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7011 Career Guide

Marine Corps

7011: Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician (7011)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7011 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificationSpecific avionics systems training (e.g., Garmin, Honeywell)

Electrical Technician

$65K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial/Industrial electrical experiencePLC (Programmable Logic Controller) training

Airport Maintenance Technician

$60K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Familiarity with FAA regulationsSpecific equipment certifications (e.g., lighting systems)

Wind Turbine Technician

$68K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30)Climbing and rescue trainingExperience with large mechanical systems

Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic splicing certificationNetworking certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+)Experience with specific telecom equipment (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7011 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an expeditionary airfield systems technician, you develop a mental model of how all the airfield systems (arresting gear, lighting, matting, etc.) interact, allowing you to quickly diagnose and resolve issues when one component malfunctions.

This ability to understand complex systems and their interdependencies translates directly to understanding and troubleshooting complex industrial or technological processes in the civilian world.

Rapid Prioritization

In a dynamic environment, you must quickly assess the urgency of different airfield maintenance needs. You learn to prioritize tasks based on impact to operations, safety considerations, and available resources, ensuring the airfield remains operational.

This skill is crucial for project management and emergency response roles, where you need to quickly evaluate situations, identify critical tasks, and allocate resources effectively under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

Working on and around airfields requires strict adherence to safety regulations and operational procedures to prevent accidents and ensure mission success. You develop a deep understanding of the importance of following protocols and maintaining detailed records.

Your commitment to following procedures makes you well-suited for roles in regulated industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or aviation, where compliance is paramount.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the airfield environment, including aircraft movements, weather conditions, and potential hazards, is critical for your safety and the safety of others. You develop heightened senses and an ability to anticipate potential problems.

This skill is valuable in security, logistics, and transportation roles, where you need to observe your surroundings, identify potential risks, and react quickly to changing conditions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

SOC 49-9041.00

You've been maintaining complex airfield systems under pressure, demonstrating a knack for troubleshooting and repair. As an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic, you'll use those same skills to keep factories and other industrial facilities running smoothly. Your experience with safety regulations and documentation will also be a great asset.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've spent your time maintaining complex airfield systems in an outdoor environment. Now, as a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll use your technical expertise to inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines, ensuring they generate clean energy efficiently. Your experience with electrical systems and troubleshooting will be highly valuable.

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061.00

You've developed a keen eye for detail and a commitment to procedural compliance. As a Quality Control Inspector, you will inspect products and materials to ensure they meet quality standards. Your experience maintaining complex systems and documenting maintenance actions will translate into ensuring the quality of products.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Expeditionary Airfield Systems Technician School, Marine Corps Engineer School, Camp Lejeune, NC

680 training hours17 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Construction Technology and Aviation Operations

Topics Covered

  • Expeditionary Airfield (EAF) Systems Overview
  • AM-2 Matting Installation and Maintenance
  • Visual Landing Aid Systems (VLAS) Operation and Repair
  • Airfield Lighting and Marking Procedures
  • Emergency Arresting Gear Systems Maintenance
  • Tactical/Assault Landing Zone Assessment Surveys (TALZAS)
  • Airfield Communications Systems
  • Airfield Safety Procedures and Hazardous Zones

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

Study aviation business management, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance topics beyond the direct technical aspects of airfield systems.

OSHA 30-Hour Construction60% covered

Focus on construction-specific OSHA regulations, record keeping, and hazard communication standards not fully covered in military training.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Construction Manager (CCM)Commercial Driver's License (CDL)FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Expeditionary Airfield (EAF) AM-2 MattingModular portable runway systems, rapid runway repair materials
Visual Landing Aids (VLA)Airport lighting systems, LED runway lighting
Tactical Airfield Lighting Systems (TALS)Portable airfield lighting kits, solar-powered runway lights
Field Marker Lights (FML)Construction site lighting, portable LED marker systems
Arresting Gear (e.g., BAK-12)Emergency aircraft arresting systems, cable arrestor systems
AN/PRC-117G RadioMotorola or Harris Corporation tactical radios
Tactical/Assault Landing Zone Assessment Surveys (TALZAS) using survey equipmentLand surveying using GPS and total station equipment.

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