SGT · 25U · Signal Corps

Manuel A. Palacios

// mptechgarage.com

IT professional & U.S. Army Signal Corps veteran. Over 5 years of hands-on leadership in communications systems, network troubleshooting, and field operations — now translating military precision into modern technology solutions.

Signal Systems Network+ CompTIA A+ Fiber Optics Gearhead Python & SQL
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tech garage
About

Signal Sent.
Message Clear.

I'm Manuel A. Palacios — a U.S. Army Signal Corps veteran, automotive technician, and IT professional in training. I've spent my career operating at the intersection of technology, mechanical craft, and mission-critical communications.

As a 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist, I led field communication teams and ensured zero downtime across operations spanning 25-mile radii. Before that, five years as a Mercedes-Benz automotive technician honed my diagnostic thinking and my respect for precision engineering.

Currently completing a B.S. in Computer Information Systems at UTEP, I'm bringing the same methodical, field-tested approach to building modern tech solutions. No static. Just signal.

5+
Years Army Service
25U
Signal MOS
6+
Certifications
8+
Military Awards
Experience

Field
Operations.

March 2017 – August 2022
SGT · 25U Signal Support Systems Specialist
U.S. Army
  • NCOIC of company administrative office — managed soldier accountability, required training, legal documentation and record keeping.
  • Led and trained a 4-soldier communications team, achieving 100% signal reliability across 25-mile field operations.
  • Supported a Joint Network Node team providing Beyond Line-of-Sight communications for warfighter training exercises.
  • Diagnosed and maintained 40 SINCGARS radios, 20 OT-254 antennas and vehicle power supply components — zero field failures.
  • Maintained and secured 100 firearms for Army company echelon with zero discrepancies.
May 2012 – February 2017
Automotive Technician
Mercedes-Benz · Downtown Los Angeles, CA
  • Performed mechanical and electrical malfunction repairs; verified vehicles were fully operational to manufacturer specification.
  • Conducted thorough vehicle inspections ensuring compliance with safety, state, and manufacturer standards.
  • Applied diagnostic and root-cause methodology to complex electrical systems — a skill that directly translates to electrical troubleshooting.
Skills

Technical
Loadout.

// Communications & Networks
  • Radio Systems (SINCGARS)
  • Signal Support Systems
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Fiber Optics Installation
  • Beyond Line-of-Sight Comms
// Software & Tech
  • Basic Python
  • SQL
  • MS Office Suite
  • IT Support & Diagnostics
  • CompTIA A+ / Network+
// Core Strengths
  • Leadership & Team Management
  • Electrical Diagnosis
  • Problem Solving
  • Organization & Record Keeping
  • Communication
Certifications

Credentials
Verified.

📡
ETA Fiber Optics Installer
Telecommunications
🖥️
CompTIA A+
IT Hardware & Support
🌐
CompTIA Network+
Networking
🔧
Automotive Technician Level I
Mechanical Engineering
⚙️
Automotive Engine Rebuild & Repair
Mechanical Engineering
🔒
Unit Armor Certification
Military / Security
Military Awards

Commendations
Earned.

🏅
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal
🎖️
Army Commendation Medal
🎖️
Army Achievement Medal
🎗️
Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon
⭐
Army Good Conduct Medal
🌍
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
🛡️
National Defense Service Medal
🎖️
Army Service Medal
Education

Current
Mission.

B.S. Computer Information Systems · Minor in Management
University of Texas at El Paso
// El Paso, TX
Expected Graduation: May 2026
Projects

Work
Deployed.

CIS 4399 · AI Prompting
🎯
AI Prompting
Playbook
A practical field guide covering 5 prompting principles, tool comparisons across Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini & more — with real before/after examples.
HTML/CSS AI RESEARCH CIS 4399
VIEW PROJECT
Contact

Ready to
Transmit.

// No static. Just signal.

Available for IT roles, collaborative projects, or just a good conversation about signal systems, code, or engines. Reach out — I respond with field-manual precision.

Email LinkedIn GitHub El Paso, TX