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2E1X2 Career Guide

Air Force

2E1X2: Airfield Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Airfield Systems Specialist (2E1X2)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E1X2 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) LicenseSpecific aircraft model training

Electronics Technician

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA)PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) knowledge

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$60K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic splicing certificationNetworking certifications (e.g., CCNA)

Wind Turbine Technician

$58K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety certificationsClimbing and rescue trainingExperience with large rotating machinery

Control Systems Engineer

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related fieldProficiency in control system design software (e.g., MATLAB)Knowledge of industrial automation protocols

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E1X2 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Airfield Systems specialists develop mental models of complex electronic and mechanical systems to troubleshoot and maintain them effectively. They understand how different components interact and how changes in one part of the system affect others.

This ability to understand complex systems translates to the capacity to analyze, diagnose, and optimize processes in various civilian industries. You can quickly grasp how different parts of an organization or system work together and identify areas for improvement.

Procedural Compliance

These specialists must adhere to strict maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and regulatory guidelines when installing, maintaining, and repairing airfield systems. They follow detailed manuals and checklists to ensure tasks are completed correctly and safely.

Your experience with strict procedural compliance makes you ideal for roles that require meticulous attention to detail and adherence to regulations. You understand the importance of following established protocols and can maintain accuracy and consistency in your work.

Situational Awareness

Airfield Systems specialists maintain a high level of situational awareness to ensure the safe and effective operation of critical systems. They must be aware of weather conditions, air traffic patterns, and the status of various systems to anticipate potential problems and take appropriate action.

Your enhanced situational awareness translates into an ability to quickly assess complex environments, anticipate potential issues, and make informed decisions under pressure. You can remain calm and focused in dynamic situations and provide valuable insights to your team.

After-Action Analysis

These specialists analyze equipment performance trends, review completed repairs, and interpret inspection findings to identify areas for improvement. They use this analysis to refine maintenance procedures, improve troubleshooting techniques, and prevent future equipment failures.

Your experience with after-action analysis equips you with valuable skills in problem-solving and continuous improvement. You can systematically evaluate past events, identify root causes, and develop strategies to prevent recurrence. This analytical ability is highly sought after in many industries.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9052

You've been maintaining complex electronic and mechanical systems in demanding environments. As a Wind Turbine Technician (49-9052), you'll use those skills to install, inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely. Your experience with safety protocols and troubleshooting will be invaluable.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've honed your ability to diagnose and repair sophisticated equipment under pressure. As an Industrial Machinery Mechanic (49-9041), you'll apply these skills to maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery. Your understanding of complex systems and commitment to procedural compliance will make you a valuable asset.

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061

You're already skilled at interpreting technical specifications and identifying deviations from standards. As a Quality Control Inspector (51-9061), you'll use these abilities to examine products and materials for defects or deviations from specifications. Your meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality will ensure products meet required standards.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airfield Systems Apprentice Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Airfield navigation systems theory and operation
  • Ground-to-air radio systems maintenance
  • Meteorological equipment maintenance and repair
  • Air traffic control systems troubleshooting
  • Use of specialized test equipment
  • Antenna systems installation and maintenance
  • Flight inspection procedures for navigational aids
  • Corrosion control and preventative maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of broader electronics principles, troubleshooting techniques, and specific industry standards not covered in the military training.

Certified Aviation Technician (Avionics)60% covered

Requires additional knowledge of FAA regulations, specific aircraft avionics systems, and advanced troubleshooting techniques.

CompTIA Network+40% covered

Requires study of broader networking concepts, troubleshooting, and security principles. Military training provides a foundation but lacks depth.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Ground Radio LicenseICAO Aerodrome Air Navigation and Visual Aids Technician

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TRN-26 TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System)Civilian TACAN or VOR/DME navigation systems for aircraft
AN/MRN-69 VOR (VHF Omnidirectional Range)Commercial VOR systems used in air navigation
AN/GRN-27 Instrument Landing System (ILS)Commercial ILS systems used at civilian airports
AN/TPN-19 Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR)Civilian airport surveillance radar systems
DAWS (Digital Airport Weather System)Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) or Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)
Frequency Spectrum AnalyzersRF spectrum analyzers used in telecommunications and broadcasting
AIMS (Airfield Information Management System)Airport operational database (AODB) or flight information display systems (FIDS)

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