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917A Career Guide

Army

917A: Missile Systems Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Army Missile Systems Maintenance Technician (917A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 917A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Field Service Engineer

$95K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific product knowledge (e.g., Siemens, GE)Customer service skills

Maintenance Manager

$105K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (PMP)Advanced knowledge of specific industry maintenance standards (e.g., ISO 9001)

Test Engineer

$90K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in testing software (e.g., LabVIEW, TestStand)Knowledge of statistical analysis

Logistics Manager

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management certification (e.g., CSCP)Experience with specific logistics software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)

Technical Trainer

$75K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design experienceExcellent communication and presentation skillsCertification in adult learning principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 917A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You develop mental models of complex MFAD systems to understand how components interact and predict potential points of failure within missile systems.

This translates to understanding and predicting the behavior of complex systems, which is valuable in many civilian industries. You can quickly grasp how different parts of a system impact the whole and anticipate potential problems.

Resource Optimization

You manage and allocate resources, including personnel, tools, and supplies, to ensure smooth and continuous maintenance and repair operations. This requires balancing competing demands and making the most of available assets.

This skill allows you to effectively allocate resources to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. You can identify areas where resources are being underutilized or misallocated and develop strategies for improvement.

Procedural Compliance

You ensure that all maintenance and repair activities adhere to established quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and safety regulations.

Your meticulous approach to following procedures and maintaining standards translates directly into ensuring compliance in regulated industries. You understand the importance of adhering to guidelines and can implement systems to maintain quality.

After-Action Analysis

You monitor and direct work-flow and test procedures, diagnostic system analysis, and troubleshooting techniques for automated test equipment supporting MFAD systems.

Your ability to analyze past events, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions is valuable in driving continuous improvement in civilian organizations. You can use data and insights from past experiences to optimize processes and prevent future problems.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a comprehensive understanding of the status of MFAD systems, maintenance operations, and unit readiness, enabling you to make informed decisions and anticipate potential issues.

Your ability to quickly assess situations, understand the environment, and anticipate potential problems is invaluable. You can use this skill to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure smooth operations.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been managing complex logistical operations, coordinating between military and industry, and optimizing resource allocation, making you well-prepared to analyze and improve supply chain efficiency for companies.

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051

You've been ensuring that QA/QC procedures are followed, monitoring work practices, and identifying areas for improvement. Your experience in maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance translates directly to managing quality control programs in manufacturing or service industries.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9041

You've been instructing subordinates in operating procedures, maintenance techniques, and the care of special tools and supporting equipment. You can leverage your technical expertise and communication skills to train employees on new technologies or procedures in various industries.

IT Systems Manager

SOC 11-3021

You've been managing and directing the integration of automated systems, troubleshooting complex technical problems, and ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure, making you a great fit to oversee IT systems in businesses.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Patriot System Maintenance Course, Fort Sill, OK

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

Topics Covered

  • Digital Switching Theory and Logic
  • Solid State Devices and Circuit Analysis
  • Missile System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
  • Automated Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance
  • Unit Level Logistics System (ULLS) Management
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures
  • Technical Publication Interpretation and Management
  • Safety and Security Procedures for Missile Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA A+70% covered

Focus on the latest hardware and software troubleshooting techniques not specifically covered in MFAD systems.

CompTIA Network+60% covered

Study modern networking protocols, cloud networking concepts, and network security best practices.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)50% covered

Review broader electronics applications beyond MFAD systems, including consumer and industrial electronics repair.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
MFAD Systems (Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions)Automated Missile and Rocket Systems Maintenance and Diagnostic Equipment
Unit Level Logistic System (ULLS)Inventory management software
Standard Army Maintenance System (SAMS-1)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Standard Army Retail Supply System (SARSS)Supply chain management software
Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)Maintenance tracking and documentation software
Report of Discrepancy (ROD)Incident Reporting System
Quality Discrepancy Report (QDR)Quality Control Reporting System
Engineering Change Proposal (ECP)Change Management System

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