New Cohort Starts:

Donate

46N Career Guide

Army

46N: PERSHING Missile System Repairer

Career transition guide for Army PERSHING Missile System Repairer (46N)

Translate Your 46N Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 46N veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Mechatronics Technician

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC ProgrammingRobotics Certification

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD SoftwareFAA Certification (related)Materials Science

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$58K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific machinery certificationsPreventative maintenance programs

Quality Control Inspector

$48K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Quality control methodologiesSix Sigma certification

Wind Turbine Technician

$55K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine specific trainingSafety certifications (OSHA)Climbing/rescue training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 46N training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Working on the PERSHING missile system requires a deep understanding of how all its components interact—electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic. You had to build a mental model of the entire system to troubleshoot and maintain it effectively.

This ability to understand complex systems translates directly into roles where you need to visualize and comprehend intricate processes or machines, allowing you to identify potential issues and optimize performance.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When parts of the missile system malfunctioned, you couldn't just shut down. You had to find ways to keep things running, using backup systems or improvising repairs under pressure to maintain operational readiness.

Your experience in maintaining functionality under stress shows you are adept at finding creative solutions when resources are limited. This capability is crucial in fast-paced environments where adaptability is key to success.

Procedural Compliance

The maintenance of a complex and potentially dangerous system like the PERSHING missile demanded strict adherence to safety protocols and procedures. Every step had to be followed precisely to avoid accidents and ensure reliability.

Your commitment to following detailed procedures indicates a strong sense of responsibility and an understanding of the importance of precision. This discipline is invaluable in any field that requires adherence to regulations and standards.

Team Synchronization

As a supervisor and maintenance control sergeant, you were responsible for coordinating the efforts of multiple team members to ensure that maintenance tasks were completed efficiently and safely. This required clear communication, delegation, and an understanding of each team member's strengths and weaknesses.

Your experience in leading and coordinating teams highlights your ability to manage resources and ensure that everyone is working together towards a common goal. This skill is essential for success in any management or supervisory role.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems your whole career! Robotics is a natural fit because you understand complex machinery and can troubleshoot issues efficiently. Your skills with the PERSHING missile system are directly applicable to the maintenance and repair of robotic systems.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081

You've worked with electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Wind turbines have all of that! Your experience in maintaining complex machinery translates well to ensuring these systems run smoothly and efficiently. Plus, you're used to working in challenging conditions.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071

You've maintained critical systems where failure isn't an option. Amusement park rides demand the same level of attention to detail and safety. You've got the skills to keep these rides running smoothly and safely, ensuring a great experience for everyone.

Training & Education Equivalencies

PERSHING Missile System Maintenance Course, Redstone Arsenal, AL

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Electronic Principles
  • Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
  • Mechanical Systems Maintenance
  • Missile System Troubleshooting
  • Erector Launcher Maintenance
  • Power Distribution Systems
  • Ground Handling Equipment
  • Technical Guidance and Supervision

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Study consumer electronics, digital circuits, and troubleshooting techniques not specific to missile systems.

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)40% covered

Focus on reliability program management, business management principles, and manufacturing process reliability, outside of military-specific maintenance contexts.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)Six Sigma Green BeltAssociate Safety Professional (ASP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
PERSHING Missile SystemLegacy Ballistic Missile Systems (comparable to early-generation defense systems)
Erector Launcher SystemsHeavy Equipment Lifting and Launching Mechanisms (used in construction or aerospace)
Power Distribution Sets (PDS)Industrial Power Generators and Distribution Units
Ground-Handling Equipment (for missiles)Specialized Heavy Equipment for Transporting and Handling Sensitive Materials
Missile Section Maintenance ToolsSpecialized diagnostic and repair tools for complex electronic/mechanical systems.
Training Simulators (related to PERSHING)Simulation software for industrial machinery or complex systems (e.g., oil & gas, aerospace)
Technical Manuals and Schematics (PERSHING)Engineering documentation, CAD drawings, and maintenance procedures for complex machinery

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 46N experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free