7236 Career Guide
7236: Tactical Air Defense Controller
Career transition guide for Marine Corps Tactical Air Defense Controller (7236)
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Top civilian roles for 7236 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Air Traffic Controller
Skills to develop:
Network Systems Administrator
Skills to develop:
Emergency Management Specialist
Skills to develop:
Intelligence Analyst
Skills to develop:
Technical Support Specialist
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 7236 training built — and where they transfer.
Situational Awareness
As a Tactical Air Defense Controller, you constantly monitored the airspace, integrating data from multiple sources (radar, communications, other units) to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the battlespace, identifying potential threats and friendly aircraft positions in real-time.
This ability to synthesize information from diverse sources to form a complete picture translates to understanding complex business environments, market trends, and competitive landscapes.
Rapid Prioritization
In a dynamic air defense environment, you had to quickly assess threats, prioritize targets, and allocate resources (interceptors, weapons systems) based on the severity and immediacy of the danger.
This skill is invaluable in fast-paced civilian roles where you must quickly evaluate competing demands, allocate resources effectively, and make critical decisions under pressure.
System Modeling
You operated and understood complex air defense systems, including their capabilities, limitations, and interactions with other systems. You could predict the behavior of these systems under various conditions.
Your understanding of complex system dynamics allows you to analyze and predict the behavior of other intricate systems, such as those in logistics, supply chains, or financial markets.
Team Synchronization
Air defense is never a solo effort. You coordinated with other controllers, pilots, and surface-to-air missile crews to ensure a unified and effective defense against aerial threats.
Your proven ability to synchronize efforts across multiple teams ensures seamless collaboration and optimal performance in any complex project or operational environment.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You were trained to maintain effectiveness even when systems failed or were degraded by enemy action (electronic warfare). You found workarounds and maintained control of the battlespace.
Your experience in maintaining operational effectiveness under adverse circumstances makes you an ideal candidate for roles requiring resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving in crisis situations.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Logistics Coordinator
SOC 13-1081You've been orchestrating complex movements of aircraft and resources in a high-pressure environment. As a Logistics Coordinator (13-1081), you will use your expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing logistical operations to ensure the efficient flow of goods, materials, and personnel.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 29-9011You've honed the ability to assess threats, coordinate responses, and maintain calm under pressure in air defense scenarios. As an Emergency Management Specialist (29-9011), you can leverage these skills to develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate disaster relief efforts, and ensure community preparedness.
Air Traffic Controller
SOC 53-2011You've already mastered the skill of guiding aircraft safely and efficiently. As an Air Traffic Controller (53-2011), you can apply your expertise in airspace management, communication, and decision-making to ensure the safe and orderly flow of air traffic at airports and en route facilities, transitioning your military skills to a civilian context.
Financial Risk Analyst
SOC 13-2051You've been analyzing complex data streams to identify and mitigate threats. As a Financial Risk Analyst (13-2051), you can leverage these skills to assess financial risks, develop mitigation strategies, and protect organizations from potential losses by understanding systemic impacts.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Tactical Air Defense Controller Course, Marine Corps Air Control Training Squadron (MCATS), Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) Twentynine Palms, CA
Topics Covered
- •Air Defense System Employment
- •Radar Theory and Operation
- •Communications Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- •Airspace Management Procedures
- •Electronic Warfare and Countermeasures
- •Ground Controlled Intercept (GCI) Techniques
- •Aircraft Identification Procedures
- •Tactical Data Link (TDL) Operations
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
While experience with military communications and radar systems provides a foundation, CISSP requires extensive knowledge of information security governance, risk management, cryptography, and security architecture. Significant study is needed.
Experience coordinating air control units provides some project management exposure, but PMP requires a thorough understanding of project management methodologies, tools, and techniques as defined by PMI. Study of the PMBOK guide is essential.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/TPS-59(V)3 Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Radar | Long-range weather surveillance radar systems |
| AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) | Modern air traffic control radar systems |
| Improved HAWK Missile System | Commercial anti-drone systems with radar and intercept capabilities |
| Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) | Integrated air traffic management systems |
| Link 16 Tactical Data Link | Military-grade encrypted communication networks |
| AN/PRC-117G Multiband Manpack Radio | Satellite communication devices with encryption |
| Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) | Commercial airspace management and deconfliction software |
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