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3D175 Career Guide

Air Force

3D175: Ground Radar Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Ground Radar Systems Technician (3D175)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3D175 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CompTIA certifications (A+, Network+)Specialized knowledge of specific civilian electronic systems

Avionics Technician

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationAircraft-specific training

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$60K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cabling and repairSpecific telecom equipment certifications

Wind Turbine Technician

$58K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine safety and maintenance trainingClimbing and rescue certification

Computer and Network Support Technician

$62K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3D175 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You maintained complex radar and communication systems, using schematics and diagrams to understand how each component interacted within the larger system. Troubleshooting malfunctions required you to mentally model the system's operation and predict how changes would affect performance.

Your ability to understand and manipulate system models translates into a knack for understanding complex processes and anticipating potential problems in various industries.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to technical orders, safety standards, and maintenance procedures was paramount. You consistently followed established protocols for installation, repair, and testing to ensure safety and system integrity.

Your dedication to following procedures ensures you can consistently meet quality standards and regulatory requirements, crucial in highly regulated environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You were skilled at troubleshooting and repairing systems under pressure, often working with limited resources or incomplete information to restore functionality. You were able to identify workarounds and temporary solutions to keep systems operational.

Your ability to maintain systems under duress means you excel at problem-solving in unexpected situations and are comfortable developing contingency plans.

Situational Awareness

You maintained constant awareness of the operational status of radar and communication systems, understanding how environmental factors and equipment conditions impacted their performance. You understood how systems support overall missions.

Your awareness ensures you understand the bigger picture, anticipate potential issues, and proactively adapt to changing circumstances. This makes you a valuable asset in dynamic environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems Technician

SOC 49-9041.00

You've been maintaining and repairing complex electronic systems, a skill directly transferable to industrial settings. Your expertise in troubleshooting, calibration, and performance testing of radar systems makes you well-suited to maintaining and optimizing industrial control systems that manage manufacturing processes, power generation, and distribution.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You've been working with sophisticated electronic and mechanical systems, including radar and communications equipment. This experience gives you a strong foundation for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining robotic systems used in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Your ability to interpret schematics and use test equipment will be invaluable in this field.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've been installing, maintaining, and repairing complex electronic and mechanical systems in challenging environments. This mirrors the skills required to service wind turbines, which involve electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Your experience in troubleshooting and diagnostics ensures you can quickly identify and resolve issues to keep turbines operating efficiently.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Training, Keesler AFB, MS

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or telecommunications

Topics Covered

  • Radar Principles and Theory
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
  • Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
  • Weather Radar Systems
  • Ground Aircraft Control and Warning Radar Systems
  • Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
  • Antenna Systems and Waveguides
  • Networking and Communications Subsystems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires knowledge of general electronics principles beyond radar-specific systems. Study basic circuit analysis, components, and troubleshooting techniques applicable to a wider range of electronic devices.

CompTIA Network+40% covered

While experienced with radar systems' communication aspects, a broader understanding of modern networking concepts (e.g., routing, switching, network security) is needed. Focus on the OSI model, TCP/IP, and common networking protocols.

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)20% covered

Experience with radar systems touches on security. The CISSP requires broad and deep knowledge across all domains of information security. Significant study is needed in areas like security management, risk management, and cryptography.

Recommended Next Certifications

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)Security+AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TPS-75 Radar SystemLong-range air surveillance radar systems
AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance RadarCommercial airport radar systems
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) SystemsAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders
Ground-to-Air Radio SystemsLand Mobile Radio (LMR) systems for critical communications
Radar Data Remoting SystemsRemote telemetry and data acquisition systems
Video Mapper SystemsGeographic Information Systems (GIS) with real-time data overlays
AN/TPX-42A Interrogator SystemSecondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) systems

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