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5952 Career Guide

Marine Corps

5952: Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician (5952)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 5952 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Electronics Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized certifications (e.g., CompTIA)Experience with specific electronic systems

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine maintenance certificationClimbing and safety trainingMechanical aptitude

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic splicing certificationExperience with telecommunications protocols

Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

$63K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) CertificationKnowledge of industrial safety standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 5952 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 5952, you developed a deep understanding of how air traffic control systems function as a whole. You can visualize the interplay of components and predict how changes in one area will affect others.

This skill translates directly into understanding complex systems in any industry. You can quickly grasp how different parts of a business or organization interact and identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to maintenance schedules, safety protocols, and operational procedures. You understand the importance of following established guidelines to ensure safety and efficiency.

This meticulous approach is invaluable in regulated industries or any role requiring consistent and accurate execution. You are adept at following protocols and ensuring compliance.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at troubleshooting malfunctions under pressure, quickly diagnosing problems, and implementing solutions to keep critical systems operational, even when things aren't working perfectly.

This ability to maintain functionality during outages or emergencies is highly sought after. You can think on your feet and find creative workarounds to minimize downtime and maintain productivity.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitored system performance and environmental factors to anticipate potential problems and ensure the safe and efficient operation of air traffic control navigational aids.

This proactive approach translates into an ability to anticipate risks and opportunities in any environment. You can quickly assess a situation, identify potential threats, and take appropriate action.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've been maintaining complex electronic and mechanical systems, diagnosing faults, and performing precision adjustments. As an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, you'll apply these skills to keep manufacturing equipment running smoothly.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You're experienced in maintaining navigational aids and instrument landing systems, performing diagnostics and troubleshooting. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll be working on the complex electrical and mechanical systems of wind turbines, using your technical expertise to ensure reliable energy generation.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been working with complex electromechanical systems. As a robotics technician, you will apply your troubleshooting and maintenance skills to automated systems in manufacturing or logistics.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You're skilled in maintaining and troubleshooting electronic systems. You have a strong understanding of electrical schematics and diagnostic tools. As a Building Automation Systems Technician, you'll use these skills to install, maintain, and repair automated systems that control heating, cooling, lighting, and security in buildings, optimizing energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Air Traffic Control Navigational Aids Technician School, Keesler AFB, MS

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended for lower-division courses in electronics technology or aviation maintenance.

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • Navigational Aid Systems Overview (TACAN, ILS, VOR)
  • System Calibration and Alignment Procedures
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures
  • Troubleshooting and Fault Isolation
  • Use of Test Equipment (Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators)
  • Safety Procedures for Electrical and Electronic Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of broader electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques beyond specific navigational aids, and FCC regulations.

CompTIA Network+40% covered

Requires study of general networking concepts, network security, and troubleshooting methodologies outside of the specific systems they maintained.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)60% covered

Requires thorough knowledge of FCC rules and regulations, as well as more in-depth understanding of radio wave propagation and communication principles.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Air Traffic System Specialist (Military ATC)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/TRN-26 TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation System)VOR/DME (VHF Omnidirectional Range/Distance Measuring Equipment)
AN/GRN-9 Radio Homing BeaconNDB (Non-Directional Beacon) for aircraft navigation
AN/SPN-41 Instrument Carrier Landing System (ICLS)ILS (Instrument Landing System)
TS-4530/1A Digital multimeterFluke 87V Digital Multimeter
Tektronix 492 Spectrum AnalyzerKeysight FieldFox Handheld Spectrum Analyzer
AN/USM-484 OscilloscopeTektronix MDO3000 Mixed Domain Oscilloscope
NAVSEA OD 44940 - Technical Manuals, various systemsOEM Equipment Manuals and Schematics

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