MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician
MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician
MOS Description
Air Traffic Control Radar Technicians survey, site, and install air traffic control precision approach and surveillance radar systems. Make periodic inspections and perform preventive maintenance. Load operational software, tune, adjust, and align systems for proper operation. Use proper safety procedures in system maintenance and operation. Diagnose and isolate malfunction to the fault, remove and replace the fault; and verify that the malfunction has been corrected. Participate in and provide technical assistance during system flight inspections. Maintain diagnostic and operational tapes, tools, support, and test equipment. Assist in maintaining the maintenance technical library. Assist in maintaining accountability of all parts of the system including software, spare parts, and in requisitioning supplies and spare parts. Process and pack system components for storage or shipment. Train subordinates or less qualified personnel. Maintain necessary records of maintenance and compile data for reports. Assist Air Traffic Control Maintenance Personnel in MOS 5951, 5952 and 5954. Must possess a detailed, working knowledge of all Navy sponsored aviation maintenance programs and processes governed by reference (ad).

National Certifications and Federal Licenses
You selected Early Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.
You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Marines in paygrades E4-E5. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You selected Late Career-- this applies to Marines in paygrades E6-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your MOS helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Marines who are not reenlisting and are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining a credential can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.
As a transitioning Marine, you may also want to visit the Marine Corps' Transition Readiness Program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.
You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Marines who plan to stay in the Corps and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your MOS. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and help prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Marine Corps will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you
The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician . These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.
For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the LEADER summary page.Compare | Credential | Agency | Related As | Attainability | COOL$ | GI Bill® | Accreditation | ID | |
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Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Certified Satellite Installer (CSI) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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General Radiotelephone Operator License (PG) Is Not In Demand | Federal Communications Commission (FCC) | ![]() |
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RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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CompTIA A+ ce
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Certified Electronics Technician - Associate-Level (Associate CET) Is Not In Demand | International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) | ![]() |
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Certified Electronics Technician - Journeyman-Level - Radar Is Not In Demand | International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) | ![]() |
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CompTIA Network+ ce
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
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American Society for Quality (ASQ) | ![]() |
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Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) Is Not In Demand | American Society for Quality (ASQ) | ![]() |
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Wireless Communications Electronics Technician (WCM) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Associate Engineering Technologist (AT) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) | ![]() |
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Data Cabling Installer (DCI) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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CompTIA Security+ ce
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Industrial Electronics Technician (IND)
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Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Technician Is Not In Demand | International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics (iNARTE) | ![]() |
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Certified Engineering Technologist (CT) Is Not In Demand | National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) | ![]() |
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Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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IC3 Digital Literacy Certification (IC3) Is Not In Demand | Certiport | ![]() |
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NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Is Not In Demand | ASTM International | ![]() |
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Certified Technology Specialist - Installation (CTS-I) Is Not In Demand | Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA) | ![]() |
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Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Technician Is Not In Demand | International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics (iNARTE) | ![]() |
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NCATT Foreign Object Elimination (FOE) Is Not In Demand | ASTM International | ![]() |
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NCATT Radio Communication Systems (RCS) Is Not In Demand | ASTM International | ![]() |
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NCATT Dependent Navigation Systems (DNS) Is Not In Demand | ASTM International | ![]() |
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Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman Is Not In Demand | Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) | ![]() |
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NCATT Onboard Communications & Safety Systems (OCS) Is Not In Demand | ASTM International | ![]() |
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NCATT Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS) Is Not In Demand | ASTM International | ![]() |
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General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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General Communications Technician - Level 2 (GCT2) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Gaming and Vending Technician (GVT) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electronics Associate DC (EM1) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electronics Associate AC (EM2) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electronics Associate Analog (EM3) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electronics Associate Digital (EM4) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice Is Not In Demand | Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) | ![]() |
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CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) Is Not In Demand | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Microwave Radio Technician (MRT) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | ![]() |
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State Licenses
Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor. For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the LEADER summary page.
Apprenticeship
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.
USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships.
The following USMAP apprenticeship trades are related to MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician :
Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.
Related Civilian Occupations
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician . These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the LEADER summary page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.
The following federal occupations are similar to MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician . These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.
A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to MOS MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician can be found below.
Airline Dispatchers Federation
The Airline Dispatchers Federation website contains detailed information on the aircraft dispatcher occupation.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Jobs
There are numerous opportunities available in the aviation industry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers a range of career opportunities to individuals with different skills within its organization. Their workforce includes:
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aviation Safety Inspectors
- Airways Transportation Systems Specialists
- Community Planners
- Security Inspectors
- Engineers
- Program Managers
- Acquisition Specialists
- Contract Specialists
- Human Resources Professionals
- Technicians
Consult the FAA Jobs website for additional information on aviation related career opportunities and job openings.
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.
For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see:
Additional information pertaining to MOS 5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician can be found below.
Federal Aviation Administration
At the FAA, Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCS) have three distinct areas of specialization :
- Terminal (Tower) Controllers, who control air traffic at airports and give pilots taxiing and takeoff instruction, air traffic clearances and advice
- En Route Center Controllers, who give aircraft instructions, air traffic clearances, and advice regarding flight conditions while en route between airports
- Flight Service Station Controllers, who provide preflight, in-flight and emergency assistance to all pilots on request
In addition to an Air Traffic Controller certificate, air traffic control specialists must possess :
- A rating for the facility to which they are assigned. This facility rating requires a demonstrated knowledge of the kind and location of radio aids to air navigation, the terrain, the landmarks, the communications systems and circuits, and the procedures peculiar to the area covered by the facility. All required certificates and ratings must be obtained within time limits established by the agency management.
- At least a second class Medical Examination detailed in 14 CFR Part 67. Medical examinations must be conducted by a FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner.
Although there are provisions for hiring individuals with no previous air traffic controller experience, as of early 2002, the FAA is only hiring graduates of FAA-approved post-secondary educational programs, current or former federal employees (including former military members eligible for a Veteran's Readjustment Appointment), or Retired Military Air Traffic Controllers for positions in the En Route Center or Terminal specialty areas.
To be eligible for the program, you must meet all of the following criteria :
- Be on terminal leave pending retirement from active duty military service or have retired from active duty military service on or after September 17, 1999.
- Have received either an air traffic control specialist certification and/or a facility rating according to FAA standards.
- Meet all application, qualification and position requirements, including applicable medical and security requirements.
Controllers hired under this program are given time-limited appointments, meaning that their appointments will have a specific termination date attached to them. The initial appointment may be up to 10 years and may not exceed the last day of the month in which the controller turns age 56. Appointments can be extended for up to five years at a time.
You will be required to submit a Retired Military Controller Specialist Job Application and proof of your retired status (Form DD 214). Do not submit the OF-612 federal job application form. Other FAA Application Forms you may need are located at the FAA website.
Eligibility requirements, privileges, and performance standards for Air Traffic Tower Operators and Aircraft Dispatchers are detailed in 14 CFR Part 65.