Radar Technician
$75KHigh match
Stable demand
Live · Guide v1.03D155 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 3D155Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.3D155.R.04
3D155 · USAF · EnlistedGround Radar Systems
Ground Radar Systems
Technician.
Air Force 3D155 (Ground Radar Systems Technician). 1,280 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $60K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours1,280DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 3D155 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 3D155 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have08
- 01Radar Principles and Theory→ Understanding of signal processing and data interpretation.
- 02Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting→ Debugging and problem-solving in complex systems.
- 03Antenna Systems and Waveguides→ Knowledge of network infrastructure and signal transmission.
- 04Digital Signal Processing→ Analyzing and manipulating data for system optimization.
- 05Procedural Compliance→ Adhering to established protocols and regulations to ensure quality and safety.
- 06Degraded-Mode Operations→ Maintaining system functionality under stressful conditions.
- 07System Modeling→ Understanding of interconnected components and their interactions.
- 08Situational Awareness→ Identifying potential issues and proactively addressing them.
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes+Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using Terraform or Ansible+CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins or GitLab CI+Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools like Splunk or ELK Stack+Penetration testing methodologies and tools (Kali Linux, Metasploit)+IT project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum)+Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)
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
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA A&P certification
- — Aircraft-specific systems training
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
$65KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Fiber optic cabling
- — Networking certifications (CompTIA Network+, CCNA)
Electronics Engineering Technician
$72KGood match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — CAD software proficiency
- — PLC programming
Wind Turbine Technician
$60KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Climbing and rescue certification
- — OSHA safety standards
- — Specific wind turbine maintenance training
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 3D155 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
You maintained complex radar systems, diagnosing issues by understanding how interconnected components should function together. You used schematics and diagrams to visualize system behavior and identify deviations from expected performance.
Transfers to
This translates directly to the ability to understand and troubleshoot complex systems in various industries. You can analyze system interactions, predict potential failures, and develop effective solutions to maintain optimal performance.
Procedural Compliance
You rigorously followed technical orders, safety standards, and maintenance procedures while installing, repairing, and testing radar systems. Your adherence to protocols ensured accuracy, safety, and system reliability.
Transfers to
This discipline and attention to detail are highly valuable in regulated industries. You understand the importance of following established procedures to maintain compliance and avoid errors, a skill that ensures operational integrity.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You were responsible for maintaining radar systems under pressure, often diagnosing and repairing faults to restore functionality quickly. You maintained situational awareness despite malfunctions and system degradation.
Transfers to
This experience has trained you to perform effectively under stressful conditions. You can maintain composure and focus on troubleshooting critical issues to restore services and minimize downtime, making you invaluable in any fast-paced environment.
Situational Awareness
You constantly monitored radar system performance, interpreting data to identify potential issues and maintain optimal operational readiness. You understood the broader impact of system functionality on air traffic control and national defense.
Transfers to
Your ability to assess complex situations and anticipate potential problems is transferable to many civilian roles. You can proactively identify risks, monitor system performance, and make informed decisions to ensure smooth operations and prevent disruptions.
/ 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.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9012.00You've been maintaining complex electronic systems, troubleshooting malfunctions using technical documentation, and performing preventative maintenance to ensure continuous operation. This is exactly what's needed to manage and maintain building automation systems, which integrate HVAC, security, and lighting controls.
Adjacent · MatchWind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You're adept at working with complex electromechanical systems, interpreting schematics, and performing repairs in challenging conditions. This experience is a great fit for wind turbine maintenance, where you'll troubleshoot and repair wind turbines, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely.
Adjacent · MatchAmusement and Recreation Mechanic
SOC 49-9091.00You've developed a strong skillset in troubleshooting and maintaining complex systems. Amusement park rides are complicated systems requiring trained technicians to perform maintenance and repairs. Your existing skills would easily transfer over.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Training
Keesler AFB, MS1,280hHours
32wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology
Topics · 8
- Radar Principles and Theory
- Electronic Circuitry and Troubleshooting
- Radar Systems Maintenance and Repair
- Antenna Systems and Waveguides
- Transmitter and Receiver Theory
- Digital Signal Processing
- Air Traffic Control Radar Systems
- Weather Radar Systems
Partial coverage · 3
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70%
The 3D155 role provides strong experience with radar systems, but the CET exam covers a broader range of electronics principles and troubleshooting techniques not specific to radar, such as consumer electronics and industrial controls.
- CompTIA Network+60%
While the 3D155 role involves communications subsystems, Network+ covers broader networking concepts like network design, security, and troubleshooting that may not be fully covered.
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)50%
The 3D155 role works with radio systems, but the GROL requires in-depth knowledge of FCC rules and regulations, as well as a broader understanding of radio theory and practices beyond radar-specific applications.
Recommended next · 03
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Adjacent
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- CCNP EnterpriseAdjacent
/ 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 for air traffic control | Signals |
| AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance Radar | Commercial airport surveillance radar systems | Signals |
| IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) Systems | ATC transponders and collision avoidance systems | Operations |
| AN/TPN-19 Landing Control System | Precision approach radar (PAR) systems | Operations |
| Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems (VHF/UHF) | Commercial aviation radio communication systems | Networking |
| Radar Test Sets (e.g., AN/USM-603) | Electronic test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers) used in telecommunications or avionics | Signals |
| Video Mapper Systems | Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with real-time data overlays | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 3D155 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.