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2E371 Career Guide

Air Force

2E371: Client Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Client Systems Technician (2E371)

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Tech Roles You Could Aim For

Real industry tech roles your 2E371 background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.

Systems Administrator

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1244
High match

Your experience deploying, sustaining, and troubleshooting client systems directly translates to systems administration. You have experience with operating system installation, configuration, and management (Windows & Linux), hardware and software management, and network troubleshooting. Your work with Automated Information Systems (AIS) is relevant, too.

Typical stack:

Linux and/or Windows ServerScripting (Bash, PowerShell, Python)Backup and DR practicesMonitoringPatch management

IT Support Specialist (Help Desk)

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1232
High match

Your experience providing service to end-users for operation, restoration, and configuration of information systems aligns perfectly with IT support specialist roles. Your background in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues for clients is directly applicable.

Typical stack:

Windows and macOS troubleshootingActive Directory basicsTicketing systemsCustomer communicationDocumentation

Network Engineer

Infrastructure

SOC 15-1241
Good match

Your experience with voice and data network client device configuration, network fundamentals and troubleshooting, and Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS) maintenance provides a solid foundation for network engineering. Your understanding of network protocols and security incident reporting is valuable.

Typical stack:

TCP/IP fundamentalsRouting protocols (BGP, OSPF)Firewall and VPN configurationCloud networkingCisco or Juniper hands-on

Security Engineer

Security

SOC 15-1212
Moderate match

Your experience with cryptographic client device management, security incident reporting, and corrective procedures are valuable in security engineering. You understand security vulnerabilities. Your experience with Air Force Network Intrusion Detection System (AFNIDS) and Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) is directly relevant.

Typical stack:

Networking and OS internalsCryptography fundamentalsThreat modelingCloud security (IAM, VPC)Code review for security

Skills You Already Have

Concrete bridges from 2E371 experience to tech-industry practice.

  • Client device hardware troubleshooting and repairHardware diagnostics and repair
  • Operating system installation, configuration, and management (Windows & Linux)Windows and Linux server administration
  • Network fundamentals and troubleshootingNetwork troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Voice and data network client device configurationVoIP and data network configuration
  • Cryptographic client device managementCryptography and data protection
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS) maintenanceWireless communication systems maintenance
  • Security incident reporting and corrective proceduresSecurity incident response and management
  • Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
  • Remedy Action Request System (Remedy ARS)IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms
  • Air Force Network Intrusion Detection System (AFNIDS)Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS)
  • Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systemsVoIP platforms
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS) with Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI)Encrypted mobile communication solutions
  • Automated Information Systems (AIS)Database management systems (DBMS)
  • Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS)Project Management Software

Skills to Learn

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not generic.

Cloud computing fundamentals (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)Scripting and automation with Python or BashConfiguration management tools like Ansible or PuppetHelp desk ticketing systems (e.g., Zendesk, Freshdesk)Customer service and communication skillsAdvanced networking concepts (CCNA level)Network security protocols and toolsCybersecurity frameworks and standards (e.g., NIST, CIS)Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools

How VWC fits

Vets Who Code accelerates the parts we teach — software engineering fundamentals, web development, AI tooling. For everything else above, the path is doable independently with the resources we link to.

See VWC Programs

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2E371 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Network Administrator

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)Advanced knowledge of current network protocols

Help Desk Manager

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ITIL certificationCustomer service management

Information Security Analyst

$95K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

CompTIA Security+Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Telecommunications Specialist

$78K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

VoIP systems certificationsProject management methodologies

Project Manager, IT

$90K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationAgile methodologies

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2E371 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You maintained complex voice, data, and video networks, requiring you to understand how all the components interact and predict how changes or failures in one area could impact the entire system.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to designing, analyzing, and optimizing various processes and workflows in civilian industries.

Rapid Prioritization

You consistently managed multiple IT tasks, from troubleshooting network issues to managing user accounts, demanding quick decisions on which issues needed immediate attention to minimize disruptions.

In civilian settings, this translates to effectively managing competing demands, especially in fast-paced environments where rapid decisions are crucial for maintaining productivity and meeting deadlines.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When networks or systems failed, you were responsible for finding solutions under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information, to restore critical services as quickly as possible.

Your experience in maintaining operations during system failures makes you invaluable in any industry where preventing downtime and resolving crises are vital for business continuity.

Procedural Compliance

You rigorously followed established protocols for installing, maintaining, and securing sensitive communication systems, showing a deep commitment to following rules and regulations.

This meticulous adherence to procedures is highly valued in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government, where compliance is not just important but mandatory.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Business Continuity Planner

SOC 13-1199.00

You've been keeping systems running smoothly even when things go wrong. As a Business Continuity Planner, you'll use your skills to develop and implement plans that ensure a company can continue operating during disruptions. You already know how to anticipate problems, create solutions, and keep everything secure.

IT Risk Manager

SOC 11-3021.00

You've been on the front lines of protecting communication systems. Now, as an IT Risk Manager, you can apply that experience to identifying and mitigating risks to an organization's IT infrastructure. Your keen eye for potential vulnerabilities will be key to keeping data safe and secure.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-1081.00

You're used to coordinating resources and managing complex projects. As a Logistics Analyst, you can apply your organizational skills and technical knowledge to streamline supply chains, optimize processes, and ensure smooth operations. Your ability to see the big picture and manage details will make you an invaluable asset.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-4022.00

You've not only maintained systems but also ensured they're used effectively. As a Technical Trainer, you can share your expertise by teaching others how to use software, hardware, and communication systems. Your ability to explain complex information clearly and patiently will help your students succeed.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Client Systems Technician Course, Keesler AFB, MS

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Client device hardware troubleshooting and repair
  • Operating system installation, configuration, and management (Windows & Linux)
  • Network fundamentals and troubleshooting
  • Voice and data network client device configuration
  • Cryptographic client device management
  • Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS) maintenance
  • Security incident reporting and corrective procedures

Certification Pathways

Ready to Certify

CompTIA A+

Partial Coverage

CompTIA Network+70% covered

Focus on more in-depth networking concepts, subnetting, routing protocols, and network security best practices.

CompTIA Security+60% covered

Study advanced security concepts such as cryptography, risk management, security assessments, and penetration testing methodologies.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)50% covered

Deepen knowledge of Cisco networking equipment, configuration, troubleshooting, and Cisco-specific technologies.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Linux+Microsoft Certified: Azure FundamentalsProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software like IBM Maximo or SAP EAM
Remedy Action Request System (Remedy ARS)IT Service Management (ITSM) platforms like ServiceNow or Jira Service Management
Air Force Network Intrusion Detection System (AFNIDS)Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) like Snort or Suricata, or commercial tools like McAfee or CrowdStrike
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems (e.g., Cisco Unified Communications Manager)VoIP platforms like Cisco Call Manager, Microsoft Teams Phone, or Zoom Phone
Personal Wireless Communication Systems (PWCS) with Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) (e.g., L3Harris radios with cryptographic modules)Encrypted mobile communication solutions like Signal, Wickr, or secure smartphones with hardware-based encryption
Automated Information Systems (AIS) (various systems for managing data)Database management systems (DBMS) like Oracle, MySQL, or Microsoft SQL Server
Theater Battle Management Core System (TBMCS)Project Management Software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Jira)

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