Army Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer (25S) veterans may find career opportunities in the communications and electronics field. The careers listed below range from working in the field to in-office management jobs.
Career Comparison
| Job Title | Median Wage (2021)* | Job Growth (2021-2031)* | Applicable Military Skills/Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communications Equipment Operators, All Other | $47,000 | 3% | Experience with maintenance of satellite communications |
| Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers | $44,790 (audiovisual equipment installers and repairers) | -3% (decline) (audiovisual equipment installers and repairers) | Worked with various types of electrical equipment and components |
| Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers | $60,360 | 6% | Maintenance experience with multiple communications systems |
| First-line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $71,260 | 4% | Performance of satellite communications maintenance |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineers | $101,780 | 3% | Documentation and recording of systems performance and maintenance |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Civilian Careers for Army 25S Veterans
Veterans who have served as satellite communication systems operator-maintainers can work with a variety of systems, codes, and protocols. They are experienced in setting up stationary and mobile systems that operate on different types of networks which makes the systems less likely to be shut down during a malicious attack. Veterans' work experience and skills in ensuring that if one system fails, another will be available could set them apart from other job seekers in this field.
Communications Equipment Operators, All Other
Army 25S veterans bring specialized training and hands-on experience to this career. Their experience in stressful situations and military training may be valuable to many employers.
Communications equipment operators talk to people using sophisticated equipment which are not typically used by the vast majority of citizens. They regularly communicate with people aboard ships and airplanes. Sometimes they need to use codes to keep their transmissions secret and secure, but at other times they just speak using normal language. This position does not require a college degree and typically only needs a high school diploma.
Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers
Maintenance of complex satellite and other communications systems is likely to have prepared Army 25S veterans to succeed in this career. Military veterans' reputation for good work habits and customer-centered approach may allow 25S veterans to stand out from other job seekers.
Electronic home entertainment equipment installers and repairers do not need a college degree, but they do require vocational training. They put and fix home entertainment systems which may include receivers that work with televisions and high-fidelity sound systems, among other types of devices. Customers who have various home entertainment appliances can rely on their skills and expertise especially when the entertainment systems need repairs.
First-line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Experience with advanced communications systems may be a good preparation for a career in this field. The commonly held opinion of many civilian employers that military veterans display leadership and team player skills may be a real benefit for Army 25S veterans.
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers oversee and coordinate teams of workers on different tasks related to mechanical systems. Their work may involve assigning jobs to their teams and looking after the staff as well as checking upcoming tasks. They may also perform area inspections to ensure that things are clean and safe and that everyone has the parts and equipment they need. To do this job, one needs a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Army 25S veterans are familiar with many types of wireless communications systems, an experience that may be valuable in this career. Employers are likely to find Army 25S training in their specialty, as well as their can-do attitude, to be a plus.
Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers usually have an associate's degree and/or vocational training. They are responsible for putting, fixing, and maintaining a variety of communications systems. These may include transmission devices for equipment that captures or sends radio signals, as well as, those used in hand-held devices and aircraft. They also perform checks and diagnostic analyses to make sure that systems are working throughout the area.
Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Those Army 25S veterans who are interested in the fields of electronics and communications may consider a career in engineering. Daily experience working with electronics may help veterans to succeed in this profession.
Electrical and electronics engineers must have a bachelor's degree in a related engineering field. Electrical engineers generally work with power motors, systems that send out radio signals for location, and other devices. On the other hand, electronics engineers work with broadband and communication systems and technical gadgets used in various industries. In both instances, they design and develop devices and systems, as well as build prototypes for testing and improvement.
