36C Career Guide
36C: Telecommunications Operator/Maintainer
Career transition guide for Army Telecommunications Operator/Maintainer (36C)
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Top civilian roles for 36C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
Skills to develop:
Network Technician
Skills to develop:
Cable Technician
Skills to develop:
First-Line Supervisor of Communications Equipment Installers and Repairers
Skills to develop:
Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 36C training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
36C's develop system models to understand how communication networks function, predict potential points of failure, and plan for redundancy or alternative routing in case of disruptions. They use diagrams and schematics to visualize complex systems.
This skill translates to an understanding of how different components interact within a larger system, and the ability to foresee potential problems and devise solutions. This is crucial in any role that involves designing, maintaining, or troubleshooting complex systems.
Rapid Prioritization
When communication lines go down or equipment malfunctions, 36C's must quickly assess the severity of the problem, its impact on operations, and allocate resources to restore service based on mission criticality.
This ability to rapidly assess situations, identify critical issues, and prioritize tasks under pressure is highly valuable in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making is essential.
Resource Optimization
36C's manage limited resources such as personnel, equipment, and supplies to ensure communication networks are built, maintained, and repaired efficiently. They make decisions about resource allocation based on mission requirements and potential risks.
This skill demonstrates the ability to maximize output with limited input, a core competency in management and project management roles. It reflects efficient planning and execution to achieve goals with minimal waste.
Procedural Compliance
Strict adherence to protocols and regulations is essential in military communications to ensure security, interoperability, and reliability. 36C's must follow established procedures for installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of equipment.
Attention to detail and commitment to following established procedures are important for compliance and risk management. This reflects a dedication to quality and safety.
Situational Awareness
36C's maintain awareness of the overall communication network status, including potential threats or vulnerabilities. They monitor system performance, identify anomalies, and anticipate future needs to ensure continuous operations.
This skill translates to the ability to gather, interpret, and act on real-time information. It's crucial for roles that require anticipating potential problems and responding effectively to changing circumstances.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been trained to climb poles, work with electrical systems, troubleshoot technical issues, and adhere to strict safety protocols. Your experience with cable systems directly translates to the cabling and electrical components within wind turbines. Plus, you are no stranger to working outdoors in various conditions!
Commercial Diver
SOC 49-9092You've got experience working with cabling and communication systems, and are comfortable with potentially hazardous environments. Underwater infrastructure like pipelines and communication cables need skilled technicians for installation, maintenance, and repair. Your discipline and attention to detail make you a great fit.
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041Your experience installing, maintaining, and repairing communication equipment provides a strong foundation for working on industrial machinery. You are already adept at troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, reading diagrams, and performing preventative maintenance. You're used to ensuring complex systems run smoothly!
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021You've developed a deep understanding of communication systems, electrical wiring, and troubleshooting techniques. This is perfect for the role of installing, maintaining, and repairing automated systems in buildings, such as HVAC, lighting, and security. Your knack for problem-solving will make you a valuable asset in this growing field.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Signal OSUT, Fort Eisenhower, GA
Topics Covered
- •Basic Electronics
- •Cable Installation and Maintenance
- •Fiber Optics
- •Network Topologies
- •Telecommunications Systems Operation
- •Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
- •Antenna Systems
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of BICSI standards, industry best practices for copper cabling installation and testing, and hands-on experience with specific connectors and tools used in commercial installations.
Requires a more in-depth understanding of telecommunications distribution systems, including fiber optics, advanced testing procedures, and project management principles. Significant additional study and practical experience are needed.
While the military training covers many networking concepts, CompTIA Network+ requires a broader understanding of modern network architectures, cloud technologies, and vendor-neutral troubleshooting methodologies. Further study of routing protocols, network security, and virtualization is needed.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/TTC-39D Tactical Circuit Switch | Cisco or Juniper enterprise-level network switches |
| OE-254 Antenna | Cell tower or satellite dish antenna |
| TRC-170 Tropospheric Scatter Microwave Radio | Microwave backhaul systems used by telecommunication companies |
| DTG (Digital Timing Generator) | NTP (Network Time Protocol) servers |
| Promina 400 multiplexer | Network multiplexer/demultiplexer equipment |
| Harris Falcon III Radio | Motorola two-way radios or satellite phones |
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