6197 Career Guide
6197: Communications Limited Duty Officer (Submarine)
Career transition guide for Navy Communications Limited Duty Officer (Submarine) (6197)
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Top civilian roles for 6197 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Telecommunications Specialist
IT Project Manager
Skills to develop:
Technical Support Specialist
Skills to develop:
Intelligence Analyst
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 6197 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
As a Submarine Communications Officer, you constantly monitor complex information flows and the operational environment to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the submarine's status and potential threats.
This translates to the ability to perceive and understand your environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on incomplete information.
Rapid Prioritization
In a submarine environment, communications are critical. You must quickly assess the urgency and importance of incoming and outgoing messages, prioritizing them based on operational needs and potential risks.
This means you can efficiently manage multiple competing demands, identify critical issues, and allocate resources effectively under pressure.
System Modeling
You develop a deep understanding of the submarine's communication systems, including their interdependencies and limitations. This involves mentally modeling how information flows through the system and how changes in one area can affect others.
This skill allows you to understand complex systems, predict their behavior, and identify potential points of failure, making you adept at troubleshooting and problem-solving.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Submarines often operate in challenging conditions where equipment malfunctions or communication channels are disrupted. You're trained to maintain effective communication even when systems are not functioning optimally.
This demonstrates your ability to adapt to unexpected challenges, find creative solutions, and maintain productivity in the face of adversity.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Logistics Analyst
SOC 13-2081.00You've been managing complex communication systems under pressure, requiring you to understand intricate operational dependencies. As a Logistics Analyst, you'll leverage these skills to optimize supply chains, predict potential disruptions, and ensure efficient resource allocation.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161.00You've honed your ability to rapidly assess situations and prioritize actions in high-stress environments. This is invaluable in emergency management, where you'll develop and implement plans to respond to natural disasters and other crises, ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
Business Continuity Planner
SOC 13-1199.05Your experience in maintaining communication systems during degraded-mode operations has equipped you with a deep understanding of risk management and contingency planning. As a Business Continuity Planner, you'll use this knowledge to develop strategies that ensure an organization can continue operating in the event of disruptions.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Officer Development School (ODS), Naval Station Newport; Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC), Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT; Communications Officer Course, various locations
Topics Covered
- •Naval Leadership
- •Damage Control
- •Submarine Communications Systems
- •Radio Theory and Operation
- •Information Security
- •Antenna Theory
- •Cryptographic Systems
- •Network Administration (Submarine Specific)
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
While your experience covers network fundamentals, routing, and security concepts, you'll need to study specific exam objectives related to network troubleshooting, configuration of various network devices (beyond submarine-specific equipment), and current industry standards. Focus on study guides and practice exams.
Your communications background provides a foundation in wireless principles. However, the CWNA exam requires detailed knowledge of WLAN hardware, software, protocols, security, and troubleshooting in enterprise environments. Study the CWNA official study guide and consider hands-on practice with WLAN configuration.
As an officer, you likely have project management experience. The PMP requires formal training in project management methodologies (PMBOK), tools, and techniques. You'll need to study the PMBOK Guide and take a PMP exam prep course to understand the specific processes and knowledge areas required for the exam.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Submarine Communication Systems (e.g., AN/WSC-9) | Satellite communication systems (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium) and secure network infrastructure. |
| Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) | Oceanographic monitoring and surveillance systems used in research and resource management. |
| Tactical Data Links (e.g., Link 11, Link 16) | Secure data communication protocols used in financial transactions and emergency services. |
| Submarine Broadcast Systems (SUBS BCAST) | Secure, one-way data transmission systems, such as those used in financial data distribution or emergency alert systems. |
| NAVSSI - Navigation Sensor System Interface | Integrated bridge systems (IBS) on commercial vessels, combining GPS, radar, and other navigation tools. |
| Cryptographic Equipment (e.g., KG-84, KIV-7) | Encryption software and hardware (e.g., AES encryption, HSMs) used in data security and cybersecurity. |
| Shore Communication System (SHORCOM) | Telecommunications infrastructure for data and voice including network management and cybersecurity. |
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