New Cohort Starts:

Donate

2E191 Career Guide

Air Force

2E191: Radio Frequency Transmission Systems

Career transition guide for Air Force Radio Frequency Transmission Systems (2E191)

Translate Your 2E191 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E191 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)Fiber optic cable installation and splicing

Electronics Technician

$62K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree in electronics (preferred)Advanced troubleshooting techniques

Network Engineer

$95K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CCNA or higher certificationExperience with network design and architectureCloud networking knowledge (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Field Service Technician

$58K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsValid driver's licenseExperience with specific equipment serviced (e.g., medical devices, industrial machinery)

Avionics Technician

$72K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseExperience with aircraft communication and navigation systemsKnowledge of aviation regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E191 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex communication systems requires understanding how different components interact and how signals flow through the entire network. You're essentially building a mental model to predict system behavior and identify anomalies.

The ability to create and utilize system models translates directly into understanding complex processes and predicting outcomes in various civilian industries. You can quickly grasp the big picture and identify potential points of failure or areas for optimization.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When equipment fails or is damaged, you must maintain communication capabilities using whatever resources are available. This demands resourcefulness, improvisation, and the ability to adapt established procedures to non-standard situations.

This skill demonstrates your ability to perform effectively under pressure and in unpredictable circumstances. Civilian employers highly value the ability to maintain operations and solve problems when things don't go according to plan.

Procedural Compliance

Your work requires strict adherence to technical manuals, safety regulations, and established maintenance procedures. This ensures equipment reliability, personnel safety, and mission success.

This experience underscores your commitment to following established protocols and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. Civilian employers recognize the importance of procedural compliance in regulated industries and value your meticulous approach.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining communication systems in dynamic environments means staying alert to potential threats, changing conditions, and the overall operational context. This constant vigilance allows you to anticipate problems and react effectively.

Your heightened situational awareness makes you adept at identifying risks, understanding interdependencies, and making informed decisions in complex situations. This is a valuable asset in any environment where proactive problem-solving is essential.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems Technician

SOC 49-9041.00

You've been maintaining complex electronic systems in the military, and this directly translates to maintaining industrial control systems in manufacturing or utilities. Your troubleshooting skills and understanding of system interdependencies will be invaluable in ensuring smooth operations. You'll ensure everything works and minimize downtime.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been working with complex communication and electrical systems in challenging environments. Wind turbines require similar expertise, involving both electrical and mechanical systems, often in remote locations. Your experience troubleshooting and maintaining equipment under pressure makes you an ideal candidate.

Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been working with complex networks and equipment that manages communications and data, you have the skills to maintain and troubleshoot BAS systems that control HVAC, lighting, and security in commercial buildings. Your ability to diagnose problems and ensure system reliability will be crucial.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

1,240 training hours31 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in telecommunications technology

Topics Covered

  • RF Theory and Principles
  • Satellite Communications Systems
  • Line-of-Sight Communications
  • Wideband Transmission Systems
  • Cryptographic Equipment Maintenance
  • Spectrum Analysis and Management
  • Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
  • Network Configuration and Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

While your experience covers much of networking concepts, you'll need to study specific networking protocols, security, cloud networking, and network troubleshooting methodologies covered in the Network+ exam objectives.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)60% covered

You have experience with wireless systems. Study the IEEE 802.11 standards, wireless security protocols, RF site surveying, and advanced troubleshooting techniques covered in the CWNA exam.

ETA International Certified Satellite Technician (CST)50% covered

Your experience includes satellite communications. Focus on satellite-specific installation procedures, troubleshooting of satellite systems, and in-depth understanding of satellite signal characteristics.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Security+Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/GRC-245 Satellite Communications TerminalCommercial satellite communication terminals (e.g., Hughes, Viasat)
High Capacity Line-of-Sight (HCLOS) Radio SystemsMicrowave backhaul systems used by telecom companies (e.g., Ericsson, Ceragon)
AN/TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio TerminalLong-range, over-the-horizon microwave communication systems (specialized applications)
KG-175 TACLANE Encryption DevicesCommercial data encryption appliances and software (e.g., Thales, Fortinet)
Spectrum Analyzers (e.g., Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz)RF spectrum analyzers used in telecommunications and electronics testing
Power Meters and Signal GeneratorsRF power meters and signal generators for testing and calibration of wireless equipment
Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)Cable testing equipment used by telecommunications providers

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 2E191 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free