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2E173 Career Guide

Air Force

2E173: Client Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Client Systems Technician (2E173)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E173 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network Administrator

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+

Help Desk Technician

$45K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CompTIA A+Customer service skills

Information Security Analyst

$98K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) toolsVulnerability assessment

Telecommunications Specialist

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

VoIP systems knowledgePBX configurationSpecific telecom vendor certifications (e.g., Avaya, Cisco)

Project Manager, IT

$95K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologiesBudget management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E173 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You're constantly building mental models of complex network and communication systems to understand how data flows, identify bottlenecks, and predict the impact of changes or failures.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly into designing efficient processes, troubleshooting intricate problems, and forecasting future needs in a variety of civilian fields.

Rapid Prioritization

When networks go down or systems fail, you quickly assess the impact, identify the most critical issues, and prioritize your efforts to restore essential services first.

Your experience in triage and rapid decision-making under pressure equips you to excel in roles where you must manage competing demands and respond effectively to crises.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at maintaining essential communication and network functions even when systems are damaged, resources are limited, or under attack. You find workarounds and temporary solutions to keep things running.

This adaptability and problem-solving in challenging circumstances are highly valuable in civilian roles requiring resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to innovate under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

You consistently adhere to strict protocols and security procedures when installing, configuring, and maintaining systems, ensuring data integrity and preventing unauthorized access.

Your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to following established procedures make you ideal for roles demanding accuracy, consistency, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Analyst

SOC 15-1211

You've been rigorously trained to maintain operations under duress. Your expertise in degraded-mode operations and system modeling is directly applicable to developing and implementing business continuity plans that minimize disruptions during emergencies. You understand the importance of redundancy, failover systems, and data protection – all crucial for ensuring an organization's resilience.

Technical Training Specialist

SOC 25-4022

You've honed your communication skills through years of troubleshooting with end-users and explaining complex technical issues in simple terms. Your experience with system modeling allows you to design effective training programs that help others understand and operate complex technologies. You're well-prepared to develop curricula, deliver training sessions, and assess learning outcomes.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-3021

You've consistently reported security incidents and executed corrective security procedures. Your military experience has instilled in you a deep understanding of potential vulnerabilities and the importance of proactive security measures. You're well-equipped to identify, assess, and mitigate IT risks, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical information assets.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Client Systems Technician Course, Keesler AFB, MS

792 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Computer Information Systems

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics
  • Operating Systems (Windows & Linux)
  • Network Fundamentals
  • Client Device Troubleshooting
  • Cryptographic Client Devices
  • Voice Network Systems
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)
  • Security Incident Response

Certification Pathways

Ready to Certify

CompTIA A+CompTIA Network+CompTIA Security+

Partial Coverage

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)60% covered

Requires studying Cisco-specific networking concepts, technologies, and configurations, including hands-on experience with Cisco devices and IOS.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)40% covered

Requires a deep understanding of security management practices, risk management, and security architecture, plus 5 years of experience. Focus on all domains of the CISSP CBK.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)Project Management Professional (PMP)ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systemsCisco Unified Communications Manager, Avaya Aura
Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS)Two-way radio systems, Motorola Solutions
Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI)Hardware Security Modules (HSM), Key Management Systems
Remedy Action Request SystemServiceNow, Jira Service Management
Air Force Network (AFNET)Enterprise network infrastructure
Automated Message Handling System (AMHS)Secure email gateways, encrypted messaging platforms

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