Radar Technician
$75KHigh match
Stable demand
Live · Guide v1.01B175 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 1B175Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.1B175.R.04
1B175 · USAF · EnlistedGround Radar Systems
Ground Radar Systems
Technician.
Air Force 1B175 (Ground Radar Systems Technician). 1,296 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $58K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours1,296DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours in electronics technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/8direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 1B175 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 1B175 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have10
- 01Radar Principles and Theory→ Understanding of network communication protocols and data transmission concepts
- 02Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting→ Hardware troubleshooting and basic understanding of electronic components
- 03Antenna Systems Installation and Maintenance→ Knowledge of wireless communication principles and radio frequency (RF) systems
- 04Digital Signal Processing→ Signal analysis and data interpretation skills
- 05Technical Documentation Interpretation→ Ability to understand and follow technical manuals and specifications
- 06Preventative Maintenance Procedures→ Systematic approach to maintenance and problem-solving
- 07System Modeling→ Analyzing business processes and predicting the impact of changes
- 08Procedural Compliance→ Adherence to industry regulations and compliance standards
- 09Degraded-Mode Operations→ Maintaining critical business functions during system outages
- 10After-Action Analysis→ Identifying inefficiencies and optimizing performance
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification+Linux system administration fundamentals+Network security principles and tools (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems)+Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)+Scripting languages such as Python or Bash+Cybersecurity frameworks and compliance standards (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001)+Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)+IT project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum)
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Avionics Technician
$78KGood match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA A&P License
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
$65KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific equipment certifications (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)
- — Fiber optic cabling and installation
Wind Turbine Technician
$60KModerate match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Safety certifications
- — Experience with large rotating machinery
- — Climbing and rescue training
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
$58KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) training
- — Specific industry knowledge
- — Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 1B175 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
You used schematics and diagrams to understand the interconnectedness of complex radar systems, predicting how changes in one component would affect the entire system's performance.
Transfers to
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates to analyzing business processes, identifying bottlenecks, and predicting the impact of changes to those processes.
Procedural Compliance
Adhering to strict technical orders, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures was critical to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of radar systems.
Transfers to
Your commitment to following established protocols and maintaining high standards makes you well-suited for roles requiring strict adherence to industry regulations and compliance standards.
Degraded-Mode Operations
When radar systems malfunctioned, you needed to quickly diagnose the problem and implement temporary workarounds to maintain operational capability, even if at a reduced capacity.
Transfers to
This experience translates to an ability to maintain critical business functions during system outages or unexpected disruptions, using creative solutions and prioritizing essential tasks.
After-Action Analysis
You consistently reviewed maintenance procedures, identified areas for improvement, and recommended changes to enhance equipment performance and maintenance practices.
Transfers to
This analytical mindset is valuable in identifying inefficiencies, improving processes, and implementing solutions that optimize performance and reduce errors.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Business Process Analyst
SOC 13-1111You've been trained to analyze complex systems, troubleshoot problems, and improve performance. Your experience with radar systems translates directly to analyzing business processes, identifying bottlenecks, and recommending improvements. Your procedural compliance and problem-solving skills will be invaluable.
Adjacent · MatchCompliance Officer
SOC 13-1041You've demonstrated a strong understanding of regulations, safety standards, and maintenance procedures. Your commitment to procedural compliance and attention to detail make you an ideal candidate for ensuring that organizations adhere to industry regulations and internal policies. You'll be able to identify and address compliance risks effectively.
Adjacent · MatchDisaster Recovery Specialist
SOC 15-1299You've developed the ability to maintain critical operations during system malfunctions and disruptions. Your experience with degraded-mode operations and resourcefulness makes you well-suited for developing and implementing disaster recovery plans that ensure business continuity in the face of unexpected events. Your calm demeanor under pressure will be a huge asset.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Course
Sheppard AFB, TX1,296hHours
36wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours in electronics technology
Topics · 8
- Radar Principles and Theory
- Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting
- Antenna Systems Installation and Maintenance
- Transmitter and Receiver Operation and Repair
- Digital Signal Processing
- Radar System Alignment and Calibration
- Preventative Maintenance Procedures
- Technical Documentation Interpretation
Partial coverage · 3
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70%
Focus on specific electronics troubleshooting techniques, industry standards, and current technologies not covered in military training.
- CompTIA Network+60%
Study network design principles, advanced networking protocols, and vendor-specific networking technologies.
- ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)30%
Experience must include six years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK). Study of information security principles, risk management, and security frameworks is needed to pass the exam.
Recommended next · 05
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Adjacent
- Six Sigma Green BeltAdjacent
- CCNP EnterpriseAdjacent
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – AssociateAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| AN/TPS-75 Radar System | Long-range air surveillance radar systems used in civilian air traffic control | Signals |
| AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance Radar | Commercial airport surveillance radar for approach and departure control | Signals |
| Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Systems | Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) used in civil aviation | Operations |
| Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR) | FAA's network of long-range radar systems for en route air traffic control | Signals |
| Remote Control Systems for Radar | SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment | Signals |
| Video Mapper Systems | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with real-time data overlay capabilities | Operations |
| Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems | Commercial aviation VHF/UHF radio systems | Networking |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 1B175 into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.