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35U Career Guide

Army

35U: Ground Surveillance Systems Operator

Career transition guide for Army Ground Surveillance Systems Operator (35U)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 35U veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Surveillance Systems Technician

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific vendor certifications (e.g., Bosch, Axis)Advanced networking knowledge (CCNA)IP video systems training

Intelligence Analyst

$82K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Data analysis software proficiency (e.g., Python, R)Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificationSpecific intelligence analysis certifications (e.g., Certified Intelligence Professional)

Security Consultant

$95K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project management skillsKnowledge of security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001)

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Technician/Operator

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Part 107 certificationSpecific UAS platform trainingData processing and analysis from UAS imagery

Network Security Specialist

$88K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cybersecurity certifications (Security+, CEH)Experience with intrusion detection/prevention systemsCloud security knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 35U training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a 35U, you constantly monitor your surroundings using sophisticated surveillance systems to detect threats and identify potential targets, requiring a high degree of environmental awareness.

This translates to an ability to quickly assess dynamic environments, identify key factors, and anticipate potential problems, allowing you to make informed decisions in fast-paced situations.

Pattern Recognition

You are trained to identify anomalies and deviations from established patterns in surveillance data, enabling you to detect potential threats or gather intelligence.

This skill allows you to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and recognize subtle indicators that others might miss, making you adept at uncovering hidden insights.

Team Synchronization

You work as part of a surveillance team, coordinating your efforts with other specialists and communicating effectively to ensure seamless operations and mission success.

Your experience ensures you understand how to orchestrate collaborative work, communicate clearly under pressure, and maintain team cohesion to achieve a common goal.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for managing surveillance equipment, communications devices, and vehicles efficiently to maximize their operational effectiveness and minimize downtime.

Your background demonstrates your ability to allocate resources strategically, maintain equipment effectively, and optimize operational processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

After-Action Analysis

You participate in post-mission reviews, analyzing the effectiveness of surveillance operations, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions.

This skill translates to a commitment to continuous improvement, a meticulous approach to problem-solving, and an ability to learn from both successes and failures to enhance future performance.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Fraud Investigator

SOC 13-2099

You've been trained to detect anomalies and suspicious patterns in surveillance data. This skill is directly transferable to identifying fraudulent activities and uncovering financial crimes. Your attention to detail and analytical abilities will be invaluable in this role.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 13-1161

You've developed the ability to gather intelligence, analyze data, and identify trends. As a market research analyst, you can use these skills to assess consumer behavior, identify market opportunities, and provide valuable insights to businesses.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You're experienced in situational awareness and resource optimization. In emergency management, you can apply these skills to assess risks, coordinate responses, and allocate resources effectively during crises, ensuring public safety and minimizing damage.

Data Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212

You've honed pattern recognition and threat detection skills. In data security, you can use these skills to identify potential security breaches, analyze network traffic for suspicious activity, and protect sensitive information from cyber threats.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Surveillance Systems Operator Course, Fort Huachuca, AZ

580 training hours14 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Basic Electricity, Electronics, and Military Science

Topics Covered

  • Ground Surveillance Systems (GSS) Operations
  • AN/PPS-5 Ground Surveillance Radar
  • Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS)
  • Target Signature Analysis
  • Communications Equipment Operation & Maintenance
  • Intelligence Gathering Techniques
  • Land Navigation
  • Mission Planning and Execution

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Protection Professional (CPP)60% covered

Focus on business principles, security management, legal aspects, and physical security concepts not directly covered in military surveillance roles.

CompTIA Security+50% covered

Study topics like risk management, organizational security, and compliance, as well as specific cybersecurity tools and technologies beyond military systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR)Perimeter intrusion detection systems with radar capabilities
Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS)Wireless sensor networks for security and environmental monitoring
AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles (NVG)High-resolution night vision equipment
AN/PAS-13 Thermal Weapon Sight (TWS)Infrared cameras for security and surveillance
SINCGARS RadioTwo-way encrypted communication radios
PLGR (Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver)Handheld GPS navigation devices
Tactical Operation Center (TOC)Centralized security control and monitoring platforms

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