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2E1X1 Career Guide

Air Force

2E1X1: Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Technician (2E1X1)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E1X1 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$72K
High matchStable demand

Electronics Technician

$65K
High matchGrowing demand

Network Engineer

$95K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+

Satellite Technician

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific satellite system certifications (e.g., Hughes, ViaSat)Advanced troubleshooting techniques

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical systems knowledgeMechanical aptitudeSafety training (OSHA 30)Climbing certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E1X1 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You build and maintain a mental model of complex communication systems, understanding how different components interact and affect overall performance. You use this model to troubleshoot issues and predict potential problems.

This ability to understand complex systems translates to a civilian environment where you can analyze business processes, software architectures, or logistical networks to identify areas for improvement and solve critical issues.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at maintaining communication systems even when components fail or conditions are less than ideal. You can quickly adapt and find alternative solutions to keep systems running, demonstrating resilience and resourcefulness.

Your experience in degraded-mode operations translates directly to your ability to manage crises and maintain essential services in challenging circumstances.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor the status of communication systems, assess potential threats or disruptions, and adapt your actions accordingly. Your awareness extends to the broader operational environment and its impact on your systems.

This heightened awareness makes you adept at identifying risks and opportunities in a dynamic civilian business environment. You can anticipate problems, respond proactively, and make informed decisions under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously follow established procedures and technical documentation when installing, maintaining, and repairing communication equipment. Your adherence to standards ensures consistent quality and prevents errors.

Your commitment to following procedures translates to a civilian career where accuracy and consistency are crucial. You can ensure that tasks are completed correctly and that regulations are followed, reducing the risk of costly mistakes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

SCADA Systems Technician

SOC 17-3029.08

You've been working with complex communication systems, troubleshooting, and maintaining them. SCADA systems technicians do the same thing, but for industrial control systems that manage everything from power grids to water treatment facilities. Your experience with RF systems directly translates to understanding the communication protocols used in SCADA.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've got experience working with complex electromechanical systems and troubleshooting them in often remote locations. Wind turbines rely heavily on communication systems for monitoring and control, and your expertise in maintaining these systems will be invaluable. Plus, your military training has prepared you for the physically demanding aspects of the job.

Technical Trainer (Communications)

SOC 25-9031.00

You've got deep expertise in communications systems, and you understand how to troubleshoot and repair them. You can leverage your skills to train the next generation of technicians in this field. You already have experience interpreting technical documentation and explaining complex concepts, which will make you an effective instructor.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,152 training hours24 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in electronics and telecommunications

Topics Covered

  • RF Transmission Fundamentals
  • Satellite Communication Principles
  • Antenna Theory and Design
  • Troubleshooting and Repair of RF Systems
  • Encryption Device Maintenance
  • Network Connectivity Configuration
  • Spectrum Analyzer Operation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

While the military training covers a significant portion of networking concepts, study the latest networking technologies, cloud networking, and network security best practices for the Network+ exam.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)60% covered

Focus on the latest wireless standards (802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6), advanced wireless security protocols, and vendor-specific wireless technologies not explicitly covered in the military training.

ETA International Certified Telecommunications Technician (CTT)75% covered

Review current telecommunications standards, cabling technologies, and troubleshooting techniques relevant to civilian telecommunications infrastructure.

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/TSC-93E Tri-Band Advanced Range Extension (ARE) Satellite TerminalCommercial satellite communication terminals (e.g., Hughes, ViaSat)
AN/TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio TerminalLong-range microwave communication systems used by telecom companies
High Capacity Line-of-Sight (HCLOS) Radio SystemsPoint-to-point microwave backhaul systems (e.g., Aviat Networks, Ericsson MINI-LINK)
KG-84C/M and other COMSEC/TRANSEC devicesData encryption and cybersecurity appliances (e.g., Thales, Gemalto)
Spectrum Analyzers (e.g., Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz)Commercial spectrum analyzers used for RF testing and measurement
Power Meters and Signal Generators (e.g., Keysight Technologies)RF testing and measurement equipment for signal analysis and calibration
Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)Secure voice and data communication systems used by government and enterprise (e.g., Cisco Unified Communications Manager with secure extensions)

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