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31T Career Guide

Army

31T: Satellite Communication Systems Maintainer

Career transition guide for Army Satellite Communication Systems Maintainer (31T)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 31T veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Manager

$125K
High matchHigh demand

Telecommunications Manager

$130K
High matchStable demand

Information Security Analyst

$110K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CISSP, Security+)Knowledge of security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)

Project Manager

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies

Technical Sales Engineer

$105K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Sales trainingSpecific product knowledgeCustomer relationship management (CRM) software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

System Modeling

The 31T role involves understanding and managing complex satellite microwave communications systems. This requires creating mental models of how the different components interact and how data flows through the network to ensure reliable communication.

This ability to model complex systems translates directly to roles where you need to understand and optimize intricate processes or infrastructure.

Resource Optimization

Supervising the maintenance of satellite communication systems demands efficient allocation of resources like personnel, equipment, and time. The 31T optimizes these resources to ensure minimal downtime and maximum operational effectiveness.

Your experience optimizing resources in a high-stakes military environment makes you exceptionally well-suited for roles where efficiency and strategic allocation of assets are critical.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining situational awareness is crucial for a 31T, as they must constantly monitor network status, anticipate potential problems, and respond effectively to disruptions to maintain continuous communication.

Your practiced vigilance and ability to rapidly assess changing situations are highly valuable in any environment where proactive problem-solving is essential.

Rapid Prioritization

In a dynamic communication environment, the 31T is constantly faced with multiple tasks and challenges, requiring the ability to quickly assess their importance and prioritize actions to ensure the most critical issues are addressed first.

Your proven ability to swiftly prioritize tasks under pressure is directly transferable to any civilian role that demands decisive action and efficient handling of urgent matters.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been managing complex communication networks and optimizing resources, so you already have the analytical skills to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and improve the flow of goods and services.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

Your experience maintaining communications in high-pressure situations and troubleshooting system failures has prepared you to coordinate responses to emergencies and ensure effective communication during critical events.

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.05

You've been responsible for ensuring uninterrupted communication networks, so you understand the importance of planning for disruptions and developing strategies to maintain essential business functions during unexpected events.

Technical Sales Engineer

SOC 41-9031

You've already got the technical expertise to understand complex communication systems. Now, you can leverage that knowledge to explain technical details to clients and demonstrate how specific products can meet their needs. Your ability to translate complex information into easy-to-understand terms is a major asset.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Satellite Communication Systems Maintainer Course, Fort Eisenhower, GA

1,240 training hours31 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Satellite Communications Theory
  • Microwave Systems Maintenance
  • Network Configuration and Management
  • Cryptographic Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • Antenna Theory and Operation
  • Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
  • Spectrum Management

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

While military training covers much of networking, study current networking trends, troubleshooting, and specific vendor technologies.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Focus on risk management, compliance, and the latest cybersecurity threats and mitigation techniques relevant to civilian IT infrastructure.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Learn the specific methodologies and terminology of civilian project management, particularly those outlined in the PMBOK guide. Focus on stakeholder management and agile practices.

Recommended Next Certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Network Node (JNN)Cisco Network Management, Enterprise Routers & Switches
Satellite Transportable Terminal (STT)Mobile Satellite Communication Systems (e.g., Hughes, Cobham)
Phoenix Family of Satellite TerminalsFixed Satellite Communication Ground Stations (e.g., ViaSat, Gilat)
Baseband equipment (e.g., multiplexers, modems)Telecommunications infrastructure equipment (e.g., Adtran, Alvarion)
Spectrum Analyzers (e.g., Anritsu, Rohde & Schwarz)RF Spectrum Analyzers (same function, various vendors)
Promina MultiplexerTime-Division Multiplexing (TDM) equipment
Secure Communications Equipment (e.g., KG-175D)Encryption Appliances (e.g., Thales, Gemalto)

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