Avionics Technician
$75KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.06386 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USMC · 6386Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.6386.R.04
6386 · USMC · EnlistedAircraft Electronic Countermeasures Systems
Aircraft Electronic Countermeasures Systems
Technician.
Marine Corps 6386 (Aircraft Electronic Countermeasures Systems Technician). 640 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $60K–$75K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours640DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 9 semester hours in electronics technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 6386 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 6386 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01Electronic Warfare (EW) Principles→ Network security concepts, threat landscape understanding
- 02Cryptographic Equipment Handling and Maintenance→ Understanding of security protocols and data protection
- 03System Modeling→ Analyzing and improving processes, understanding component interactions
- 04Procedural Compliance→ Meticulous attention to detail, consistent execution
- 05Automated Test Equipment (ATE) stations→ Automated testing principles
To learn05
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Network security fundamentals+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Scripting with Python or Bash+Systems analysis methodologies+IT infrastructure management 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.
Electronics Technician
$65KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific certifications related to industrial or commercial electronics repair (e.g., Certified Electronics Technician (CET))
Field Service Technician
$70KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Strong customer service skills
- — Experience with specific industry equipment (e.g., medical devices, industrial machinery)
Electrical Engineer Technician
$68KModerate match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering Technology
- — CAD software proficiency
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
$60KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Knowledge of telecommunications systems
- — Fiber optic certifications
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 6386 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
As an Aircraft Electronic Countermeasures Systems Technician, you develop a strong understanding of how various electronic systems integrate and function together within the aircraft. You troubleshoot issues by mentally mapping out the system and predicting how changes in one area will affect others.
Transfers to
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to roles where you need to analyze and improve processes, understand how different components interact, or design and optimize workflows.
Procedural Compliance
Your work demands strict adherence to maintenance manuals, safety regulations, and quality control procedures. Every task, from installation to repair, follows documented protocols to ensure safety and optimal performance of critical aircraft systems.
Transfers to
This rigorous adherence to standards translates into a valuable asset in any regulated environment. You're well-prepared for roles requiring meticulous attention to detail, consistent execution, and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
Degraded-Mode Operations
When ECM systems malfunction or are partially damaged, you're the one who keeps them running. You learn to diagnose problems quickly, find workarounds, and maintain functionality even under duress, ensuring mission success when things aren't perfect.
Transfers to
This experience equips you to handle high-pressure situations where systems are failing or resources are limited. You excel at maintaining productivity and finding creative solutions even in the face of adversity.
Rapid Prioritization
Aircraft maintenance often involves juggling multiple tasks with varying levels of urgency. You become adept at quickly assessing the criticality of each task, prioritizing those that directly impact flight safety or mission readiness, and efficiently allocating your time and resources.
Transfers to
This skill translates seamlessly into civilian roles demanding quick decision-making and efficient resource allocation. You're well-equipped to handle competing demands, prioritize tasks effectively, and maintain focus under pressure.
/ 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.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9099.01You've been maintaining complex electronic systems in demanding environments. As a wind turbine technician, you'll use your troubleshooting skills to keep these massive machines running efficiently, often working at heights and in challenging weather conditions. Your experience with safety protocols and preventative maintenance will be invaluable.
Adjacent · MatchIndustrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041You've been working with tools, schematics, and complex machinery to keep aircraft safe. As an Industrial Machinery Mechanic, you will be able to leverage your skills to install, maintain, and repair machinery in factories or production plants.
Adjacent · MatchBuilding Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021You've been mastering complex electronics systems, so you already have the foundation to ensure heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and other systems are operating correctly, You will keep building occupants safe and save them money on their utility bills.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Electronic Countermeasures Systems Technician Course
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC640hHours
16wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 9 semester hours in electronics technology
Topics · 7
- Electronic Warfare (EW) Principles
- Radar Systems Theory and Operation
- Electronic Attack (EA) Techniques
- AN/ALQ-231(V)1/2 Intrepid Tiger II Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) System Maintenance
- Advanced Component Troubleshooting
- Cryptographic Equipment Handling and Maintenance
- Spectrum Analysis and Management
Partial coverage · 2
- Certified Electronic Technician (CET)65%
Study general electronics principles, troubleshooting methodologies, and specific electronic components not covered in the military training.
- CompTIA A+40%
Focus on PC hardware, operating systems, networking, and security concepts relevant to civilian IT environments.
Recommended next · 03
- Certified Electronics Technician - Radar (CET-Radar)Adjacent
- Certified Aviation Technician (AMT)Adjacent
- CompTIA Security+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/ALQ-231(V) Intrepid Tiger II | Electronic Warfare Simulation and Testing Software | Operations |
| AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing System | Automated flare and chaff dispensing systems | Operations |
| AN/ALR-76 Radar Warning Receiver | Spectrum analyzers for radar signal detection | Signals |
| Cryptographic equipment (e.g., KG-series, KIV-series) | Hardware Security Modules (HSM) | Operations |
| Automated Test Equipment (ATE) stations | Automated circuit board testing equipment | Operations |
| Advanced Threat Radar Environment Simulators (ATRES) | RF signal generators and waveform generators | Signals |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 6386 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.