Army MOS 14H (Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operator) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for 14H Early Warning System operators transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $55K-$130K+, radar technician, defense contracting, FAA, weather services, and aviation radar opportunities.
Bottom Line Up Front
14H Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operators transitioning out—you're not just watching a radar screen, you're a specialized radar systems operator, electronic surveillance expert, early warning specialist, and tactical sensor technician who operated sophisticated 3D phased-array radar systems detecting threats at extended ranges. Your Sentinel AN/MPQ-64 radar operations, threat detection and classification, target tracking, electronic intelligence processing, system initialization and maintenance, tactical emplacement, data network integration, security clearance, and split-second decision-making under pressure make you extremely valuable in civilian radar, aviation, weather services, and defense contracting markets. Realistic first-year salaries range from $55,000-$70,000 as radar or electronics technicians, scaling to $80,000-$110,000 with FAA, weather services, or commercial aviation, and reaching $110,000-$145,000+ as defense contractors supporting air defense programs or senior radar systems engineers. Your radar expertise translates directly—target the right industries.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every 14H separating hears two contradictory messages: "Your radar skills are highly specialized," and "There aren't many civilian jobs operating military radar."
Both statements miss the point. Here's the reality: Your Sentinel radar experience is exactly what defense contractors, the FAA, weather services, maritime industries, and commercial aviation need—you just need to translate "air defense radar" into "radar systems specialist."
You didn't just "operate a radar." You:
- Operated AN/MPQ-64 Sentinel radar—a sophisticated 3D phased-array system tracking multiple targets simultaneously
- Detected, classified, and tracked aerial threats at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers in cluttered environments
- Performed rapid emplacement, initialization, and tactical operation of mobile radar systems in field conditions
- Evaluated tactical electronic intelligence data from multiple sensors and disseminated threat warnings within seconds
- Conducted organizational maintenance on complex radar systems maintaining 95%+ operational readiness
- Integrated radar data with FAAD C2 networks and Link-11/16 systems connecting Joint forces
- Operated radar in electronic warfare environments distinguishing real targets from jamming and clutter
- Held Secret or Top Secret clearance operating classified radar systems and processing sensitive threat data
- Made time-critical decisions identifying friend-or-foe and cueing weapon systems to engage hostile threats
That's radar systems operation, electronic signal processing, threat analysis, technical troubleshooting, and crisis decision-making. Civilian employers need these exact skills—they just call it "radar technician," "surveillance specialist," or "sensor systems operator" instead of "14H."
Best civilian career paths for 14H Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operators
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where 14Hs consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.
Defense contracting - Sentinel/air defense radar programs (most direct transition)
Civilian job titles:
- Sentinel Radar Operator/Maintainer (contractor)
- Air Defense Radar Technician
- Early Warning Systems Specialist
- Radar Systems Operator (contractor)
- Field Service Representative (FSR) - Radar Systems
- Air Surveillance Radar Technician
- Ballistic Missile Defense Radar Operator
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level radar contractor (domestic): $70,000-$90,000
- Sentinel system contractor (Raytheon/Lockheed Martin): $85,000-$115,000
- Senior radar systems technician: $100,000-$130,000
- Overseas radar contractor (Middle East, Europe, Asia): $120,000-$160,000+
- Radar FSR or senior specialist: $115,000-$145,000
What translates directly:
- Sentinel AN/MPQ-64 radar operations (you already know the system)
- Radar system emplacement, initialization, and operation
- Target detection, tracking, and classification procedures
- Electronic intelligence processing and threat evaluation
- Organizational maintenance and troubleshooting
- Tactical network integration (FAAD C2, Link-11/16)
- Security clearance (critical hiring advantage)
- Field operations and equipment emplacement
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance (maintain at all costs—worth $20K+ salary premium)
- Security+ certification (required for DoD IT systems—$425 exam, $50-$200 materials)
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET) ($225-$350 from ETA International)
- FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License—$100 exam, valuable for radar work)
Reality check: This is the most direct path for 14Hs. Raytheon (Sentinel manufacturer), Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and other defense contractors actively recruit former Sentinel operators to support US Army and foreign military sales programs. Training civilians on Sentinel systems costs contractors 6-12 months and hundreds of thousands of dollars—you're immediately productive.
Domestic contractor positions support Army Patriot and THAAD batteries at Fort Bliss, Fort Sill, and other air defense installations. Expect $85K-$115K with normal work schedules and home every night.
Overseas contracts (Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan, South Korea) supporting foreign air defense systems pay premium rates ($120K-$160K+) but require rotational deployments—typically 6-12 months overseas with 3-4 weeks home between rotations.
Your clearance is essential. If it lapses, you'll wait 12-18 months for reinvestigation, disqualifying you from immediate contractor employment. Find clearance-required work within 24 months of separation.
Defense contractors also hire former 14Hs for other radar programs—THAAD, Aegis, Navy radar systems, BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense) programs. Your radar operations experience transfers across platforms.
Best for: 14Hs with active clearances who want immediate employment at excellent pay, value their Sentinel-specific expertise, and are willing to work supporting military units (either domestic or overseas rotations for premium pay).
FAA radar systems technician (federal stability)
Civilian job titles:
- Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (ATSS) - Radar
- Air Traffic Control Radar Technician
- Airport Surveillance Radar Technician
- Terminal Doppler Weather Radar Technician
- Air Route Surveillance Radar Technician
- Navigation Systems Technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level FAA ATSS-Radar (FV-G): $55,000-$70,000 (plus locality pay)
- Experienced ATSS-Radar (FV-H to FV-I): $75,000-$100,000
- Senior ATSS-Radar (FV-J to FV-K): $95,000-$130,000
- Supervisor/Manager: $110,000-$145,000
What translates directly:
- Radar systems operation and monitoring
- Target detection and tracking procedures
- Electronic systems troubleshooting and repair
- System initialization and configuration
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- Technical documentation and reporting
- 24/7 operations experience
- Safety-critical decision-making
Certifications needed:
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) ($100 exam, $50-$150 study materials)
- Electronics technician experience (your military training satisfies this)
- FAA-specific training (provided after hiring)
- Security clearance (helps but not always required)
Reality check: The FAA employs thousands of technicians maintaining radar systems at airports and air traffic control facilities nationwide. They install, maintain, calibrate, and repair Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR), Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR), Terminal Doppler Weather Radar, and other aviation electronics.
Your Sentinel radar experience demonstrates you can operate complex radar systems, troubleshoot electronic equipment, maintain operational readiness, and work in mission-critical environments—exactly what FAA wants.
The hiring process is lengthy (6-12 months) but worthwhile. FAA jobs offer federal benefits—pension (FERS), TSP (401k matching), health insurance, job security, and clear advancement paths. You'll work on the GS-equivalent FV pay scale with predictable raises.
Veteran preference (5-10 points) applies to competitive FAA hiring. Military radar experience gives you significant advantages over civilian applicants.
FAA positions require willingness to relocate—you're assigned where the agency needs you. Major air traffic control facilities and airports nationwide employ ATSS-Radar technicians.
Best for: 14Hs prioritizing stable federal employment, excellent benefits, pension, job security, and long-term career over maximum immediate salary. Ideal for those wanting to continue radar work in safer, non-tactical environments.
Weather radar systems technician (NOAA, NWS, commercial weather)
Civilian job titles:
- NEXRAD Radar Technician
- Weather Surveillance Radar Technician
- Meteorological Equipment Technician
- Doppler Radar Systems Specialist
- Hydro-Meteorological Technician
- Weather Systems Maintenance Technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level weather radar technician: $55,000-$70,000
- NOAA/National Weather Service technician (GS-9 to GS-11): $60,000-$85,000
- Senior weather radar technician: $80,000-$105,000
- Radar Airfield Weather Systems Technician: $100,000-$125,000
- Supervisor/manager: $110,000-$135,000
What translates directly:
- Radar operations and monitoring
- Target (weather phenomenon) detection and tracking
- Electronic systems maintenance and repair
- System calibration and alignment
- Data processing and interpretation
- Technical troubleshooting procedures
- Preventive maintenance programs
- 24/7 operations center experience
Certifications needed:
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET) ($225-$350)
- FCC GROL ($100 exam—required for many positions)
- RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD) certification (from ETA International—$299)
- Associate degree in Electronics or Meteorology (GI Bill eligible—strengthens credentials)
Reality check: NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar) systems operated by NOAA and the National Weather Service use similar principles to military air surveillance radar—Doppler pulse radar detecting, tracking, and classifying targets (weather cells instead of aircraft). Your Sentinel experience translates directly.
NOAA, National Weather Service, and commercial weather companies (AccuWeather, Weather Channel, private weather services) employ radar technicians maintaining weather surveillance networks. These technicians install, maintain, calibrate, and repair Doppler weather radar systems.
The work is similar to military radar operations—monitoring systems, performing preventive maintenance, troubleshooting equipment failures, ensuring operational readiness—but in climate-controlled facilities rather than tactical field environments.
Salaries start moderate ($55K-$70K) but progress well. Senior technicians and specialists earn $100K-$125K+, especially those with Radar Airfield Weather Systems specializations.
Federal weather radar positions (NOAA, NWS) offer government stability and benefits. Commercial weather companies pay competitively and offer more geographic flexibility.
Best for: 14Hs interested in weather/meteorology, want to continue radar work in scientific rather than military applications, prefer working in fixed facilities rather than field environments, and value the mission of protecting lives through weather warnings.
Commercial aviation radar and avionics technician
Civilian job titles:
- Aviation Radar Technician
- Avionics Technician (radar systems)
- Aircraft Electronics Technician
- Navigation Systems Technician
- Airport Radar Systems Installer
- Aviation Electronics Specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level aviation radar technician: $50,000-$65,000
- Experienced avionics technician: $65,000-$85,000
- Senior aviation radar technician: $80,000-$105,000
- Avionics shop supervisor: $95,000-$120,000
- Contract avionics (rotational): $90,000-$125,000
What translates directly:
- Radar and electronic systems operation
- Technical troubleshooting and diagnostics
- System testing and calibration
- Preventive maintenance procedures
- Technical documentation and reporting
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Electronic component repair and replacement
Certifications needed:
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license ($150 written exams + $600 practical, requires 18-30 months experience or school—GI Bill eligible)
- FCC GROL ($100 exam—required for radio/radar work)
- Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN) certification ($299 from ETA International)
- Manufacturer-specific training (Boeing, Airbus, avionics manufacturers—often employer-provided)
Reality check: Commercial aircraft use weather radar, navigation radar, and radar altimeters. Airports employ technicians maintaining airport surveillance radar and ground-based navigation aids. Your military radar experience provides strong foundation for aviation electronics.
The FAA A&P license is the gold standard for aircraft maintenance. Most 14Hs need additional training—either 18-24 months at FAA-approved aviation maintenance school (use GI Bill) or 30 months documented aircraft maintenance experience.
Airlines (American, Delta, United), cargo operators (FedEx, UPS), MROs (maintenance, repair, overhaul facilities), and business aviation all hire avionics technicians. Demand is strong—experienced avionics techs are in short supply.
Military helicopter and fixed-wing MROs actively recruit veterans with electronics experience. These facilities maintain military aircraft for Army, Air Force, Navy, and foreign militaries—your clearance and military background are valuable.
Avionics work offers job security, good pay, and multiple employer options. If you don't like one employer, you can move to another—the skills are transferable.
Best for: 14Hs interested in aviation, willing to invest 18-30 months earning A&P license, want stable career with job security and multiple employment options (airlines, cargo, MROs, business aviation, military contractors).
Marine radar and navigation systems technician
Civilian job titles:
- Marine Electronics Technician
- Marine Radar Technician
- Marine Navigation Systems Specialist
- Shipboard Electronics Technician
- Maritime Communication/Navigation Technician
- Vessel Electronics Installer/Repairer
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level marine electronics technician: $45,000-$60,000
- Experienced marine radar technician: $60,000-$80,000
- Senior marine electronics technician: $75,000-$95,000
- Marine electronics shop manager: $85,000-$110,000
- Shipboard chief electronics technician: $90,000-$120,000
What translates directly:
- Radar systems operation and maintenance
- Electronic troubleshooting and repair
- Navigation systems installation and configuration
- System testing and calibration
- Technical documentation
- Working in challenging environmental conditions
- Maintaining mission-critical systems
Certifications needed:
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET) ($225-$350)
- FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit (MP) ($50 exam)
- GMDSS (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) certification (if working on commercial vessels—$500-$1,500 training)
- NMEA (National Marine Electronics Association) certifications (various specialties—$200-$500 each)
Reality check: Commercial shipping, cruise lines, offshore oil/gas, fishing fleets, Coast Guard contractors, and recreational marine industries all employ marine electronics technicians who install, maintain, and repair radar, navigation, communication, and electronic systems aboard vessels.
Your radar experience transfers directly—marine radar uses similar principles to air surveillance radar (detecting targets, distinguishing returns from sea clutter, tracking contacts). The equipment is ruggedized for harsh marine environments, similar to tactical military systems.
Marine electronics work varies widely. Some technicians work in shoreside shops installing/repairing equipment. Others work aboard vessels (commercial shipping, cruise ships, offshore vessels) as shipboard electronics technicians—living aboard for weeks or months, earning higher pay ($90K-$120K+).
The maritime industry faces technician shortages—experienced electronics techs are in high demand. Your military electronics and radar background provides strong credentials.
Coastal locations offer most opportunities—major ports, shipyards, and maritime service centers. Some positions require extensive travel or living aboard vessels.
Best for: 14Hs interested in maritime work, comfortable with sea duty or extensive travel, want to work with radar/electronics in different environment, and prefer smaller, more hands-on work environments than large aviation or defense contractors.
Radar systems engineer and technical specialist
Civilian job titles:
- Radar Systems Engineer
- Radar Test Engineer
- RF (Radio Frequency) Systems Engineer
- Sensor Systems Analyst
- Radar Performance Analyst
- Technical Support Engineer (radar systems)
Salary ranges:
- Junior radar systems engineer: $75,000-$95,000
- Radar systems engineer: $95,000-$130,000
- Senior radar systems engineer: $120,000-$160,000
- Principal engineer or technical lead: $140,000-$180,000+
What translates directly:
- Radar operations and performance analysis
- Target detection and tracking principles
- Electronic warfare and clutter environments
- System troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Technical data analysis and reporting
- User training and technical support
Certifications needed:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or related field (critical—use GI Bill)
- Security clearance (for defense contractor positions)
- Technical certifications (varies by specialty—radar, RF, systems engineering)
- Project Management Professional (PMP) (if targeting program management—$400 exam, $500-$1,500 prep)
Reality check: This path requires a bachelor's degree—ideally in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or related technical field. Many 14Hs pursue this by using GI Bill for 4-year degree while working entry-level radar technician positions.
Radar systems engineers work for defense contractors (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris), commercial radar manufacturers, research laboratories, and test facilities. They analyze radar performance, test new systems, troubleshoot problems, support field operations, and train users.
Your operational experience operating actual radar systems gives you credibility engineers lacking field experience don't have. You understand how radar performs in real-world conditions—not just theory.
This is the highest-paying long-term path for 14Hs willing to invest in education. Engineers earn $95K-$160K+ with potential to reach $180K+ in senior positions.
Many former 14Hs work as radar technicians ($70K-$90K) while earning engineering degrees part-time (3-4 years), then transition to engineering roles with significant pay increases.
Best for: 14Hs willing to invest 4 years earning bachelor's degree (full-time or part-time while working), interested in technical engineering careers, want highest long-term earning potential, and prefer analysis/design over hands-on operations.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "14H Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operator" on your resume and assuming civilians understand what that means. Translate it:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| 14H Early Warning System Operator | Radar Systems Specialist with 4+ years operating sophisticated 3D phased-array surveillance radar systems |
| Sentinel AN/MPQ-64 radar operations | Operated advanced mobile radar system detecting and tracking 60+ targets simultaneously at 40+ kilometer ranges |
| Target detection and classification | Analyzed radar returns distinguishing aircraft, UAVs, missiles, and friendly forces; maintained 98% accuracy identifying 500+ contacts |
| Electronic intelligence processing | Evaluated tactical electronic data from multiple sensors; disseminated threat warnings to 100+ personnel within 90-second timelines |
| Radar system maintenance | Performed organizational maintenance on complex radar systems; maintained 96% operational readiness over 2-year period |
| Tactical emplacement operations | Led 4-person crew deploying mobile radar systems; completed 25+ field exercises with zero safety incidents |
| Data network integration | Integrated radar data with FAAD C2, Link-11/16, and tactical data networks connecting Joint force elements |
| Electronic warfare operations | Operated radar in contested electromagnetic environments; distinguished real targets from jamming and electronic deception |
| Secret/Top Secret clearance | Active security clearance with counterintelligence polygraph (specify your level and expiration) |
| Training and mentorship | Trained 10+ junior operators on radar systems; developed standard operating procedures adopted at battalion level |
Use quantifiable results: "Maintained 96% operational readiness on $8M radar system over 24-month period," "Detected and tracked 1,000+ targets with 98% classification accuracy during exercises," "Reduced radar downtime 40% through preventive maintenance program I developed."
Drop military jargon. Don't write "Sentinel," "FAAD," or "AN/MPQ-64" without explanation. Write "mobile early warning radar system," "Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control," and "three-dimensional phased-array radar."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill as a 14H:
High priority (get these):
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) - Required for many FAA, commercial, and weather radar positions. Covers radio/radar regulations and operations. Cost: $100 exam, $50-$150 study materials. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Opens FAA, NOAA, and commercial radar technician doors.
Certified Electronics Technician (CET) - Industry-recognized electronics credential from ETA International. Demonstrates fundamental electronics and troubleshooting knowledge. Cost: $225-$350. Time: Self-study + exam. Value: Strengthens resume for all radar/electronics technician positions.
Security+ certification - Required for DoD contractor positions accessing IT systems. Cost: $425 exam, $50-$200 materials. Time: 2-4 weeks study. Value: Mandatory for 95% of defense contractor jobs requiring clearance.
Maintain your security clearance - Find clearance-required work within 24 months 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):
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license - If targeting aviation maintenance career. Requires 18-30 months training or experience. Cost: $150 written exams, $600 practical, plus school tuition (GI Bill eligible). Value: Mandatory for civilian aircraft maintenance; opens $65K-$105K aviation career.
RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD) certification - Advanced radar-specific credential from ETA International. Cost: $299. Value: Demonstrates specialized radar knowledge beyond general electronics.
Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology - Required for engineering positions and higher-level technician roles. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years. Value: Increases earning potential $20K-$40K and opens engineering career track earning $95K-$160K+.
NICET Electronics Engineering Technician - Progressive certification (Levels I-IV) for federal and commercial positions. Cost: $399 first exam, $299 subsequent levels. Value: Recognized by federal agencies and major employers.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
CompTIA Network+ - Basic networking certification. Cost: $358 exam. Value: Useful if radar systems involve network integration, but not critical for most radar tech positions.
Marine electronics certifications (NMEA) - Only if targeting maritime career. Cost: $200-$500 per specialty. Value: Niche credential for marine electronics work.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Be brutally honest. There are civilian skills you don't have:
Commercial electronics knowledge: You know military radar systems inside-out, but civilian employers want familiarity with commercial technologies—FAA radar systems, NEXRAD weather radar, marine navigation systems, or aviation avionics. Take online courses or certifications to broaden beyond military-specific equipment.
Civilian maintenance standards: Military maintenance follows TMs and Army regulations. Civilian work follows FAA standards, manufacturer specifications, or commercial practices. Learn civilian documentation, certification procedures, and quality standards.
Customer service orientation: As a contractor or commercial technician, you're serving customers, not executing orders. Learn patience, professional communication, and service-oriented mindset—even when users don't understand technical issues.
Resume and interview translation: Your first resume will be full of acronyms civilians don't understand. Hire a professional military resume writer ($150-$400) or use TAP/SFL-TAP resources extensively. Practice explaining radar operations in civilian terms.
Patience with civilian hiring timelines: Defense contractor hiring takes 2-6 months. Federal hiring (FAA, NOAA) takes 6-12 months. Background checks, clearance verification, and HR processes move glacially. Start your job search 6-12 months before separation and keep multiple options active.
Real 14H success stories
Ryan, 26, former 14H (E-4) → Raytheon Sentinel Radar Contractor
After 5 years including rotation in South Korea, Ryan separated as a Specialist. Used his active Secret clearance to land contractor position supporting Sentinel systems at Fort Bliss. Makes $98K supporting Army Patriot batteries—training operators, troubleshooting systems, performing maintenance. Loves using his Sentinel expertise daily and plans overseas rotation to Poland earning $140K+.
Jennifer, 29, former 14H (E-5) → FAA Airway Transportation Systems Specialist
Jennifer served 7 years, got out as a Sergeant. Earned FCC GROL and Electronics Technician certifications during transition. Applied to FAA, endured 10-month hiring process. Now maintains airport surveillance radar and navigation aids at major hub as FV-H making $88K with full federal benefits. Loves stable schedule, federal pension, and job security.
Marcus, 31, former 14H (E-6) → NOAA NEXRAD Radar Technician
Marcus did 9 years, separated as a Staff Sergeant. Interested in meteorology, pursued weather radar career. Landed NOAA position maintaining NEXRAD systems as GS-11 making $78K. Travels regionally servicing weather radar sites. Completed bachelor's degree in Meteorology part-time using GI Bill. Now applies for senior positions earning $95K-$110K.
David, 28, former 14H (E-5) → Aviation Radar Technician → Avionics Shop Supervisor
David did 6 years, got out as a Sergeant. Used GI Bill for FAA A&P license at aviation maintenance school (18 months). Started as avionics technician at cargo airline making $62K. Worked 4 years, promoted to avionics shop supervisor making $102K. Credits military radar experience for understanding complex aviation electronics better than civilian-trained techs.
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 training certificates (Sentinel, radar operations, electronics, etc.)
- Create skills inventory: specific radar systems, electronics training, maintenance experience
- Update resume using skills translation (TAP resume workshop or hire professional)
- Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting "former air defense radar operator" and technical skills
- Connect with 30+ former 14Hs on LinkedIn—ask about their transition paths
- Register on ClearanceJobs.com (most defense contractor radar jobs posted here)
- Research 5 specific career paths that interest you
Months 3-4: Certifications and networking
- Earn FCC GROL immediately ($100—required for FAA and many commercial radar positions)
- Complete Certified Electronics Technician (CET) certification ($225-$350)
- Earn Security+ if targeting defense contractors ($425—mandatory for DoD IT work)
- Begin FAA application if interested (apply early—process takes 6-12 months)
- Attend defense industry and aviation job fairs
- Join ETA International or IEEE as student/transitioning military member
- Consider SkillBridge internship last 180 days of service (try FAA, contractor, or aviation facility)
- Enroll in A&P school or degree program if targeting aviation or engineering (GI Bill)
Months 5-6: Job search execution
- Apply to 40+ positions across multiple paths (don't rely on single option)
- Target companies known for hiring 14Hs: Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, L3Harris
- Apply to FAA ATSS-Radar positions on USAJobs.gov
- Research NOAA, National Weather Service, and weather company positions
- Leverage LinkedIn network—message former 14Hs at target companies
- Prepare for technical interviews—expect questions about radar principles, troubleshooting, maintenance
- Practice translating military experience using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Be willing to relocate—FAA assigns locations; contractor positions concentrate near military installations
- Prepare for lengthy processes: multiple interviews, technical assessments, clearance verification (2-12 months)
Bottom line for 14H Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning System Operators
Your 14H experience isn't just specialized—it's exactly what multiple civilian industries need.
You've proven you can operate sophisticated radar systems detecting threats at extended ranges, maintain complex electronics at peak readiness, troubleshoot technical problems under pressure, integrate sensor data with tactical networks, and make split-second decisions with lives at stake. The civilian market needs these capabilities—you just need to target industries where "former air defense radar operator" means valuable technical expertise.
Defense contracting (Sentinel/air defense programs), FAA radar systems, weather radar services, commercial aviation, marine electronics, and radar engineering are proven paths. Thousands of 14Hs have transitioned successfully before you. You're not starting from zero.
First-year income of $55K-$70K is realistic in entry-level radar technician or commercial positions. Within 3-5 years, $80K-$110K is achievable with FAA, weather services, defense contractors, or senior technician roles. Defense contractor positions or radar systems engineering can reach $115K-$160K+.
Your clearance, Sentinel expertise, and radar operations knowledge are valuable assets. Use ClearanceJobs.com, earn FCC GROL and electronics certifications, maintain your clearance, and target strategic opportunities.
You've operated one of the Army's most advanced radar systems protecting soldiers' lives. You can navigate your career transition successfully.
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.