Communications - Submarine
LDO.
Navy 6195 (Communications - Submarine LDO). 480 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $82K–$130K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 6195 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
The gap, named.
What 6195 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
- 01Submarine Communications Systems (SUBCOM)→ Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems and secure data networks
- 02Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS)→ Oceanographic monitoring and acoustic surveillance technologies
- 03AN/WSC-9(V) SHORE SATCOM→ Commercial satellite communication terminals
- 04NAVSSI (Navigation Sensor System Interface)→ Integrated bridge systems (IBS) for maritime navigation
- 05Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS)→ Commercial maritime emergency communication systems
- 06Submarine Local Area Network (SubLAN)→ Industrial control systems (ICS) networking
- 07Situational Awareness→ Ability to perceive and understand business environments, anticipate problems, and make informed decisions
- 08Rapid Prioritization→ Efficiently manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and make critical decisions under pressure
- 09System Modeling→ Understand complex systems, analyze processes, identify bottlenecks, and develop solutions
- 10Degraded-Mode Operations→ Perform effectively under challenging conditions and find creative solutions
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
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 →Where your code lands.
Telecommunications Specialist
$82KIT Manager
$115K- — Project Management Certification (PMP)
- — ITIL Certification
Cybersecurity Analyst
$98K- — Security+ Certification
- — CISSP Certification
Technical Program Manager
$130K- — Agile Methodologies
- — SAFe Certification
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 6195 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Situational Awareness
As a submarine communications officer, you constantly maintained a deep understanding of the operational environment, including potential threats, communications vulnerabilities, and the location of friendly forces. This was crucial for effective communication and mission success.
This translates to the ability to perceive and understand your environment in a business setting. You can anticipate potential problems, understand how different parts of a system interact, and make informed decisions based on incomplete information.
Rapid Prioritization
In the dynamic environment of a submarine, you had to quickly assess incoming information and prioritize communication tasks based on urgency and impact on the mission. This included managing competing demands for communication channels and resources.
This skill translates directly to the ability to efficiently manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines, and make critical decisions under pressure in a fast-paced civilian workplace. You excel at determining what matters most and acting accordingly.
System Modeling
You possessed a comprehensive understanding of complex communication systems and their interdependencies. You were able to anticipate how changes in one part of the system would affect others, and you could troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively.
This translates to the ability to understand complex systems and how their components interact. You can analyze processes, identify potential bottlenecks, and develop solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. You're a natural at seeing the big picture.
Degraded-Mode Operations
In situations where equipment malfunctioned or communication channels were compromised, you were trained to maintain communication capabilities using alternative methods and procedures. This required adaptability and resourcefulness under pressure.
This skill demonstrates your ability to perform effectively even when things go wrong or resources are limited. You're adept at finding creative solutions to overcome challenges and maintain productivity in adverse conditions. This is highly valued in dynamic civilian environments.
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Logistics Analyst
SOC 13-2081.00You've been managing complex communication systems in high-pressure environments, which has honed your skills in analyzing data, identifying inefficiencies, and optimizing processes. As a Logistics Analyst, you'll use those skills to improve supply chain operations and ensure efficient resource allocation. Your experience with degraded-mode operations also gives you an edge in planning for contingencies and mitigating risks.
Adjacent · MatchEmergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161.00You've developed exceptional situational awareness and rapid prioritization skills while maintaining critical communications in a submarine. As an Emergency Management Specialist, you'll use those skills to prepare for and respond to disasters, coordinating resources and ensuring effective communication during crises. Your training in degraded-mode operations will be invaluable in maintaining essential services during emergencies.
Adjacent · MatchBusiness Continuity Planner
SOC 13-1199.05You've got experience in system modeling and degraded-mode operations from your time in naval communications. You understand how complex systems work and how to maintain functionality even when things go wrong. Business Continuity Planners are responsible for ensuring a company can continue operating in the event of a disaster or disruption. You'll thrive in this role because you're already an expert at anticipating problems and finding solutions.
Adjacent · MatchWhat you trained on.
Officer Development School (ODS)
Newport, RI followed by Submarine Officer Basic Course (SOBC), Naval Submarine School, Groton, CT and Communications Watch Officer (CWO) CourseUp to 3 semester hours in Management and 2 semester hours in Communications
- Naval Leadership
- Damage Control
- Submarine Communications Systems
- Antenna Theory and Operation
- Cryptographic Systems
- Emergency Action Procedures
- Watchstanding Procedures
- Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) Awareness
- CompTIA Network+60%
While your experience covers networking concepts, you'll need to study specific exam objectives like network security, troubleshooting, and emerging technologies.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)40%
Your experience in communications and submarine environments provides a foundation in security concepts, but you'll need to study the eight domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK) in detail, focusing on areas like risk management, cryptography, and legal frameworks.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)Adjacent
- ITIL 4 FoundationAdjacent
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Submarine Communication System (SUBCOM) | Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems and secure data networks | Networking |
| Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS) | Oceanographic monitoring and acoustic surveillance technologies | Operations |
| AN/WSC-9(V) SHORE SATCOM | Commercial satellite communication terminals | Operations |
| NAVSSI (Navigation Sensor System Interface) | Integrated bridge systems (IBS) for maritime navigation | Signals |
| Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) | Commercial maritime emergency communication systems | Operations |
| Submarine Local Area Network (SubLAN) | Industrial control systems (ICS) networking | Networking |
Translate 6195 into a resume that ships.
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