Computer and Network Support Technician
$65KHigh match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — CompTIA A+ Certification
- — Customer service skills
Live · Guide v1.035J · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
Home/Career Guides/35J
ARMY · 35JCareer Guide · IT · Comms · VWC.CG.35J.R.04
35J · ARMY · EnlistedTelecommunications Equipment
Telecommunications Equipment
Repairer.
Army 35J (Telecommunications Equipment Repairer). 680 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $55K–$110K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours680DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 9 semester hours recommended
Tech roles3mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 35J 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 35J training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have07
- 01Troubleshooting microcomputers and telecommunications equipment→ Troubleshooting and diagnosing issues in complex systems
- 02Use of Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE)→ Using diagnostic tools to identify and resolve technical problems
- 03COMSEC device maintenance→ Understanding of security protocols and procedures
- 04System Modeling→ Analyzing and understanding how different parts of a system work together
- 05Procedural Compliance→ Following established protocols and ensuring quality and accuracy
- 06Resource Optimization→ Managing resources effectively and prioritizing tasks
- 07Situational Awareness→ Assessing situations quickly and making sound decisions
To learn06
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Linux system administration fundamentals+Scripting with Bash and Python+Network protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP)+Network security principles and practices+Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) basics+Security information and event management (SIEM) tools
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.
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
$60KHigh match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Avaya)
- — Knowledge of current telecom protocols
Electronics Engineering Technician
$70KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Associate's degree in Electronics Technology
- — Proficiency in CAD software
IT Manager
$110KGood match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Project management certification (e.g., PMP)
- — ITIL certification
- — Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related field
Field Service Technician
$55KModerate match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Strong communication skills
- — Valid driver's license
- — Problem-solving abilities in diverse environments
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 35J training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
As a 35J, you developed the ability to understand complex systems, including telecommunications equipment and microcomputers, and how their components interact. You used schematics and signal flowcharts to model these systems and diagnose faults.
Transfers to
This skill translates to the ability to analyze and understand complex systems in a variety of civilian contexts. You can quickly grasp how different parts of a system work together and identify potential problems or areas for improvement.
Procedural Compliance
Your role required strict adherence to maintenance procedures, security protocols for COMSEC devices, and Army maintenance policies. You ensured all repairs and maintenance activities complied with established guidelines and regulations.
Transfers to
This demonstrates your understanding of the importance of following established protocols and your commitment to quality and accuracy. You are comfortable working within a structured environment and ensuring that all tasks are completed according to established standards.
Resource Optimization
You managed bench stock, prepared supply requests, and coordinated logistical support for maintenance teams. You also established work schedules and repair priorities, ensuring efficient use of resources to meet maintenance demands.
Transfers to
This translates directly to your ability to effectively manage resources, prioritize tasks, and optimize workflows. You understand how to allocate resources efficiently to achieve goals and improve productivity.
Situational Awareness
As a senior electronic maintenance chief, you maintained awareness of the maintenance status of equipment, repair priorities, and compliance with quality control standards. You provided advice and technical assistance to commanders, ensuring they had the information needed to make informed decisions.
Transfers to
Your experience has honed your ability to stay informed, assess situations quickly, and provide valuable insights. You are adept at gathering and analyzing information to make sound decisions and contribute to effective problem-solving.
/ 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.
Field Service Technician (Medical Equipment)
SOC 49-9062You've been troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic equipment. Your experience working with microcomputers and electro-mechanical systems translates perfectly to maintaining medical equipment in hospitals and clinics. Your familiarity with schematics and diagnostic tools will make you a valuable asset in this role. SOC Code: 49-9062
Adjacent · MatchWind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081You've been coordinating logistical support and ensuring the operability of equipment. Wind turbines involve complex mechanical and electrical systems, and your experience in troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing electronic equipment would be highly valuable. Plus, your experience optimizing resources would be extremely beneficial. SOC Code: 49-9081
Adjacent · MatchBuilding Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021You've been interpreting circuit diagrams, schematics, and software diagnostics. Modern buildings rely on sophisticated automation systems to control HVAC, lighting, and security. Your skills in troubleshooting and repairing electronic equipment make you well-suited to maintain and optimize these systems, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort. SOC Code: 49-9021
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
35J AIT
Fort Eisenhower, GA680hHours
17wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 9 semester hours recommended
Topics · 8
- Basic Electronics Theory
- Microcomputer Systems Troubleshooting
- Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Maintenance
- Facsimile Machine Repair
- Digital Device Repair
- Use of Built-in Test Equipment (BITE)
- Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Operation
- COMSEC Device Maintenance Procedures
Partial coverage · 2
- CompTIA A+70%
Some newer hardware and software troubleshooting, mobile devices, and cloud computing basics.
- CompTIA Network+40%
In-depth networking concepts, network security, virtualization, and cloud technologies.
Recommended next · 03
- CompTIA Security+Adjacent
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Adjacent
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Adjacent
/ 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/PSC-5D Satellite Terminal | Satellite communication systems (e.g., Inmarsat, Iridium) used for remote communication | Operations |
| AN/PRC-150 HF Radio | HF radio communication systems used by amateur radio operators and for emergency communication | Operations |
| AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL) | Cryptographic key management systems used in IT security | Operations |
| Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) | Electronic test and measurement equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, multimeters) used by electronics technicians | Operations |
| Standard Army Maintenance System-Enhanced (SAMS-E) | Maintenance management software (e.g., SAP Plant Maintenance, IBM Maximo) for tracking repairs and maintenance schedules | Operations |
| Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Computers | Standard desktop and laptop computers used in business environments | Networking |
| Built-In Test Equipment (BITE) | Self-test diagnostics embedded in electronic devices | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 35J 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.