, and potential threats. This enables you to proactively identify and address issues before they escalate into major disruptions.

This heightened awareness makes you exceptionally proactive and prepared. You can anticipate potential problems, identify opportunities for improvement, and maintain a clear understanding of the big picture, crucial for effective decision-making and risk management.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been working with complex electromechanical systems, troubleshooting issues using schematics and test equipment, and ensuring reliable operation under challenging environmental conditions. This directly aligns with the skills required to maintain and repair wind turbines.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069.00

Your experience in radar systems maintenance translates well because you're adept at diagnosing and repairing electromechanical equipment. Robotics requires the same skills in troubleshooting, repair, and preventive maintenance, but on a different technology.

Industrial Control Systems Specialist

SOC 17-3029.08

You're already deeply familiar with maintaining electronic systems that monitor and control processes. The industrial sector needs specialists who can keep complex control systems running smoothly, prevent downtime, and optimize performance, skills you already possess.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,280 training hours32 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or telecommunications.

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting
  • Antenna Systems and Waveguides
  • Radar System Calibration and Alignment
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Communications Subsystems Integration
  • Preventative Maintenance and Inspection Procedures
  • Technical Order Interpretation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of general electronics principles, specific troubleshooting techniques outside of radar systems, and potentially some hands-on experience with consumer electronics.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Focus needed on network topologies, protocols, and security outside the scope of radar-specific communication systems. Review general networking concepts.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)50% covered

Requires thorough knowledge of FCC rules and regulations, as well as a broader understanding of radio communication principles beyond radar-specific applications. Some regulatory and legal aspects might need focused study.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green BeltCCNP SecurityAWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

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 radar systems
AN/TPX-42A Interrogator SystemSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems
Mark XIIA Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) SystemTransponder systems for aircraft identification
Remote Monitoring and Control System (RMCS)SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems
Radar Data Processing System (RDPS)Air traffic control automation systems
AN/UPM-155 Radar Test SetSpectrum analyzers and signal generators

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