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2E891 Career Guide

Air Force

2E891: Ground Radio Frequency Transmission Systems

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radio Frequency Transmission Systems (2E891)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E891 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Radio Frequency Technician

$75K
High matchStable demand

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
High matchStable demand

Network Engineer

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+Experience with specific networking protocols

Avionics Technician

$72K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific avionics system training

Wind Turbine Technician

$58K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical troubleshootingHydraulic systemsSafety certifications (e.g., OSHA)Climbing and rescue techniques

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E891 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Understanding how various communication systems (radio frequency, satellite, etc.) interconnect and function as a whole, including signal flow, power distribution, and data routing.

The ability to visualize and comprehend complex systems, predict how changes in one area will affect others, and troubleshoot system-wide issues. This translates to understanding and improving complex business processes, technological infrastructures, or organizational structures.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Maintaining communication capabilities under adverse conditions, such as equipment failure, jamming, or environmental interference. This includes improvising solutions, adapting procedures, and working with limited resources.

The capability to maintain essential functions and solve problems effectively when systems fail, resources are scarce, or unexpected challenges arise. This is highly valuable in crisis management, disaster recovery, and situations requiring resilience and adaptability.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict maintenance procedures, technical orders, and safety standards to ensure equipment reliability, personnel safety, and operational effectiveness.

The ability to consistently follow established protocols and regulations, ensuring accuracy, safety, and quality in highly regulated environments. This is essential in fields like healthcare, finance, and quality assurance.

Situational Awareness

Constantly monitoring equipment status, environmental conditions, and potential threats to maintain communication integrity and respond effectively to changing circumstances.

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time information. This is critical in roles requiring quick thinking, adaptability, and proactive risk management.

After-Action Analysis

Reviewing maintenance logs, inspection reports, and performance data to identify areas for improvement in equipment performance, maintenance procedures, and training programs.

The capacity to learn from past experiences, analyze successes and failures, and implement changes to enhance future performance. This is valuable in continuous improvement initiatives, project management, and strategic planning.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Specialist

SOC 15-1212

You've been maintaining and troubleshooting complex communication systems in potentially hostile environments. Your skills in system modeling, degraded-mode operations, and procedural compliance are directly transferable to protecting critical infrastructure like power grids and water treatment facilities from cyberattacks. You understand the importance of secure and reliable operation, and you can bring that expertise to the civilian world.

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

SOC 49-2022

You've already got the hands-on experience installing, repairing, and maintaining complex communication systems. You understand signal flow, troubleshooting techniques, and the importance of precision. This role allows you to use those skills in the civilian world, ensuring reliable communication networks for businesses and individuals.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've worked with complex electronic and mechanical systems, often in remote locations and challenging conditions. Wind turbines require technicians who can troubleshoot electrical and mechanical issues, maintain equipment, and ensure reliable operation. Your experience with degraded-mode operations and situational awareness will be valuable in this growing field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radio Frequency Transmission Systems Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,100 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in electronics and telecommunications

Topics Covered

  • RF Transmission Principles
  • Satellite Communications Systems
  • Line-of-Sight Communications
  • Wideband Systems
  • Encryption Devices
  • Telemetry Systems
  • Spectrum Analyzers and Test Equipment
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

While your experience covers network fundamentals and some configuration, study network design, advanced network security, and troubleshooting methodologies in depth.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)60% covered

Focus on the latest wireless standards (802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 and newer), advanced wireless security protocols, and vendor-neutral wireless troubleshooting techniques.

Electronics Technician Association (ETA) - Certified Electronic Technician (CET)50% covered

Review in-depth electronics theory, circuit analysis, and specific troubleshooting techniques beyond RF communication systems. Study digital circuits, microprocessors, and industrial control systems.

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 Tactical Satellite TerminalCommercial satellite communication terminals (e.g., Hughes, Viasat)
AN/TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio TerminalHigh-capacity microwave backhaul systems (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia)
KG-84C/KIV-7 cryptographic equipmentData encryption software/hardware (e.g., AES encryption, VPNs)
Harris Falcon III Radios (e.g., AN/PRC-117G, AN/PRC-152)Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems (e.g., Motorola, Kenwood) with encryption capabilities
Spectrum Analyzers (e.g., Agilent, Rohde & Schwarz models)RF spectrum analyzers (e.g., Keysight, Tektronix)
Satellite signal simulatorsGNSS simulators (e.g., Spirent, Orolia)
Time Domain Reflectometers (TDRs)Cable fault locators (e.g., Fluke Networks, Megger)
Power Meters (e.g. Bird Technologies)RF Power Sensors (e.g. Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz)

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