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39E Career Guide

Army

39E: Special Electronic Device Repairer

Career transition guide for Army Special Electronic Device Repairer (39E)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 39E veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$82K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationAircraft-specific systems training

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cablingNetwork troubleshooting

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$62K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC programmingHydraulic/pneumatic systems

First-Line Supervisor of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project managementLeadership trainingBudget management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 39E training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex electronic systems requires understanding how different components interact and affect overall system performance. This involves creating mental models to predict behavior and identify potential points of failure.

The ability to model complex systems translates to an understanding of how various parts of a business or operation work together, helping you to identify inefficiencies and develop innovative solutions.

Rapid Prioritization

When multiple electronic devices malfunction simultaneously, it is critical to quickly assess the impact of each failure and prioritize repairs based on mission criticality and available resources.

In civilian contexts, you can use this skill to quickly assess urgent situations, prioritize tasks based on importance and impact, and allocate resources effectively under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

Maintenance on specialized electronic devices demands strict adherence to established procedures and technical manuals to ensure accuracy, safety, and proper functionality.

Your commitment to following established procedures and protocols translates into a strong ability to adhere to industry standards and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance and minimizing errors.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with subordinate personnel and other teams to ensure that maintenance and repair tasks are completed effectively and efficiently, requiring clear communication and synchronized efforts.

This translates directly to coordinating projects and tasks with diverse teams, clearly communicating expectations, and synchronizing efforts to achieve common goals, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a broad awareness of the operational environment, including the status of equipment, available resources, and potential threats, to make informed decisions and anticipate potential problems.

In the civilian world, you will leverage this skill to understand the overall business environment, anticipate market trends, and make strategic decisions that align with organizational goals.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been maintaining and repairing complex electronic systems, and wind turbines are filled with them! Your troubleshooting skills and understanding of electrical systems will make you a valuable asset in this growing field, ensuring clean energy production.

Industrial Automation Technician

SOC 49-9062

You're experienced in diagnosing and repairing electronic equipment. As an Industrial Automation Technician, you'll apply these skills to maintain and troubleshoot automated systems in manufacturing, playing a key role in improving efficiency and productivity.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You are skilled in maintaining and repairing special electronic devices; this translates to proficiency in building automation. As a technician in this field, you'll work with systems that control lighting, HVAC, and security, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort in commercial buildings.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069

You possess extensive maintenance and repair experience; you will excel as a Robotics Technician. You'll apply your expertise to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair robotic systems used in various industries, keeping production lines running smoothly.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Electronic Maintenance Course, Fort Gordon, GA

1,050 training hours26 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting
  • Signal Generators and Analyzers
  • Spectrum Analyzers and Oscilloscopes
  • Network Analyzers
  • Fiber Optics Repair
  • Digital Logic Circuits
  • Microprocessor Fundamentals
  • Soldering and Cable Repair

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires knowledge of specific electronic components, troubleshooting methodologies, and industry standards not explicitly covered in the military description. Additional study on analog and digital circuits, microprocessors, and communication systems is needed.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

While the description covers maintenance and installation of electronic equipment, it may lack specific details on network protocols, security, and infrastructure. Study network design, TCP/IP, routing, and network security concepts.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/PRC-150 (HF Radio)Harris Falcon III HF radios
AN/PRC-117G (Multiband Manpack Radio)L3Harris AN/PRC-117G Manpack Radio
AN/PSC-5D (Satellite Terminal)Satellite communication terminals (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium)
SINCGARS (Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System)Motorola MOTOTRBO digital two-way radios
AN/TPN-19 (Landing Control Central)Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
COMSEC (Communications Security) equipment (e.g., KG-250)Data encryption software and hardware (e.g., AES encryption modules)
Spectrum Analyzers (various models)Keysight or Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzers

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