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RM Career Guide

Coast Guard

RM: Radioman

Career transition guide for Coast Guard Radioman (RM)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Telecommunications Specialist

$72K
High matchStable demand

Network Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)CompTIA Network+

Help Desk Technician

$45K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsCompTIA A+

Emergency Dispatcher

$48K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certificationCrisis communication training

Technical Trainer

$60K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional designAdult learning principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

Rapid Prioritization

As a telecommunications specialist, you quickly assess incoming messages and transmissions, determining which require immediate attention and routing them accordingly, especially crucial in time-sensitive or emergency situations.

This ability to quickly triage information and tasks translates directly to roles requiring efficient decision-making under pressure, ensuring that critical issues are addressed promptly and effectively.

Procedural Compliance

You rigorously follow established protocols and procedures for message handling, transmission, and equipment operation to maintain communication integrity and security.

Your meticulous adherence to rules and regulations is valuable in environments demanding precision and consistency, ensuring operational reliability and minimizing errors.

System Modeling

You develop a strong understanding of how telecommunication systems function, allowing you to troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and anticipate potential problems.

This understanding of interconnected systems and their dynamics translates well into roles requiring strategic planning, process improvement, and proactive problem-solving.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for managing communication equipment, supplies, and personnel to ensure maximum efficiency and operational readiness within budgetary constraints.

This expertise in allocating resources effectively and maximizing output is highly applicable to roles focused on efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been expertly managing the flow of information and resources in high-pressure military environments. As a Logistics Coordinator, you'll apply your skills in planning, coordinating, and executing the movement of goods and materials, ensuring timely delivery and efficient operations.

Emergency Dispatcher

SOC 43-5031.00

You've honed your ability to rapidly prioritize information and manage communication in critical situations. As an Emergency Dispatcher, you will leverage your calm demeanor and quick decision-making skills to handle emergency calls, dispatch first responders, and provide crucial support during crises.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044.00

You have experience instructing and supervising personnel in the operation and procedures of communication systems. As a Technical Trainer, you can leverage your teaching skills to train individuals on how to use a specific software or hardware program.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Radioman (RM) 'A' School, Petaluma, CA

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in telecommunications technology

Topics Covered

  • Telecommunications Principles
  • Radio Theory and Operation
  • Message Formatting and Transmission Procedures
  • Communication Security (COMSEC)
  • Antenna Systems
  • Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Communication Equipment
  • Typing and Message Processing
  • Basic Electronics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Study network troubleshooting, network security, and network implementation.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Study cryptography, risk management, and security assessments.

Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)50% covered

Study advanced wireless protocols, security, and troubleshooting techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
HF/VHF/UHF RadiosTwo-way radios, Ham radios, CB radios
Military Message Handling System (MMHS)Secure email systems (e.g., ProtonMail, encrypted messaging platforms)
Naval Tactical Command Support System (NTCSS)ERP systems with logistics and supply chain management modules (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Joint Automated Message Handling System (JAMHS)Automated message routing and distribution systems (e.g., used in financial trading or emergency response)
Satellite Communication Systems (SATCOM)Satellite internet providers (e.g., Starlink, Viasat), satellite phones
AN/USC-69(V) Digital Modular Radio (DMR)Software-defined radios (SDR) used in public safety and amateur radio
Link 11/16 Tactical Data LinksData exchange protocols used in air traffic control or financial networks (e.g., FIX Protocol)

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