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916A Career Guide

Army

916A: High to Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) Systems Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Army High to Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) Systems Maintenance Technician (916A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 916A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Field Service Engineer

$85K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Specific product training (e.g., Siemens, GE)Excellent customer service skills

Electronics Engineering Technician

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree in electronics technologyProficiency with CAD software

Quality Assurance Specialist

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationKnowledge of ISO 9000 standards

Technical Trainer

$68K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design principlesExcellent communication skillsAdult learning methodologies

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 916A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 916A, you developed a deep understanding of how HIMAD missile systems function, including their intricate components and interdependencies. This involved creating mental models to predict system behavior and identify potential failure points.

This translates directly to the ability to build and analyze complex systems in various industries. You can understand how different components interact and identify potential problems before they arise.

Resource Optimization

You managed supply chains, equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure the efficient maintenance and operation of HIMAD missile systems. This included optimizing resource allocation, minimizing downtime, and maximizing system readiness.

Your experience in resource optimization is highly valuable in civilian roles. You're adept at streamlining processes, managing budgets, and ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Situational Awareness

You maintained constant awareness of the status of HIMAD missile systems, potential threats, and the operational environment. This allowed you to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to ensure mission success.

Your ability to quickly assess situations, identify potential risks, and make sound judgments under pressure is a valuable asset in many civilian fields. You can anticipate problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and maintain a clear focus on objectives.

Procedural Compliance

The work you performed required strict adherence to established maintenance standards, safety regulations, and quality assurance procedures. Non-compliance could lead to catastrophic failures, so vigilance and precision were essential.

Your commitment to procedural compliance makes you a valuable asset in regulated industries. You understand the importance of following established protocols, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring that all work meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Analyst

SOC 15-1212

You've been immersed in complex systems and understand the criticality of maintaining their integrity. Your knowledge of troubleshooting, diagnostics, and security protocols translates perfectly to protecting industrial control systems from cyber threats.

Technical Trainer (Robotics/Automation)

SOC 25-9044

You've been an instructor in complex weapon systems. This expertise makes you a perfect fit for training civilian technicians and engineers on the operation and maintenance of advanced robotics and automation equipment.

Compliance Manager (Aerospace/Defense)

SOC 13-1041

You've been steeped in procedural compliance and quality assurance. Your experience in interpreting technical data, identifying discrepancies, and implementing corrective actions makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring regulatory compliance in the aerospace or defense industry.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Patriot System Maintenance Course, Fort Sill, OK

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Digital Switching Theory and Logic
  • HIMAD Missile System Fundamentals
  • Solid-State Device Theory
  • Diagnostic System Analysis and Troubleshooting
  • Direct Support/General Support Maintenance Procedures
  • Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMIS)
  • Automated Standard Army Maintenance System (SAMS-1)
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA A+70% covered

Focus on current operating systems, mobile device troubleshooting, and networking fundamentals outside of military-specific systems.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Study current networking technologies, cloud networking concepts, and network security best practices.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)50% covered

Update knowledge on consumer electronics, advanced troubleshooting techniques, and current industry standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Security+Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
High Mobility Air Defense (HIMAD) Missile SystemsIntegrated Air and Missile Defense Systems
Standard Army Maintenance System (SAMS-1)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
Standard Army Retail Supply System (SARSS-1)Inventory Management Systems
The Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Report of Discrepancy (ROD)/Quality Discrepancy Report (QDR)Non-conformance Reporting Systems
Engineering Change Proposal (ECP)Change Management Systems
Maintenance Work Order (MWO)Service Request Management System

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