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45372 Career Guide

Air Force

45372: Airborne Mission Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Airborne Mission Systems Specialist (45372)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 45372 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P License (Airframe and Powerplant)Specific aircraft type certifications

Network Engineer

$95K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+Experience with specific network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, routing protocols)

Field Service Technician (Aerospace/Defense)

$80K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific product training (e.g., radar systems, communication systems)Strong customer service skills

Electronics Engineering Technologist

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering TechnologyProficiency in circuit design and analysis software (e.g., SPICE)Familiarity with regulatory standards (e.g., FCC, MIL-STD)

Technical Trainer (Aerospace/Defense)

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design experienceExcellent communication and presentation skillsCertification in training methodologies (e.g., Certified Professional in Training Management - CPTM)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 45372 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You constantly monitored complex airborne systems, interpreting data from various sensors and displays to understand the overall system health and predict potential failures.

This ability to understand how different components interact within a larger system translates directly to analyzing business processes and identifying areas for improvement or potential risks.

Rapid Prioritization

In-flight, you had to quickly assess malfunctions and prioritize troubleshooting steps to maintain mission effectiveness while adhering to strict safety protocols.

The skill to rapidly assess situations and prioritize tasks under pressure is highly valuable in dynamic environments where quick decisions are needed to maintain operational efficiency and meet critical deadlines.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You were trained to maintain system functionality and complete missions even when equipment was partially disabled or malfunctioning, using creative workarounds and alternative procedures.

This resilience and adaptability to operate effectively under less-than-ideal conditions are key to problem-solving and innovation when faced with unexpected challenges and limited resources.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict communication security (COMSEC) procedures and technical manuals was paramount. Deviations could compromise sensitive information and endanger the mission.

Your meticulous approach to following established procedures ensures adherence to regulatory guidelines and maintains the integrity of critical processes, reducing errors and ensuring compliance.

Situational Awareness

You maintained constant vigilance of the aircraft's systems, environment, and mission objectives, making critical adjustments to ensure mission success and safety.

Your ability to maintain a broad understanding of complex scenarios translates to understanding market dynamics and anticipating potential challenges and opportunities.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212

You've been working with complex airborne systems and have a deep understanding of electronic systems and network communications. This background uniquely positions you to secure the critical infrastructure of industrial plants and manufacturing facilities, protecting them from cyber threats.

Technical Trainer (Specialized Electronics)

SOC 25-9044

You've developed and directed instruction in equipment operation and troubleshooting and have experience in equipment operation and troubleshooting. You already know how to train people on the most complicated technologies. You can adapt this to emerging electronics in various fields.

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Systems Engineer

SOC 17-2199.08

You've got a solid background working with communication systems, computers, and electronic systems. Now, you can put that knowledge to work designing, implementing, and maintaining SCADA systems used in utilities and other industries. Your experience in troubleshooting complex systems makes you a natural fit.

Field Service Engineer (Robotics)

SOC 49-9071

You've worked with complicated airborne systems and have a knack for electronics and computers. In this role, you'll install, troubleshoot, and repair robotic systems for manufacturing and other industrial clients, using your problem-solving skills to keep things running smoothly.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airborne Mission Systems Operator School, Keesler AFB, MS

1,360 training hours34 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics and aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Airborne Communication Systems Operation & Maintenance
  • Airborne Sensor Systems Operation & Maintenance
  • Airborne Computer Systems Operation & Maintenance
  • Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems
  • Data Link and Network Management
  • In-flight Troubleshooting Procedures
  • Aircrew Procedures and Safety

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Requires study of specific networking protocols, troubleshooting methodologies, and security concepts beyond military systems.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Requires study of civilian-specific security threats, vulnerability management, and compliance standards. Study incident response procedures.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)75% covered

Requires knowledge of broader range of electronics principles, industry standards and practices, and troubleshooting techniques applicable to commercial equipment.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/ARC-210 RT-1921(P) Airborne TransceiverCollins Aerospace ARC-210 or Harris AN/PRC-163 tactical radio
AN/APG-68 Radar SystemWeather and navigation radar systems used in commercial aviation (e.g., Honeywell RDR-4000)
MIL-STD-1553 Data BusARINC 429 data bus used in commercial aviation, CAN bus in automotive systems
Airborne Intercept RadarAirport surveillance radar, air traffic control systems
Advanced EHF Satellite Communication SystemCommercial satellite communication systems (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium)
Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems (AN/ALQ series)RF jammers, signal analyzers, spectrum analyzers used in telecommunications and cybersecurity
Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) TransponderAutomatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders used in commercial aviation

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