Army MOS 14E (Patriot Fire Control Operator) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for 14E Patriot Fire Control operators transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $60K-$170K+, defense contracting, radar systems, avionics, and federal technician opportunities.
Bottom Line Up Front
14E Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operators transitioning out—you're not just a button-pusher, you're a highly trained radar systems specialist, fire control technician, electronic warfare operator, and air defense expert who operated one of the world's most sophisticated air defense systems. Your advanced radar operations, electronic systems maintenance, IFF interrogation, threat evaluation, engagement coordination, technical troubleshooting, security clearance, and precision under pressure make you extremely valuable in the civilian market. Realistic first-year salaries range from $60,000-$85,000 as radar or electronics technicians, scaling to $90,000-$130,000 with defense contractors like Raytheon or Lockheed Martin, and reaching $120,000-$170,000+ in senior technical or program management roles. You've got specialized technical skills that directly translate—target the right industries.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 14E separating hears two conflicting messages: "Your Patriot experience is incredibly specialized," and "Nobody outside the military understands what you did."
Both contain truth. Here's the reality: Your Patriot Fire Control experience is exactly what defense contractors need—but you need to translate military jargon into civilian job descriptions.
You didn't just "operate equipment." You:
- Operated and maintained the Engagement Control Station (ECS) managing multi-million dollar air defense systems
- Processed real-time threat data from multiple radar sources and made split-second engagement decisions
- Performed complex troubleshooting on fire control computers, radar systems, and communication networks
- Initialized and operated Information Coordination Central (ICC) integrating data from battalion-level sources
- Maintained IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogation systems preventing friendly fire incidents
- Conducted organizational and direct support maintenance on advanced electronic systems
- Held Secret or Top Secret clearance and operated in high-security tactical environments
- Emplaced and displaced sophisticated radar and communications equipment in field conditions
- Maintained 95%+ operational readiness on equipment worth $30+ million per battery
That's radar systems operation, electronic systems maintenance, threat analysis, technical troubleshooting, and crisis decision-making. The defense industry, federal government, and commercial aviation sectors desperately need exactly these skills—you just need to speak their language.
Best civilian career paths for 14E Patriot Fire Control Operators
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 14Es consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Defense contracting (most common and highest-paying path)
Civilian job titles:
- Patriot System Operator/Maintainer (contractor)
- Air Defense Systems Technician
- Radar Systems Technician
- Fire Control Systems Specialist
- Missile Defense Operator (overseas contracts)
- Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Technician
- Field Service Representative (FSR) - Air Defense
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level defense contractor (domestic): $70,000-$90,000
- Patriot System contractor (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin): $85,000-$120,000
- Overseas Patriot contractor (Middle East, Poland, Romania): $110,000-$160,000
- Senior FSR or technical specialist: $120,000-$170,000+
- Program manager or senior advisor: $130,000-$180,000
What translates directly:
- Patriot system operations (you know the system better than civilian hires)
- Fire control procedures and engagement sequences
- Radar systems operation and maintenance
- Electronic troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Security clearance (massive hiring advantage)
- Field emplacement and tactical operations
- Training and mentoring junior operators
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (maintain this—worth $20K+ in salary premium)
- Security+ certification (required for many DoD contracts—$400 exam, study materials $50-$200)
- Electronics technician certification (CET from ETA International—$225-$350)
- Bachelor's degree preferred (not always required, but increases pay—use GI Bill)
Reality check: This is the most direct path for 14Es. Raytheon (now RTX), Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and L3Harris actively recruit former Patriot operators. They need people who already know the systems—training civilians costs them 12-18 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Overseas contracts (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Poland, Romania, South Korea, Japan) pay premium rates because you're supporting foreign military sales (FMS) of Patriot systems. These positions require 6-12 month rotations, often with 3-4 weeks home between deployments. The money is excellent, but expect to be away from family.
Your clearance is critical. If it lapses, you'll wait 12-18 months for reinvestigation, which disqualifies you from immediate contractor positions. Find clearance-required work within 24 months of separation.
Defense contractors also offer domestic positions supporting US Army and National Guard Patriot units—lower pay than overseas ($85K-$110K), but you're home every night.
Best for: 14Es with active clearances who want immediate employment, excellent pay, and value their Patriot-specific expertise. If you're willing to work overseas rotations, this path offers the highest near-term earnings.
Radar systems technician (commercial and federal)
Civilian job titles:
- Radar Technician (FAA, airports, weather services)
- Air Traffic Control Equipment Specialist
- Navigation Systems Technician
- Weather Radar Technician (NOAA, NWS)
- Airfield Systems Technician
- Electronic Warfare Systems Technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level radar technician: $55,000-$70,000
- FAA Air Traffic Control Equipment Specialist: $68,000-$95,000 (GS-11 to GS-12)
- Experienced radar systems technician: $70,000-$95,000
- Senior technician or supervisor: $85,000-$115,000
- FAA senior positions (GS-13 to GS-14): $100,000-$130,000
What translates directly:
- Radar system operation and maintenance
- Electronic systems troubleshooting
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- System calibration and alignment
- Communication equipment integration
- Safety protocols and procedures
Certifications needed:
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) ($100 exam fee, study materials $50-$150)
- Electronics technician certification (CET) ($225-$350 from ETA International)
- NICET certification (optional but valuable) ($399 first exam, various levels)
- FAA-specific training (provided by employer for federal positions)
Reality check: The FAA actively hires veterans for Air Traffic Control Equipment Specialist positions. These technicians maintain, repair, and certify radar systems, navigation aids, and communication equipment at airports and control centers. Pay is on the GS scale with excellent federal benefits—health insurance, pension, and job security.
Commercial aviation (airlines, airport authorities) and weather services (NOAA, National Weather Service) also employ radar technicians. The work is less tactical than Patriot operations, but the technical troubleshooting skills transfer directly.
Competition is moderate. Your military training gives you a significant advantage over civilian applicants who learned radar systems in trade schools. The FAA specifically gives veteran preference in hiring.
Weather radar systems (NEXRAD, terminal Doppler) use similar principles to military air defense radar. Many 14Es transition to meteorological equipment maintenance with weather services or private weather technology companies.
Best for: 14Es who want stable federal employment, prefer working on stationary systems rather than tactical military equipment, and value work-life balance over maximum salary.
Avionics and electronics technician (aviation industry)
Civilian job titles:
- Avionics Technician
- Aircraft Electronics Technician
- Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic
- Electronics Engineering Technician
- Navigation Systems Installer/Repairer
- Communication Systems Technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level avionics technician: $50,000-$65,000
- Experienced avionics technician: $65,000-$85,000
- Senior avionics technician or lead: $80,000-$105,000
- Avionics shop supervisor: $90,000-$120,000
- Contract avionics (rotational work): $95,000-$130,000
What translates directly:
- Electronic systems troubleshooting and repair
- Technical manual interpretation
- Wiring and component replacement
- System testing and calibration
- Quality control procedures
- Documentation and reporting
- Safety protocols and regulations
Certifications needed:
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license ($150 written exams + $600 practical, plus 18-30 months experience or school—GI Bill eligible)
- FCC GROL ($100 exam)
- Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN) certification ($299 from ETA International)
- Manufacturer-specific training (Boeing, Airbus, etc.—often employer-provided)
Reality check: Your Patriot electronics experience transfers well to aircraft avionics systems. Both involve complex electronic equipment, radar/navigation systems, communication equipment, and troubleshooting procedures.
The FAA A&P license requires either 30 months of documented experience working on aircraft or completion of an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school (18-24 months). Some of your military experience may count, but most 14Es need additional training. Use your GI Bill.
Commercial airlines, cargo operators (FedEx, UPS), maintenance facilities (MROs), and business aviation all hire avionics technicians. Military helicopter and fixed-wing MROs (maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities) actively recruit military electronics technicians.
Defense contractors also hire avionics technicians for military aircraft support—similar pay to commercial but often requires maintaining clearance.
Best for: 14Es interested in aviation, willing to invest time in A&P certification, and want stable long-term career with multiple employer options (airlines, cargo, MROs, military contractors).
Federal civilian positions (non-contractor DoD)
Civilian job titles:
- DoD Electronics Technician
- Missile Defense System Specialist
- Technical Training Instructor (Army/DoD schools)
- Logistics Management Specialist
- Quality Assurance Specialist (Air Defense)
- Program Analyst (Air Defense systems)
Salary ranges:
- GS-9 Electronics Technician: $55,000-$72,000 (entry-level with degree or equivalent experience)
- GS-11 Electronics Technician: $67,000-$87,000
- GS-12 Senior Technician/Specialist: $80,000-$105,000
- GS-13 Program Analyst/Instructor: $95,000-$125,000
- GS-14 Senior Advisor/Manager: $113,000-$147,000
What translates directly:
- Technical expertise on Army systems
- Training and instruction experience
- Quality control and inspection procedures
- Program management and coordination
- Technical writing and documentation
- Safety and compliance protocols
Certifications needed:
- Security clearance (maintain current level)
- Bachelor's degree preferred (for GS-9 and above—use GI Bill)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) (if targeting program analyst roles—$400 exam, study materials $500-$1,500)
- Lean Six Sigma (for logistics/quality roles—$500-$2,000)
Reality check: Army installations with Patriot units (Fort Sill, Fort Bliss, Fort Liberty, USAG Ansbach, USAG Bavaria) hire DoD civilian technicians to support training, maintenance, and operations. These are stable government jobs with full federal benefits—pension, health insurance, job security.
Technical training instructor positions at air defense schools offer former 14Es the chance to continue teaching Patriot operations. These roles typically require GS-11 or GS-12 level (bachelor's degree helpful).
The GS pay scale means predictable salary progression and annual raises. You won't get rich, but you'll have exceptional benefits, job security, and retirement (FERS pension after 20-30 years).
Veteran preference (5-10 points) applies to competitive federal hiring. Your 14E experience makes you highly competitive for air defense-related positions.
Best for: 14Es prioritizing stability, federal benefits, retirement security, and staying connected to the Army mission without the physical demands of tactical operations.
Electronics engineering support and field service
Civilian job titles:
- Field Service Engineer (FSE)
- Electronics Engineering Technician
- Test Equipment Technician
- Technical Support Engineer
- Systems Integration Technician
- Customer Support Engineer
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level field service engineer: $60,000-$80,000
- Experienced FSE: $80,000-$105,000
- Senior FSE or technical specialist: $100,000-$130,000
- Principal engineer or technical lead: $120,000-$150,000+
What translates directly:
- Complex electronic systems troubleshooting
- Customer-facing technical support
- Field maintenance and repair
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Training and customer instruction
- Quality assurance and testing
Certifications needed:
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET) ($225-$350)
- NICET Electronics Engineering Technician ($399 first level)
- Security+ or similar IT certification ($400 exam—for systems with network components)
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology (GI Bill—strengthens credentials)
Reality check: Electronics and defense companies hire field service engineers to support customers using their products. For 14Es, this means companies like RTX (Raytheon), Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin hire FSEs to support air defense systems, radar products, and electronic warfare equipment.
FSE roles require travel—often 30-60% of the time. You'll visit customer sites (military bases, government facilities, international locations) to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and train users on equipment. The travel can be demanding, but companies pay well and cover all expenses.
Your Patriot experience demonstrates you can handle complex electronics, work independently, solve problems under pressure, and communicate technical information to operators—exactly what FSE roles require.
Best for: 14Es who enjoy travel, customer interaction, and hands-on technical work; those who want higher pay than standard technician roles and don't mind being on the road regularly.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "14E Patriot Fire Control Operator" on your resume and assuming civilians understand what that means. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 14E Patriot Fire Control Operator | Air Defense Radar Systems Specialist with 4+ years operating $30M+ fire control and engagement systems |
| ECS (Engagement Control Station) operation | Operated advanced fire control console managing real-time threat tracking and weapon engagement coordination |
| ICC (Information Coordination Central) | Integrated multi-source tactical data networks and coordinated battalion-level air defense operations |
| IFF interrogation | Operated identification systems preventing friendly fire incidents; maintained 100% accuracy on 500+ aircraft identifications |
| Radar systems maintenance | Performed organizational and direct support maintenance on phased-array radar systems; maintained 98% operational readiness |
| Fire control troubleshooting | Diagnosed and repaired complex electronic faults in fire control computers, reducing downtime by 40% |
| Technical documentation | Created detailed maintenance reports, technical logs, and operational procedures following DOD standards |
| Secret/Top Secret clearance | Active security clearance with counterintelligence polygraph (specify your level and expiration) |
| Patriot emplacement operations | Led 6-person crew deploying mobile air defense systems; completed 30+ field exercises with zero safety incidents |
| Training and mentorship | Trained 15+ junior operators on fire control procedures; developed standard operating procedures adopted battalion-wide |
Use quantifiable results: "Maintained 98% operational readiness on $30M fire control system over 3-year period," "Processed 1,000+ threat tracks with 100% accuracy during training exercises," "Reduced system downtime 35% through preventive maintenance program I developed."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "ECS," "ICC," or "FAAD" without explanation. Write "engagement control station," "tactical data integration network," and "forward area air defense."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill as a 14E:
High priority (get these):
Security+ certification - Required for most DoD contractor positions. Covers IT security fundamentals. Cost: $400 exam, $50-$200 study materials. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Mandatory for 95% of defense contractor jobs requiring clearance.
Certified Electronics Technician (CET) - Industry-recognized electronics credential from ETA International. Demonstrates fundamental electronics knowledge. Cost: $225-$350. Time: Self-study + exam. Value: Strengthens resume for radar/avionics technician positions.
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) - Required for many FAA and commercial radar technician positions. Cost: $100 exam, $50-$150 study materials. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Opens FAA and commercial aviation doors.
Maintain your security clearance - Find clearance-required work within 24 months of separation or it lapses (12-18 months to reinvestigate). Cost: $0 if maintained. Value: Worth $15K-$25K+ salary premium for contractor positions.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology - Required for higher GS levels (GS-11+) and many senior contractor positions. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years (many credits may transfer). Value: Increases earning potential $10K-$20K and opens management track.
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license - If targeting aviation maintenance career. Requires 18-30 months training or experience. Cost: $150 written exams, $600 practical test, plus school tuition (GI Bill eligible). Value: Mandatory for civilian aircraft maintenance career.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - If targeting program management or senior technical leadership roles. Requires bachelor's degree and documented project experience. Cost: $400 exam, $500-$1,500 prep materials. Value: Differentiates you for management positions earning $100K+.
NICET Electronics Engineering Technician certification - Progressive certification (Levels I-IV) demonstrating increasing expertise. Cost: $399 first exam, $299 subsequent levels. Value: Recognized credential for federal and commercial electronics technician roles.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
CompTIA A+ - Basic IT certification. Cost: $250 per exam (two exams required). Value: Useful for IT-related electronics roles but not required.
Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) - For test equipment and instrumentation roles. Cost: $200. Value: Niche credential, only valuable if targeting specific test engineering positions.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be brutally honest. There are civilian skills you don't have:
Business communication: Military radio procedures and technical reports don't translate to corporate emails and presentations. You'll need to learn business writing, professional communication styles, and corporate diplomacy—especially for contractor or corporate roles.
Customer service mindset: As a field service engineer or contractor supporting military units, you're now serving customers, not leading soldiers. Learn to be patient, diplomatic, and service-oriented even when customers don't understand technical issues.
Commercial technology knowledge: You know Patriot systems inside-out, but civilian employers also want familiarity with commercial electronics, PLCs, SCADA systems, or network technologies. Take online courses to broaden your technical knowledge beyond military-specific equipment.
Resume and interview skills: Your first resume draft will be terrible. Military accomplishments don't translate automatically. Hire a professional military resume writer ($150-$400) or use TAP resources. Practice interviews—civilians don't understand military terminology.
Patience with bureaucracy: Defense contractor hiring takes 2-6 months. Federal hiring takes 6-12 months. Background checks, clearance verification, and HR processes move slowly. Start job search 6-12 months before separation and keep multiple options active.
Real 14E success stories
Jason, 27, former 14E (E-5) → RTX (Raytheon) Patriot Systems Contractor
After 6 years including two rotations in Germany and one in South Korea, Jason separated as a Sergeant. Used his active Secret clearance to land contractor position supporting Patriot FMS to Poland. Makes $135K working 11-month rotations overseas, 4 weeks home. Already banked $200K+ in 18 months. Plans to transition to domestic position when he starts a family.
Maria, 30, former 14E (E-6) → FAA Air Traffic Control Equipment Specialist
Maria did 8 years, got out as a Staff Sergeant. Earned FCC GROL and Electronics Technician certification during transition. Applied to FAA, endured 8-month hiring process. Now maintains radar and navigation systems at major airport as GS-11 making $82K with full federal benefits. Loves stable schedule and job security.
Chris, 32, former 14E (E-7) → Northrop Grumman Senior Field Service Engineer
Chris served 12 years, separated as a Sergeant First Class. Completed bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology using GI Bill (3 years part-time). Landed FSE position with Northrop Grumman supporting IBCS (Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System). Makes $115K plus travel per diem. Travels 40% but pays off—total comp around $125K annually.
David, 29, former 14E (E-5) → DoD Civilian Electronics Technician
David did 7 years, got out as a Sergeant. Wanted to stay near Fort Sill supporting his wife's career. Applied for GS-11 DoD civilian technician position supporting Patriot schoolhouse. Makes $78K with full federal benefits. Lower pay than contracting, but home every night, excellent benefits, and pension-track position. No regrets—values quality of life over maximum salary.
Action plan: your first 180 days out
Here's your transition roadmap:
Months 1-2: Assessment and documentation
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Document your clearance level, investigation date, and expiration
- Request copies of all technical training certificates and courses
- Create skills inventory: specific Patriot systems, radar equipment, electronics training
- Update resume using skills translation (TAP resume workshop or hire professional)
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting "former Patriot operator" and transferable technical skills
- Connect with 30+ former 14Es on LinkedIn—ask about their transition paths
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (80% of defense contractor jobs never get posted publicly)
- Research 5 specific career paths that interest you
Months 3-4: Certifications and networking
- Earn Security+ certification if targeting defense contractors ($400—mandatory for DoD IT work)
- Study for and earn FCC GROL if targeting FAA/radar technician roles ($100 exam)
- Complete CET (Certified Electronics Technician) certification ($225-$350)
- Attend defense industry job fairs and veteran hiring events
- Join ETA International or IEEE as student/transitioning military member
- Apply for federal positions (start early—process takes 6-12 months)
- Consider SkillBridge internship last 180 days of service (try contractor or federal roles)
- Enroll in degree program if needed (GI Bill—increases long-term earning potential)
Months 5-6: Job search execution
- Apply to 30+ positions across multiple paths (don't put all eggs in one basket)
- Target companies known for hiring 14Es: RTX, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Boeing
- Leverage LinkedIn connections—message former 14Es working at target companies
- Prepare for technical interviews—expect questions about Patriot systems, radar principles, troubleshooting processes
- Practice translating military experience using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Be willing to relocate (contractor positions concentrate in defense-heavy states: Alabama, Texas, Virginia, Colorado)
- Prepare for multiple rounds: phone screen, technical interview, manager interview, clearance verification
- Consider temporary contract work if you need immediate income while waiting for ideal position
Bottom line for 14E Patriot Fire Control Operators
Your 14E experience isn't just unique—it's exactly what defense contractors and federal agencies need.
You've proven you can operate sophisticated radar and fire control systems, troubleshoot complex electronics under pressure, maintain multi-million dollar equipment at peak readiness, and make split-second decisions with lives at stake. The civilian market needs exactly these capabilities—you just need to target industries where "former Patriot operator" means immediate operational value, not just interesting military experience.
Defense contracting, radar systems technician, avionics maintenance, federal civilian service, and field service engineering are proven paths. Thousands of 14Es have transitioned successfully before you. You're not starting from zero.
First-year income of $60K-$85K is realistic in federal technician or commercial radar positions. Within 3-5 years, $90K-$130K is achievable with defense contractors or senior technician roles. Overseas Patriot contracts or senior program positions can reach $140K-$170K+.
Your clearance, Patriot expertise, and electronic systems knowledge are valuable assets. Use ClearanceJobs.com, leverage 14E veteran networks, target strategic opportunities, and maintain your clearance.
You've mastered one of the Army's most complex weapons systems. You can master this transition too.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.