Aerospace maintenance, Tactical aircraft maintenance, or Aircraft structural?

Shon Almquist: My husband is a Crew Chief, Aerospace Maintenance. Yes, sometimes he does fly. he is a dedicated Crew Chief so there are times when he goes with his plane. He's been around the world a couple times with her. Flying in a C-130 is NOT fun. It's uncomfortable, loud and depending on what time of year is either freezing or sweltering. It is an experience to say the least!There are generally shifts you can be assigned to when you work on aircraft. There are days (0700-1600), swings (1500-2400) and mids (2300-0800). Of course, you will at times be required to work other hours and you may be required to work 12 hours or more per shift. You will more than likely be first assigned to a day shift and then moved to swings or mids. With seniority comes the ability to be on a better shift :0) My husband worked swings for 4 years before he was able to move to days.You can absolutely get your A&P while on Active Duty. Much of what you learn as an maintainer is! on the A&P exam. You can actually get the info from the education center on base. I searched for the paperwork my husband brought home and just can't find it. He was considering getting his A&P liscence but decided to wait since he just re-enlisted and he making the AF his career. He's got plenty of time to do it.I hope I helped you a little bit. Being a Crew CHief is definitely a challenge. Every day is different. You'll never be bored!!...Show more

Gaston Edgcomb: Some of the types of aircraft would limit you somewhat in the civilian sector for job unless you lived near and worked for the company that manufactures them. Utility systems and HVAC are needed almost anywhere and if you get your civilian certifications for these then your job options are more open I think. Information mgmt would not be bad but not as good as special vehicle maintenance. Here again you would need to go to school and take some classes and get your certification for diesel mechani! cs or heavy equipment in order to work on the outside. Lets fa! ce it the the aircraft and airline industry is pretty much in the toilet and in Vermont where there are not a lot of major airports I would avoid those AFSCs if looking towards civilian employment afterwords. If fire fighting is available I would certainly go for that or HVAC or utility systems....Show more

Carli Watterson: You won't fly. Enlisted don't fly. A&P license is an absolute. Work on that toward the middle of your enlistment. Get out, make a lot of money afterward.