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31R Career Guide

Army

31R: Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer

Career transition guide for Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer (31R)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 31R 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 splicingAdvanced troubleshooting techniques

Network Engineer

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalentCloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)Scripting (Python, Perl)

Field Service Technician

$60K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsSpecific product knowledge related to the industry (e.g., medical equipment, industrial machinery)A+ Certification

Broadcast Technician

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of broadcast equipment and standardsFCC licensesDigital media production

Information Security Analyst

$90K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Security certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP)Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)Incident response and vulnerability management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 31R training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You built and maintained complex communications networks, understanding how different components interact and affect overall system performance. You diagnosed and resolved issues by tracing signals and understanding network architecture.

Your ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates to designing, analyzing, and troubleshooting interconnected systems in various industries.

Rapid Prioritization

You regularly assessed the criticality of communication links and quickly prioritized maintenance and restoration efforts based on mission needs and impact.

Your experience in rapidly assessing situations and prioritizing tasks is valuable in fast-paced environments where critical decisions need to be made under pressure.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You maintained communications during equipment failures or adverse conditions by implementing workarounds, rerouting signals, and utilizing backup systems.

Your ability to maintain functionality and find alternative solutions under pressure and with limited resources is crucial for ensuring business continuity and resolving unexpected challenges.

Procedural Compliance

You adhered to strict protocols for equipment maintenance, security, and network operations. You followed detailed checklists and guidelines to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

Your meticulous adherence to procedures and protocols is essential for ensuring consistency, accuracy, and compliance in regulated industries.

Team Synchronization

You worked as part of a team to install, maintain, and operate communications systems. You coordinated tasks, shared information, and provided support to ensure seamless communication flow.

Your experience in coordinating tasks and sharing information within a team is vital for achieving common goals and ensuring smooth operations in collaborative work environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems Technician

SOC 49-9071

You've been responsible for maintaining complex communications systems. As an Industrial Control Systems Technician, you'll use your troubleshooting and systems knowledge to maintain and repair automated systems in manufacturing or utilities.

Energy Efficiency Specialist

SOC 13-1199

You've been trained to optimize communications systems. As an Energy Efficiency Specialist, you'll use your system analysis skills to assess energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and recommend solutions to reduce energy consumption in buildings or industrial facilities.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069

You've been responsible for maintaining communication systems, using your skills to troubleshoot and repair complex electronic and mechanical systems. As a Robotics Technician, you'll apply those skills to the maintenance, repair, and programming of robots in manufacturing or other automated environments.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Signal Corps School, Fort Eisenhower, GA

1,080 training hours27 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in telecommunications technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • Multichannel Communications Principles
  • Tropospheric Scatter Systems
  • Line-of-Sight Communications
  • Antenna Systems Installation and Maintenance
  • COMSEC Device Operation and Maintenance
  • Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on Communications Equipment
  • Power Generator Operation and Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Focus on newer networking technologies, cloud networking concepts, and some of the vendor-specific aspects of enterprise networking. Brush up on the latest networking security protocols.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)60% covered

The 31R role covers some wireless communications. Study the latest wireless standards (802.11ax/Wi-Fi 6 and newer), advanced troubleshooting techniques, and security best practices for WLANs.

Recommended Next Certifications

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Project Management Professional (PMP)CompTIA Security+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/TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio TerminalLong-range microwave communication systems for remote areas
AN/MRC-142D Multichannel Trunking RadioPoint-to-point microwave backhaul systems
Phoenix (Satellite Communication System)Satellite communication terminals and VSAT systems
AN/GRC-245 Radio SetHigh-power, long-range radio transmitters/receivers
COMSEC equipment (e.g., AN/KY-58, KG-84)Encryption devices and cybersecurity hardware modules (e.g., FIPS-compliant hardware)
Proprietary network management tools (e.g., for managing the above systems)Network monitoring and management software (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios)
JNN (Joint Network Node)Mobile, deployable communications infrastructure (e.g., rapid deployment telecom solutions)

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