AOC 26A Network Systems Engineering
AOC Description
Network Systems Engineering provides the Army with a corps of highly skilled communication network and systems engineers. They lead Soldiers and organizations, plan, engineer, test, integrate, validate, operate, maintain, secure, and defend the Department of Defense Information Network (DODIN) to include cybersecurity measures that preserve communication networks and information systems in support of mission command. They are responsible for transport layer network functions to include: engineering, assessment, validation, security architecture, integration, management, technology evaluation, project/program/contract management, and enterprise systems management. They design a robust, reliable, and secure network architecture that provides cyberspace information technology capabilities supporting Army, joint, inter-agency, inter-governmental, and multinational operations worldwide.

National Certifications
The following civilian credentials are related to AOC 26A. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.
Compare | Credential | Agency | Related As | CA Eligible | Attainability | GI Bill® | Accreditation | ID | |
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CompTIA Network+ ce
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
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BICSI | ![]() |
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Outside Plant (OSP) Designer Is Not In Demand | BICSI | ![]() |
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Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
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ISACA | ![]() |
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
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International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)
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Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | ![]() |
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Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE)
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Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | ![]() |
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Certified Wireless Network Trainer (CWNT) Is Not In Demand | Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | ![]() |
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GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Certified UNIX Security Administrator (GCUX)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Certified Windows Security Administrator (GCWN) Is Not In Demand | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Information Security Professional (GISP) Is Not In Demand | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Security Expert (GSE) Is Not In Demand | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Security Essentials Certification (GSEC)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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GIAC Systems and Network Auditor (GSNA)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)
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International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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CompTIA Security+ ce
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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GIAC Security Leadership Certification (GSLC)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
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ISACA | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Security
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Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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GIAC Information Security Fundamentals (GISF) Is Not In Demand | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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Information Systems Security Management Professional (CISSP-ISSMP) Is Not In Demand | International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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CERT - Certified Computer Security Incident Handler (CSIH) Is Not In Demand | CERT - Software Engineering Institute | ![]() |
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Information Systems Security Architecture Professional (CISSP-ISSAP)
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International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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Information Systems Security Engineering Professional (CISSP-ISSEP) Is Not In Demand | International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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ITIL Foundation Level Is Not In Demand | AXELOS | ![]() |
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CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA) Is Not In Demand | CyberSecurity Institute | ![]() |
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Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Is Not In Demand | International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) | ![]() |
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Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
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International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) | ![]() |
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Certified Security Analyst (ECSA)
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International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) | ![]() |
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Certified Authorization Professional (CAP) Is Not In Demand | International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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Certified Wireless Security Professional (CWSP)
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Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | ![]() |
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Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (CGEIT)
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ISACA | ![]() |
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Certified Wireless Design Professional (CWDP) Is Not In Demand | Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | ![]() |
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Certified Wireless Analysis Professional (CWAP) Is Not In Demand | Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security
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Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP)
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International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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Registered Telecommunications Project Manager (RTPM) Is Not In Demand | BICSI | ![]() |
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Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) Is Not In Demand | BICSI | ![]() |
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CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Enterprise Wireless (CCIE Wireless)
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Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
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ISACA | ![]() |
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Certified Information Professional (CIP) Is Not In Demand | Association for Information and Image Management (AIIM) | ![]() |
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GIAC Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP)
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Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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CompTIA Cloud+ ce
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Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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Certified Chief Information Security Officer (CCISO) Is Not In Demand | International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council) | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Network Professional Collaboration (CCNP Collaboration)
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Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Collaboration (CCIE Collaboration)
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Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US)
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International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) | ![]() |
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Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) Is Not In Demand | International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) | ![]() |
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GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA) Is Not In Demand | Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) | ![]() |
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ITIL Master Certification Is Not In Demand | AXELOS | ![]() |
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Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) Is Not In Demand | International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium, Inc. (ISC)² | ![]() |
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate Is Not In Demand | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | ![]() |
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AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional Is Not In Demand | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | ![]() |
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CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) Is Not In Demand | Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | ![]() |
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CyberSec First Responder (CFR) Is Not In Demand | CertNexus (formerly Logical Operations) | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Adobe Certified Expert: Adobe Experience Manager Dev/Ops Engineer Is Not In Demand | Adobe Systems Incorporated | ![]() |
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AWS Certified Security - Specialty Is Not In Demand | Amazon Web Services (AWS) | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Enterprise Infrastructure Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Microsoft 365 Certified: Fundamentals Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft 365 Certified: Messaging Administrator Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft 365 Certified: Security Administrator Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft 365 Certified: Teams Administrator Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure DevOps Engineer Expert Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Field Service Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Finance Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Marketing Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Sales Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Functional Consultant Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Power Apps + Dynamics 365 Developer Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Is Not In Demand | Cisco Systems, Inc. | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Database Administrator Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Developer Associate Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365: Finance and Operations Apps Solution Architect Expert Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Fundamentals Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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Microsoft Certified: Dynamics 365 + Power Platform Solution Architect Expert Is Not In Demand | Microsoft Corporation | ![]() |
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State Licensure
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.
Related Civilian Occupations
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by AOC 26A-Network Systems Engineering. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran’s Employment Center.
Civilian Job | Duties Matched | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
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Chief Executives |
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Computer and Information Systems Managers |
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Computer Network Architects |
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Computer Systems Engineers/Architects |
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Information Security Analysts |
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Information Technology Project Managers |
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Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
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Related Federal Occupations
The following federal occupations are similar to AOC 26A-Network Systems Engineering. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the federal occupation below.
Other Career Considerations
A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with AOC 26A Network Systems Engineering military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to AOC 26A can be found below.
Cyber Security
Cyber Security
There are opportunities to use cyber security skills in the law enforcement field. Information on cyber security in the federal workforce can be found on the following agency websites:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
2020: IT Specialist
Overview: This job series covers positions responsible for providing support, guidance, and expertise in various Information Technology (IT) functions. Specialty areas include IT Policy Planning, Information Security, Customer Support, Network Services, Enterprise Architecture, Systems Analyst, Applications Software, Operating Systems, Data Management, Internet and Systems Administration. Work performed by the IT specialist varies and is dependent on the job field of each IT specialist.
Duties at CBP: Work within this job series requires an Information Technology (IT) Specialist to perform a variety of duties that involve knowledge of a wide variety of IT application, systems, and methods; ability to apply methods and practices for troubleshooting IT system issues to include issues such as network, database, customer inquiries, and knowledge of IT system security regulations, policies and procedures. Typical work assignments vary based on parenthetical/job fields listed above but duties may include:
- Providing advice and guidance on a wide range and variety of IT issues;
- Planning, analyzing, developing, implementing, maintaining and enhancing information systems security programs, policies, procedures and tools;
- Assisting in the installation and integration of system patches, repairs, updates, and enhancements to ensure the delivery of IT services;
- Installing, configuring, integrating, troubleshooting, optimizing and maintaining customer hardware and software to maximize system availability and monitors network performance.
Locations: Various; DC Metro Area
Troops to Tech
Troops to Tech Careers is a program created by CompTIA to provide opportunities and resources for Veterans interested in a career in the information technology (IT) field. Troops to Tech Careers is a collaboration between CompTIA, educational institutions and training organizations, and corporate employers to provide Veterans with an opportunity to Learn-Certify-Work. Veterans can locate education and training centers nationwide that will help them plan an IT career pathway and identify training courses they may need to prepare for a related IT certification. On the employer side, Troops to Tech Careers maintains a corporate registry listing companies that have made a commitment to prioritize hiring IT certified Veterans. Additional information about the program can be found at the Troops to Tech Careers website.
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, advanced education is another way to enhance job performance.
Continuing Education
For help in making informed choices on schools and education programs when using tuition assistance, see: