This is a description, as given by the Air Force, of the specialty that I was trained in during my four years of serving.

1. 262 AFMAN36-2108 31 OCTOBER 2002
CEM Code 2EOOO
AFSC 2E291, Superintendent
AFSC 2E271, Craftsman
AFSC 2E251, Journeyman
AFSC 2E231, Apprentice
AFSC 2E211, Helper
COMPUTER, NETWORK, SWITCHING AND CRYPTOGRAPHIC SYSTEMS
(Changed 31 Oct 00)
1. Specialty Summary. Sustains network infrastructure, cryptographic equipment, and deployable
switching systems in a fixed and deployed environment. Sustains and operates systems through effective
troubleshooting, repair, diagnostics and system performance analysis. Related DoD Occupational Sub-
groups: 150 and 160.
2. Duties and Responsibilities:
2.1. Plans, organizes and directs sustainment activities. Establishes work standards, methods and controls
for preventative, scheduled, and unscheduled maintenance actions. Determines extent and economy of
repair of malfunctioning equipment. Ensures compliance with technical data, instructions, and work stan-
dards. Interprets malfunctions and prescribes corrective action. Serves on, or directs inspection teams
organized to evaluate base or command sustainment programs. Manages, or performs research and devel-
opment projects for assigned systems.
2.2. Reviews technical instructions, plans, and installation drawings to install systems. Ensures conform-
ance to standard installation practices. Plans and schedules communications and related equipment instal-
lations. Resolves installation and maintenance discrepancies using applicable directives, diagrams and
installation systems records. Inventories project and work order materials. Initiates and conducts system
verification tests to assess the capability and effectiveness of networks and communications systems.
2.3. Maintains, inspects and tests assigned systems. Coordinates with commercial service providers and
depots to conduct tests of system components and assemblies to isolate faults. Removes, repairs, replaces
and restores systems or subsystems.
2.4. Performs organizational, intermediate and depot level sustainment on assigned systems. Establishes
priorities and schedules repair actions. Isolates malfunctions using troubleshooting techniques, diagnostic
software, technical data, block diagrams, voltage and waveform measurements, and other tests requiring
specialized test equipment. Repairs computer network systems and associated peripheral equipment. Test
components using bench mockups and related test equipment. Aligns and modifies system components
according to National Security Agency, Joint, Departmental, DISA Directives, technical data, Time Com-
pliance Technical Orders (TCTO) and local procedures. Evaluates and recommends methods to improve
system or equipment performance and sustainment procedures.

2. AFMAN36-2108 31 OCTOBER 2002 263
2.5. Documents inspection and maintenance actions. Establishes and maintains systems configuration
records. Monitors and documents systems performance.
2.6. Ensures compliance with operation security practices. Applies communications security programs to
include physical, cryptographic, transmission, and emission security. Develops and ensures compliance
with safety standards and instructions.
2.7. Performs pre-deployment operations and mobilization oftheater deployable communications systems
for transport by air, land or sea. Deploys systems and support equipment to support mission requirements.
Establishes maintenance management procedures and agile logistics support channels to sustain continu-
ous network operations. Coordinates and assists end users in isolating and eliminating communications
connectivity problems. Removes, repairs and replaces assemblies, subassemblies and electronic compo-
nents to optimally sustain communications networks. Prepare systems for redeployment and equipment
regeneration.
3. Specialty Qualifications:
3.1. Knowledge. Knowledge of the following are mandatory: fundamentals of electronics; digital theory;
fundamentals of computer and network; protocols; cryptographic techniques and equipment configura-
tion; and communication and switching systems principles of operations and technologies. Also, knowl-
edge of basic troubleshooting procedures, operation and use of test equipment; computer programming
techniques; use of technical data, wiring diagrams, and schematic drawings; and the structure and use of
the Air Force supply system is mandatory.
3.2. Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in computers and
mathematics is desirable.
3.3. Training. For award of AFSC 2E231, completion of Computer, Network, Switching and Crypto-
graphic Systems course is mandatory. To sustain cryptographic equipment, completion of training accord-
ing to AFI 21-109, Communications Security, Equipment Maintenance and Maintenance Training is
mandatory.
3A. Experience. The following are mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
3A.l. 2E251. Qualification in and possession of 2E231. Experience in functions such as installing, trou-
bleshooting, repairing, operating, testing, or modifying computer, network, missile control, cryptographic
and tactical switching systems.
3A.2. 2E271. Qualification in and possession of 2E251. Experience in performing or supervising func-
tions such as installing, troubleshooting, repairing, operating, testing, or modifying assigned systems.
3A.3. 2E291. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2E271. Experience in managing functions such as
installing, troubleshooting, repairing, overhauling or modifying assigned systems.
3.5. Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:
3.5.1. For entry into this specialty:
3.5.1.1. Normal color vision as defined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.
3.5.1.2. See Attachment 39 for additional Other entry requirements.
3.5.1.3. Qualification to operate a government vehicle according to AFI 24-301, Vehicle Operations.
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3. 264 AFMAN36-2108 31 OCTOBER 2002
3.5.2. Por award and retention of APSCs 2E231, 2E251, 2E271 or 2E291 eligibility for a Secret security
clearance according to API 31-501, Personnel Security Management Program is required.