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4068 Career Guide

Marine Corps

4068: Data Network Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Data Network Technician (4068)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 4068 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network Engineer

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Systems Administrator

$82K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Cloud computing (AWS, Azure)Scripting (Python, Bash)

IT Support Specialist

$60K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsHelp desk ticketing systems

Cybersecurity Analyst

$90K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Security certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP)Intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS)Vulnerability scanning

Telecommunications Equipment Installer/Repairer

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic cablingAdvanced troubleshooting

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 4068 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a Data Network Technician, you build and maintain mental models of complex network infrastructures to predict behavior, identify vulnerabilities, and optimize performance. You understand how different components interact and how changes in one area can affect the entire system.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to roles where you need to analyze processes, predict outcomes, and identify potential problems before they arise. You can quickly grasp the interconnectedness of various elements and develop effective solutions.

Rapid Prioritization

In the fast-paced environment of network operations, you constantly assess the severity and impact of network issues, prioritizing tasks to minimize downtime and maintain critical services. You quickly determine which problems require immediate attention and allocate resources accordingly.

Your experience in rapidly prioritizing tasks makes you adept at handling competing demands and managing crises. You're skilled at quickly assessing situations, identifying the most critical issues, and focusing your efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at maintaining network functionality even when components fail or resources are limited. You develop workarounds, implement temporary solutions, and ensure essential services remain operational under adverse conditions.

Your ability to maintain operations under pressure translates to resilience and adaptability in civilian settings. You excel at finding creative solutions to unexpected problems, ensuring business continuity, and keeping projects on track even when facing challenges.

After-Action Analysis

Following network incidents or outages, you conduct thorough analyses to identify root causes, evaluate the effectiveness of responses, and develop preventative measures. You learn from past experiences to improve network resilience and prevent future problems.

Your experience in after-action analysis makes you a valuable asset in any organization that values continuous improvement. You're skilled at identifying lessons learned, implementing corrective actions, and driving positive change based on data and insights.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Analyst

SOC 13-2051

You've been trained to maintain network operations under any conditions; your understanding of degraded-mode operations and system modeling makes you well-suited to ensuring business processes continue during disruptions. You can develop and implement strategies to minimize downtime and protect critical assets.

Technical Sales Engineer

SOC 41-9031

You've been immersed in network technology and are able to quickly grasp the intricacies of network systems. Your in-depth knowledge of network functionality, troubleshooting, and design enables you to effectively communicate the value of complex technical solutions to clients.

Information Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212

You've developed a strong understanding of network vulnerabilities, threat vectors, and security protocols. Your experience in identifying and mitigating risks, along with your ability to analyze network traffic, makes you well-prepared to protect sensitive information and prevent cyberattacks.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Data Network Technician Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twentynine Palms, CA

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Networking Fundamentals (OSI Model, TCP/IP)
  • Routing and Switching (Cisco IOS)
  • Network Security (Firewalls, Intrusion Detection)
  • WAN Technologies (MPLS, VPN)
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Network Design and Implementation
  • Wireless Networking
  • Scripting and Automation (Python)

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

While military training provides a strong foundation in networking, further study on specific civilian network protocols, troubleshooting methodologies, and updated technologies is recommended.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)60% covered

The military provides a solid base in networking, but CCNA requires in-depth knowledge of Cisco-specific equipment, IOS, and routing/switching protocols. Additional study of Cisco technologies is recommended.

Juniper Networks Certified Network Associate (JNCIA)50% covered

The military provides a foundation in networking, but JNCIA requires in-depth knowledge of Juniper-specific equipment and Junos OS. Additional study of Juniper technologies is recommended.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Security+Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Networking On-the-Move (NOTM)Mobile ad-hoc network (MANET) technologies
Global Information Grid (GIG)Enterprise-level network infrastructure
Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS)Software-defined radios (SDR)
Secure Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet)Virtual Private Network (VPN) with enhanced security protocols
Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNet)Standard commercial internet service
Tactical Data Network (TDN)Ruggedized networking equipment for field deployment
Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN)Secure voice communication systems

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