5939 Aviation Communication Systems Technician
Aviation command and control depends on communications systems that work. When a tactical data link goes down or an aircraft cannot reach the ground controller, the problem does not wait for a Monday morning fix. The 5939 Aviation Communication Systems Technician maintains, troubleshoots, and restores the communications infrastructure that connects Marine aviation to the command-and-control network. This is electronics maintenance work inside aviation units, and it requires both technical depth and the clearance to work within sensitive systems. If you want aviation exposure without airframe maintenance, and you have the electronics aptitude to earn the EL 110 threshold, 5939 is a field worth serious research.
Job Role and Responsibilities
The 5939 Aviation Communication Systems Technician maintains, repairs, and operates aviation communications and navigation systems in support of Marine Corps aviation command and control. Technicians work on UHF, VHF, and satellite communication systems, tactical data links, and related electronics equipment that support Marine aviation squadrons and aviation command and control elements.
Daily Tasks
The work is systems maintenance and troubleshooting in an aviation environment. Common daily tasks include:
- Performing scheduled maintenance and inspections on aviation communication and navigation systems
- Troubleshooting electrical and electronic faults in communication systems using diagnostic equipment and technical manuals
- Replacing and repairing line-replaceable units, cables, antennas, and associated components
- Supporting radio frequency management and spectrum coordination for aviation operations
- Maintaining maintenance records and completing work orders for all assigned systems
- Coordinating with aviation electronics officers and adjacent avionics specialists on system integration issues
Specific Roles
| Classification | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PMOS | 5939 | Aviation Communication Systems Technician |
| Field entry | 5900 | Intermediate MOS for Marines entering the 59 field before specialization |
Marines in OccFld 59 typically complete a commons course (5900) before specializing in their specific system track. The 5939 specialization focuses on communication systems rather than radar, data link, or other electronics subcategories within the broader field.
Mission Contribution
Marine aviation cannot execute command-and-control without reliable communications. Aircraft need to reach their ground controllers, tactical operations centers need to exchange data with supporting aircraft, and aviation support to the MAGTF depends on systems that are operating and maintained correctly. The 5939 Technician is part of the maintenance chain that keeps those systems reliable. A degraded communications system that goes unfixed long enough becomes a capability gap.
Technology and Equipment
Technicians work on radio transceivers, antenna systems, tactical data links, satellite communication terminals, and related electronics. Test equipment includes oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, and specialized aviation electronics diagnostic tools. Technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and manufacturer maintenance documentation are standard references. Some 5939 billets involve classified communication systems that require a security clearance.
Salary and Benefits
Financial Benefits
Pay follows the 2026 DFAS active-duty enlisted pay tables, effective January 1, 2026.
| Rank | Grade | Under 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private | E-1 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 | $2,407.20 |
| Private First Class | E-2 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 | $2,697.90 |
| Lance Corporal | E-3 | $2,836.80 | $3,015.00 | $3,198.00 | $3,198.00 |
| Corporal | E-4 | $3,142.20 | $3,303.00 | $3,658.50 | $3,815.40 |
| Sergeant | E-5 | $3,342.90 | $3,598.20 | $3,946.80 | $4,110.00 |
| Staff Sergeant | E-6 | $3,401.10 | $3,743.10 | $4,068.90 | $4,235.70 |
| Gunnery Sergeant | E-7 | $3,932.10 | $4,291.50 | $4,673.10 | $4,843.80 |
| Master Sergeant | E-8 | – | – | – | $5,656.50 |
| Master Gunnery Sgt | E-9 | – | – | – | – |
Source: dfas.mil, 2026 Enlisted Basic Pay Table.
Additional Benefits
BAS of $476.95 per month applies to all enlisted Marines. BAH varies by duty station, pay grade, and dependency status. TRICARE Prime provides no-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage for active-duty Marines. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers full in-state tuition at public schools and up to $29,920.95 annually at private schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. Federal Tuition Assistance covers up to $4,500 per year for college coursework.
Work-Life Balance
Aviation maintenance schedules are driven by flight operations and readiness requirements rather than a fixed garrison clock. Aircraft Communication Systems maintenance must meet tight timelines aligned with flight schedules. Pre-deployment workups and high-flight-tempo periods extend hours. Maintenance-only periods in garrison are more regular.
Qualifications and Eligibility
Basic Qualifications
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen |
| Age | 17-29 for initial enlistment |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| AFQT minimum | 31 (high school diploma); 50 (GED) |
| ASVAB line score | EL 110 minimum (Electronics Repair: GS + AR + MK + EI) |
| Color vision | Normal color vision required |
| Security clearance | Secret clearance eligibility required |
| General screening | Standard Marine enlistment medical and conduct requirements apply |
The EL (Electronics Repair) line score is the key qualifier for this field. EL measures general science, arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, and electronics information. An EL of 110 is among the higher enlisted thresholds in the Marine Corps. Applicants who want this MOS need to invest serious preparation in the electronics and mathematics sections of the ASVAB. Verify current requirements against official Marine Corps guidance before finalizing any accession decision.
Application Process
Work with a Marine recruiter to confirm current 5939 billet availability and ASVAB requirements. Study electronics information, mathematics knowledge, and general science sections for the ASVAB. The PiCAT unproctored prescreen option is available for eligible applicants. The secret clearance eligibility requirement means a background check is part of the accession process. Disclose anything relevant to your recruiter early to avoid processing delays.
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
Aviation electronics billets are competitive because the EL score threshold limits the pool of eligible applicants. Prior coursework in electronics, physics, or mathematics is an advantage. A clean background that supports secret clearance eligibility is a requirement.
Upon Accession
Marines enter at E-1 for direct accession. Standard first-term enlistments are four years. Contract details should be confirmed with a recruiter.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
5939 Technicians work in avionics bays, communications maintenance shops, and aviation command-and-control facilities. The environment includes clean bench work for component-level electronics troubleshooting and field work near aircraft for system-level checks and antenna servicing. Deployed support assignments involve maintaining systems from portable facilities or expeditionary platforms.
Leadership and Communication
Aviation communication maintenance sections are supervised by senior enlisted technicians and aviation electronics officers. Communication requirements include both technical accuracy in maintenance documentation and clear verbal communication with other maintenance specialties and with operations personnel who need to understand system status before flight.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
Aviation maintenance operations are team-based with strict safety and documentation procedures. Individual technicians are responsible for the accuracy of their own work orders and system checks. Peer review and supervisor sign-off are standard before systems are returned to service. The culture is safety-oriented and documentation-driven.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
Marines in aviation electronics fields often cite the technical depth of the work and the clear connection between their maintenance output and aviation mission success as key sources of satisfaction. The clearance, the technical challenge, and the aviation environment make this a sought-after field. Retention in the avionics community tends to be stronger than in many support MOS fields because civilian demand for aviation electronics technicians is consistent.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
| Phase | Location | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | MCRD San Diego or Parris Island | 13 weeks | Marine Corps fundamentals |
| Marine Combat Training (MCT) | SOI-West (Camp Pendleton) or SOI-East (Camp Lejeune) | 29 days | Basic combat skills for non-infantry Marines |
| 5900 Commons Course | MCAS Twentynine Palms, CA | Varies | Aviation electronics fundamentals common to OccFld 59 |
| Aviation Communication Systems Technician Course | MCAS Twentynine Palms, CA | Varies | Communication and navigation system maintenance, troubleshooting, and operational procedures |
The commons course provides the foundational electronics and aviation maintenance knowledge that applies across the 59 field. The follow-on 5939 course develops the system-specific skills for communication and navigation equipment. Total formal pipeline duration runs several months before Marines arrive at their first squadron or aviation unit.
Advanced Training
- Advanced avionics maintenance courses for specific communication platforms
- Cryptographic system maintenance training for secure communication equipment
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airframe and powerplant (A and P) mechanic prerequisites for some parallel civilian credentials
- Tuition Assistance-supported degrees in electrical engineering technology, computer electronics, or communications
- Defense Acquisition University training for senior maintenance management roles
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
| Rank | Grade | Typical Time in Grade | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private | E-1 | 6 months | Training pipeline |
| Private First Class | E-2 | 8 months | Initial unit assignment |
| Lance Corporal | E-3 | 14 months | Supervised system maintenance |
| Corporal | E-4 | 2 years | Qualified technician, independent maintenance |
| Sergeant | E-5 | 2-3 years | Section NCO, maintenance team lead |
| Staff Sergeant | E-6 | 3-4 years | Aviation communication chief, senior advisor |
| Gunnery Sergeant | E-7 | 3-5 years | Squadron communication systems chief |
| Master Sergeant | E-8 | 4+ years | Wing-level avionics advisor |
Role Flexibility and Transfers
LATMOVE within the 59 OccFld is possible for qualified Marines who want to broaden across different electronics specialties. The EL score and clearance that qualify for 5939 also support adjacent fields in avionics maintenance, ground electronics, and signals intelligence. Senior 5939 Marines are competitive for joint aviation communication billets at higher headquarters.
Performance Evaluation
Proficiency and conduct marks apply to Lance Corporals and below. FITREPs cover Staff Sergeants and above. Maintenance quality, system readiness contributions, technical proficiency, and leadership of junior technicians are the primary performance factors in aviation electronics fields.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
Aviation communication maintenance is not a physically intensive field compared to combat arms or vehicle maintenance, but Marines work in hangars, on flight lines, and in field environments that require physical capability. PFT and CFT performance is required for promotion and retention.
| Test | Event | Male 17-20 Minimum | Male 17-20 First Class | Female 17-20 Minimum | Female 17-20 First Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFT | Pull-ups | 3 | 23 | 1 | 7 |
| PFT | Crunches (2 min) | 70 | 100 | 70 | 100 |
| PFT | 3-Mile Run | 28:00 | 18:00 | 33:00 | 21:00 |
| CFT | Movement to Contact | 3:38 | 2:55 | 4:40 | 3:48 |
| CFT | Ammunition Lift | 42 | 95 | 42 | 95 |
| CFT | Maneuver Under Fire | 3:37 | 2:27 | 4:20 | 3:15 |
Source: marines.com. Verify current year standards against official Marine Corps publications.
Medical Evaluations
Standard periodic medical evaluations apply. Color vision requirements are checked at accession. Hearing conservation is relevant for technicians working in flight-line environments with aircraft noise exposure.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
5939 Marines deploy with Marine Aircraft Wings, Marine Air Control Groups, Marine Wing Support Squadrons, and MEU aviation elements. Deployed communication system maintenance supports the aviation command and control infrastructure that connects the aviation combat element to the broader MAGTF. Deployments typically follow squadron and wing rotation schedules of six to seven months.
Location Flexibility
Primary aviation electronics duty stations include MCAS Miramar, MCAS Cherry Point, MCAS New River, MCAS Beaufort, MCB Hawaii, and Okinawa. MCAS Twentynine Palms hosts much of the training pipeline. Assignment is based on squadron and wing billet availability.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Job Hazards
Aviation electronics work involves electrical hazards, radio frequency energy exposure, and chemical hazards from solvents and cleaning agents used in maintenance. Flight-line environments add jet blast, noise, and aircraft movement hazards. Safety training and personal protective equipment requirements apply to all maintenance environments.
Safety Protocols
Aviation maintenance safety programs govern all avionics work. Electrical safety procedures, RF energy exposure limits, and flight-line safety protocols are all required knowledge for 5939 Marines. The aviation maintenance safety culture is formal and documentation-driven.
Security and Legal Requirements
Secret clearance is required and must be maintained throughout service. Loss of clearance eligibility due to financial, conduct, or personal behavior issues can result in loss of the billet and MOS. Standard UCMJ obligations apply to all Marines.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Family Considerations
Aviation unit families experience deployment cycles consistent with the Marine Aircraft Wing rotation schedule. Major aviation installations like MCAS Miramar and MCAS Cherry Point have well-established family support infrastructure. MCCS, Military OneSource, and Marine Corps Family Team Building programs are available.
Relocation and Flexibility
PCS moves are standard in aviation electronics careers. Marine aviation installations are concentrated at fewer geographic locations than ground combat support fields, which narrows the geographic variety of PCS assignments but also concentrates families in established military communities.
Marine Corps Reserve
Component Availability
5939 billets exist in the Marine Corps Reserve within reserve aviation units. Reserve aviation communication specialists support unit readiness and can be mobilized for aviation operations. The EL score and clearance requirements apply equally in the reserve component.
Drill Schedule and Training Commitment
Standard reserve commitment is one drill weekend per month and two weeks of Annual Training per year. Reserve aviation electronics units schedule platform-specific currency training and equipment maintenance exercises during AT. Technical proficiency maintenance requires active engagement between drill periods.
Part-Time Pay
A reserve Corporal (E-4) earns approximately $419 per drill weekend based on 2026 pay rates. Active-duty monthly base pay for the same grade starts at $3,142.20.
Benefits Differences
| Benefit | Active Duty | Marine Corps Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly pay (E-4) | $3,142.20 | ~$419 per drill weekend |
| Healthcare | TRICARE Prime, no cost | TRICARE Reserve Select (premiums apply) |
| Tuition Assistance | Up to $4,500/year | Available on qualifying orders |
| GI Bill | Full Post-9/11 GI Bill | Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve |
| Retirement | 20-year pension at 40% of high-36 | Points-based, collect at age 60 |
| Deployment tempo | Higher, consistent with aviation operations | Lower, mobilization possible |
Deployment and Mobilization
Reserve aviation electronics Marines can be mobilized to support aviation contingency operations. The specialized technical skills and clearance credentials make reserve 5939 Marines high-value augmentees when aviation communication system expertise is needed at scale.
Civilian Career Integration
5939 experience is directly relevant to civilian aviation maintenance, commercial communication systems, defense electronics, and satellite communications industries. Avionics technician roles at commercial airlines and defense contractors actively recruit candidates with military aviation electronics backgrounds. FCC Technician license and NCATT AET (Aircraft Electronics Technician) certification pair well with the military training. USERRA protections apply.
Post-Service Opportunities
Transition to Civilian Life
The Transition Readiness Program provides career planning support. Veterans’ Preference applies to federal aviation and defense electronics positions. The GI Bill supports electrical engineering technology, avionics, or computer electronics degrees that accelerate advancement in the civilian communications and avionics industry.
Civilian Career Prospects
| Civilian Job Title | Median Annual Salary | Job Outlook (BLS) |
|---|---|---|
| Avionics Technician | $75,440 | +6% |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairer (Commercial and Industrial) | $63,950 | +2% |
| Radio and Telecommunications Equipment Installer | $63,270 | +4% |
| Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician | $57,490 | +8% |
| Electronics Engineer (Defense Contractor) | $107,000-$140,000 | Consistent demand |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Is This a Good Job for You? The Right (and Wrong) Fit
Ideal Candidate Profile
The best 5939 candidates have strong electronics and math aptitude reflected in the EL score, genuine interest in aviation systems rather than just aviation in general, and the patience for systematic troubleshooting that electronics work requires. Prior coursework in electronics, radio communications, or physics is a real advantage. A clean background that supports secret clearance eligibility is essential from the beginning.
Potential Challenges
Marines who want the kinetic experience of airframe work, the physical outdoor exposure of ground maintenance, or a field without clearance requirements will find 5939 a narrower fit than they expected. The electronics troubleshooting work is meticulous and documentation-heavy. Technicians who skip steps, do not follow technical manual procedures, or make assumptions in system diagnoses create safety risks in an aviation environment.
Career and Lifestyle Alignment
5939 provides one of the strongest MOS-to-civilian career transitions in the enlisted aviation force. The combination of aviation context, electronics maintenance depth, and security clearance creates a hiring profile that commercial aviation, defense contractors, and government electronics programs actively seek. Adding avionics certification or an electrical engineering technology degree through the GI Bill converts the military background into a well-documented civilian credential set.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Marine Corps or any government agency. Verify all information with official Marine Corps sources before making enlistment or career decisions.
More Information
Contact your nearest Marine Corps Recruiting Station to confirm current 5939 accession pathways, ASVAB requirements, and available contract options. Marines already in service should speak with their Career Planner about advanced avionics training and assignment options within the 59 field.
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