72F Career Guide
72F: Data Communication Terminal Operator
Career transition guide for Army Data Communication Terminal Operator (72F)
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Top civilian roles for 72F veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Network Administrator
Skills to develop:
IT Support Specialist
Skills to develop:
Data Center Technician
Skills to develop:
Information Security Analyst
Skills to develop:
Technical Writer
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 72F training built — and where they transfer.
Procedural Compliance
Adhering to strict protocols for message handling, data security, and equipment operation to maintain secure and efficient communications.
Meticulously following established procedures and regulations in highly regulated environments, ensuring accuracy and preventing errors.
Situational Awareness
Monitoring network status, recognizing anomalies, and understanding the impact of equipment malfunctions or message discrepancies on overall communication flow.
Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of dynamic situations, anticipating potential problems, and making informed decisions based on available information.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Maintaining functionality and troubleshooting issues when equipment malfunctions, circuits fail, or message discrepancies arise, ensuring continuous data flow.
Adapting to unexpected challenges, identifying alternative solutions, and maintaining operational effectiveness under pressure and with limited resources.
System Modeling
Understanding how different components of the data communication system (terminals, networks, computers) interact to transmit and process messages.
Comprehending complex systems and their interdependencies to analyze performance, troubleshoot issues, and propose improvements.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041.00You've been immersed in strict protocols, data security, and equipment operations. Your experience ensuring adherence to procedures translates directly to ensuring companies comply with regulations and internal policies.
Network Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212.00You've honed your skills in monitoring network status, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring continuous data flow. These skills are essential for a Network Security Analyst who is responsible for securing an organization's network and data.
Technical Support Specialist
SOC 15-1232.00Your experience in troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, analyzing system displays, and performing preventative maintenance makes you well-prepared to assist customers with technical issues, providing effective solutions and maintaining their systems.
Training & Education Equivalencies
72F AIT, Fort Gordon, GA
Topics Covered
- •Data Communication Terminal Equipment Operation
- •Message Processing and Delivery
- •Automated Data Communications Network Procedures
- •Teletypewriter and Data Communications Terminal Equipment Operation
- •Digital Network Integration
- •Equipment Malfunction and Circuit Failure Analysis
- •Cryptographic Material Handling
- •Preventive Maintenance on Data Communication Terminal Equipment
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study network troubleshooting, network devices, network management, and network security.
Focus on advanced security concepts, risk management, and compliance.
Requires significant additional study in all 8 domains of information security, plus 5 years of experience. Could be attainable after further work experience.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Automatic Digital Message Switching Center (ADMSC) | Automated Message Handling System (AMHS) |
| Teletypewriter | Telex or legacy telecommunications systems |
| Cryptographic Equipment (KY-58, KG-84) | Data encryption software, VPNs, TLS/SSL protocols |
| Paper Tape and Card Readers/Punches | Legacy data storage and retrieval systems, often replaced by digital storage |
| Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP) | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) inventory management modules |
| Master Station Logs | System monitoring and event logging software (e.g., Splunk, ELK Stack) |
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