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2E871 Career Guide

Air Force

2E871: Radio Frequency Transmission Systems

Career transition guide for Air Force Radio Frequency Transmission Systems (2E871)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E871 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$72K
High matchStable demand

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationAircraft-specific training

Network Engineer

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+

Satellite Communications Engineer

$110K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced knowledge of satellite communication protocolsSpecific satellite system certifications

Wind Turbine Technician

$65K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine maintenance certificationSafety trainingClimbing and rescue techniques

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E871 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You build and maintain mental models of complex communication systems, understanding how various components interact to ensure seamless data transmission.

This ability to grasp intricate systems translates directly to analyzing business processes and workflows to identify bottlenecks and improve efficiency.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at troubleshooting and maintaining communications under duress, such as when equipment fails or is damaged, requiring you to adapt and find alternative solutions to maintain operations.

This translates into a calm and effective approach to problem-solving under pressure, making you valuable in high-stakes environments where maintaining critical systems is paramount.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously follow detailed technical manuals and procedures to install, repair, and maintain complex communications systems, ensuring consistency and reliability.

This experience demonstrates a strong commitment to accuracy and precision, essential for roles requiring strict adherence to regulations and standards.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor communication systems' performance and environmental factors to anticipate potential problems and ensure uninterrupted service.

This proactive approach translates to the civilian sector as a valuable asset in risk management and problem prevention. You are adept at identifying potential issues before they escalate.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Technician

SOC 49-9052.00

You've been working with complex electronic systems, understanding how different components interact and troubleshooting issues under pressure. This experience directly translates to maintaining and securing industrial control systems, which are vital for manufacturing, energy, and other critical infrastructure.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've got experience in troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic and mechanical systems in potentially remote locations. This skillset translates well to wind turbine maintenance, which involves working at heights and ensuring the efficient operation of these renewable energy sources.

Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've honed your skills in installing, maintaining, and repairing communications equipment, understanding network connectivity, and troubleshooting issues. These skills are directly applicable to BAS, where you'd be responsible for ensuring the seamless operation of building systems like HVAC, lighting, and security, often using wireless and networked technologies.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Course, Keesler AFB, MS

1,296 training hours36 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • RF Theory and Principles
  • Satellite Communication Systems
  • Line-of-Sight Communication Systems
  • Wideband Communication Systems
  • Encryption Devices and Techniques
  • Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
  • Spectrum Analyzers and Test Equipment
  • Network Connectivity and Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Some networking concepts, specific networking tools, and troubleshooting methodologies will require additional study.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Requires studying specific security protocols, cryptography, and compliance standards relevant to civilian IT infrastructure.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)50% covered

Focus on the latest wireless standards, vendor-neutral wireless technologies, and advanced troubleshooting techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

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
Ground Multiband Multimission Radio (GMMR)Harris AN/PRC-117G or L3Harris Falcon III radios
Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Systems (e.g., AN/TSC-93)VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite internet systems
Tropospheric Scatter Communications (Tropo)Microwave backhaul systems for cellular networks
Encryption Devices (e.g., KG-84, KIV-7)Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) or software-based encryption libraries (e.g., OpenSSL)
Spectrum Analyzers (e.g., Anritsu Site Master)RF spectrum analyzers (e.g., Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz)
Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR)Cable fault locators for network cabling
Power Meters (e.g., Bird 43)RF power meters used in telecommunications

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