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6290 Career Guide

Navy

6290: Submarine Communications Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Submarine Communications Officer (6290)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6290 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network and Computer Systems Manager

$130K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationFamiliarity with civilian network security standards

Telecommunications Manager

$125K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of current telecom technologies (e.g., VoIP, 5G)Experience with vendor management in a civilian context

Information Security Analyst

$110K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Experience with specific security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)

Training and Development Manager

$115K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design principlesCorporate training methodologiesLearning Management Systems (LMS) expertise

Technical Sales Engineer

$135K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Sales trainingProduct-specific certificationsUnderstanding of civilian sales cycles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6290 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a submarine communications officer, you developed intricate mental models of communication systems, understanding how various components interact and affect overall performance. You use this skill to predict system behavior and troubleshoot issues effectively.

This ability to create and manipulate system models translates to a knack for understanding complex processes and identifying areas for improvement in any organization. You can quickly grasp how different departments or technologies connect and influence each other.

Rapid Prioritization

In submarine communications, you constantly faced high-stakes situations requiring you to quickly assess the urgency and importance of different communication needs. You learned to prioritize tasks under pressure, ensuring critical information was relayed effectively.

This skill translates to a valuable ability to manage competing demands and make sound decisions in fast-paced environments. You're adept at identifying what truly matters and focusing your energy accordingly, making you a reliable and efficient problem-solver.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the operational environment was crucial for your role. You had to stay informed about potential threats, changes in communication protocols, and the status of various systems to ensure seamless communication.

Your heightened situational awareness makes you excellent at anticipating potential problems and adapting to changing circumstances. You naturally stay informed and can quickly process information to make informed decisions, a skill highly valued in dynamic industries.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating a team to maintain consistent communications and relay important information is critical to the success of every mission. Ensuring your team is aware and performing to standards makes you adept at keeping complex projects on task.

Leading a high-performing team and being able to manage all the inputs to bring the project across the finish line is a skill highly valued in the civilian world. Making sure team members are performing and keeping up to standards is a talent that can translate into many fields.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.00

You've been immersed in high-pressure situations where maintaining communication is paramount. Your expertise in system modeling, rapid prioritization, and situational awareness directly translates to creating and implementing strategies that ensure business operations continue during disruptions. You know how to anticipate potential problems, prioritize critical functions, and maintain clear communication channels, making you an ideal candidate.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've been trained in resource management and coordinating complex processes. This will come in handy when you manage supply chains and ensure the smooth flow of goods and information. You're adept at anticipating potential disruptions, planning for contingencies, and optimizing resource allocation.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 29-9011.00

You've been immersed in high-stakes environments that require clear communication. Your expertise in pattern recognition, rapid prioritization, and situational awareness translates perfectly to developing and implementing emergency response plans. You're adept at anticipating potential problems, coordinating resources, and communicating effectively under pressure, making you an ideal candidate to help communities prepare for and recover from disasters.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT, followed by Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC), Groton, CT, and then Submarine Communications Course, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific, Pearl Harbor, HI

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in telecommunications and electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Submarine Communications Systems Operation and Maintenance
  • Antenna Theory and Operation
  • Cryptographic Systems Management
  • Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Procedures
  • High Frequency (HF) Radio Communications
  • Emergency Action Message (EAM) Processing
  • Communications Security (COMSEC) Management
  • Submarine Communication Watch Officer Duties

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Submarine-specific communication technologies and protocols are not covered in Network+. Study general networking concepts, troubleshooting, and security.

Project Management Professional (PMP)40% covered

While experience assists in administration and training, study the PMBOK guide thoroughly. Focus on project management processes, tools, and techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)CompTIA Security+Certified Network Security Professional (CNSP)ITIL 4 Foundation

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/WSC-3 UHF Satellite Communication SystemCommercial satellite communication systems (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium) used for maritime communications
Submarine Broadcast System (SBS)Digital broadcasting systems and emergency alert systems
Navy Integrated Tactical Environmental Subsystem (NITES)Commercial weather forecasting and oceanographic data services (e.g., AccuWeather, NOAA data APIs)
SHF SATCOM systems (e.g., AN/SSR-4)High-throughput satellite internet and data services (e.g., Viasat, HughesNet)
Submarine Local Area Network (SubLAN)Shipboard ethernet networks and industrial control systems (ICS)
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)Commercial maritime emergency communication systems and services

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