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7297 Career Guide

Navy

7297: Submarine Communication Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Submarine Communication Technician (7297)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7297 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network Engineer

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or similar certification

Telecommunications Technician

$70K
High matchStable demand

Information Security Analyst

$105K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Security+Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Technical Support Specialist

$60K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skills

Technical Writer

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Technical Writing CertificationSpecific industry knowledge

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7297 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Submarine Communication Technicians develop a deep understanding of complex communication systems, including signal flow, equipment interdependencies, and potential points of failure. They use this mental model to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance.

This translates to the ability to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems, anticipate potential problems, and develop solutions that address the root cause of issues.

Rapid Prioritization

In a submarine environment, communication systems can be critical for mission success and safety. Technicians must quickly assess the severity of any communication failure, prioritize tasks based on urgency, and implement the most effective solution under pressure.

This means you can quickly evaluate situations, identify the most important issues, and allocate resources accordingly, even in high-pressure environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Submarine communication equipment is subject to harsh conditions and potential damage. Communication Technicians are trained to maintain effective communication even when systems are partially inoperable, utilizing alternative methods and workarounds to achieve mission objectives.

You are adept at finding creative solutions and maintaining operational effectiveness even when resources are limited or systems are not functioning optimally; you are resourceful and adaptable.

Procedural Compliance

Maintaining submarine communication systems requires strict adherence to established procedures and protocols. Communication Technicians are rigorously trained to follow detailed instructions, ensuring accuracy and preventing errors that could compromise the mission.

You are highly disciplined and understand the importance of following established guidelines and protocols to ensure accuracy, consistency, and safety in your work.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Technical Writer

SOC 11-3051.00

You've been immersed in complex communication systems, understanding how they work and troubleshooting them under pressure. As a Technical Writer (11-3051.00), you can leverage your knowledge to create clear, concise documentation for other technicians and end-users.

Network Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212.00

You've developed a deep understanding of communication systems and potential vulnerabilities. As a Network Security Analyst (15-1212.00), you can use your skills to protect networks from cyber threats by identifying and mitigating security risks.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You're used to troubleshooting problems under pressure with limited resources and maintaining complex communication networks even when equipment is failing. As a Logistics Coordinator (43-3071.00), you can use your skills in process management, operations analysis, and systems evaluation to ensure the smooth operation of a business supply chain.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Submarine Electronic Communications School, Naval Submarine Base New London

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Electronics Technology

Topics Covered

  • Electronic fundamentals
  • Radio wave propagation
  • Antenna theory and maintenance
  • Cryptographic equipment operation and maintenance
  • Satellite communications systems
  • Submarine communication protocols
  • Troubleshooting and repair of communication systems
  • Information security

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

While the Submarine Communication Technician role provides a solid foundation in networking principles, it's essential to study specific areas like network security, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), and cloud networking concepts for the Network+ exam.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

The role provides exposure to secure communication practices; however, the Security+ exam requires a broader understanding of cybersecurity threats, vulnerability management, cryptography, and security policies. Further study in these areas is recommended.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)40% covered

The Submarine Communication Technician role might touch upon wireless communications; however, the CWNA certification requires in-depth knowledge of wireless standards (802.11), RF technologies, wireless security protocols, and site surveying. Dedicated study is required.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)AWS Certified Security - Specialty

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/WSC-9(V) SHF SATCOM SystemCommercial Ku/Ka-band satellite communication systems
AN/URC-109 Radio GroupHF/VHF/UHF software-defined radios
Submarine Broadcast Antenna System (SBAS)Low Frequency (LF) radio transmission systems
NAVSSI (Navigation Sensor System Interface)Integrated bridge systems (IBS) for maritime navigation
Integrated Data Network (IDN)Secure network infrastructure (Cisco, Juniper) with VLANs and VPNs
Link 11/16 Tactical Data LinksMilitary-grade data encryption and key management software

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