Marine Corps MOS · Communications

5979 Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technician

Overview

Tactical Air Operations/Air Defense Systems Technicians perform or supervise diagnosis, field-level repair, and modification of electronic systems and subsystems in selected Marine Air Control Group and Marine Littoral Regiment units. They install, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain MADIS radar systems, radio communications equipment, Tactical Data Link equipment, networking and data storage devices, and configure software and firmware for Ground Based Air Defense equipment.

Core Skills

  • radar systems maintenance
  • air defense systems troubleshooting
  • electronic systems diagnosis and repair
  • tactical data link configuration
  • radio communications maintenance
  • networking and IP configuration
  • server and storage system support
  • system integration and testing
  • field-level repair and modification
  • team leadership and supervision

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Circuit evaluation software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Database software

Civilian Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Network Engineering
  • Network Operations
  • Unmanned Systems

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) · Funded
  • NCATT Radio Communication Systems (RCS) · Funded
  • Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded
  • Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN)
  • Certified Aerospace Technician Core

Career Growth

  • Certified Laser Repair Technician (CLRT)
  • Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) · Funded
  • Certified Technology Specialist: Installation (CTS-I) · Funded
  • CompTIA A+ · Funded
  • CompTIA Network+ · Funded

What the Work Involves

  • Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
  • Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
  • Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.
  • Inspect components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires.
  • Install repaired equipment in various settings, such as industrial or military establishments.

Related Occupations

  • Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • Robotics Technicians

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for 5979

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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