Apply military maintenance exp. to corporate world?

Question

Hey guys.

My boyfriend of 4 years is FINALLY getting out of the Marine Corps. (1 1/2 years to go!) and we're trying to figure out how he could get a job relatively close to me (SUNY Buffalo). He's a CDI right now, meaning he's doing inspections in maintenance. There aren't a lot of jobs turning out on our queries, and I was wondering if there's an easy way to make it into the corporate end (Y'know, a desk job; nice and safe, lol).

IE: Will the experience he has help in any other fields in aviation? I don't want to lose all of my credits earned here; essentially starting my bachelor's program over again, and I don't want to wait another 4 years (I'm going to be a sophomore, but I'll probably take 5 years to get my BA since I'm working full time) to be with him. This 5 year A.D. thing has been hard enough for us. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The military has a program that he can enroll in and get credit for what he has done, it would to be signed off by someone to show that he has accomplished these tasks.  Civilian aviation relies on licensing people through the Airframe & Powerplants program, I believe there is one for electronics as well.  CDI (collateral duty inspector while critical to the military does not cross over well to civilian side without documentation) even QAR - quality assurance representative does not.  I suggest that he contact a local college that has an aviation program or Embry Riddle and start the documentation process to help him get his civilian licenses.

Answer 2

You have got to pass the FAA airframe and powerplant test. It is both more narrow and more wide. Your boyfriend did not work on antiques that might go back to WWI in today's military. The FAA expects you to be able to. At the same time he may have seen things and worked on them that have not got to commercial yet. A lot of the actual work in the military, civil, and defense company fields is exactly the same. But different licenses and different names for it. I have also seen some really lousy military work. The military seems to accept that they are going to lose aircraft and people and as long as it gets up and does a percentage of what expected that's OK.......

Answer 3

It depends on his MOS/AFSC or whatever it is the jarheads use (I'm in the USAF  ;)  )   If he's an aircraft crew chief, engine mechanic or avionics technician there's a good chance that he may be able to get some credit applied to getting his A&P license.

mybell's husband

Answer 4

The thing with ex military guys is that the complex aircraft they're used to can be very different than civilian aircraft.  We have an ex-navy guy in out A&P class and he knows everything about F-18s and such, could probably teach the class.  But in the civilian world the FAA says you must have an airframe & powerplant certificate(A&P mechanic).  Some of the military training can apply, but there might be some other training he must do.  The ex-navy guy couldn't get a job at a govt' contractor because he didn't have his civilian A&P.  So the first thing I would do is tell him to check the local FAA office (FSDO) and see what he needs to do regarding the A&P rating.  Check out this link:   http://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/expe...

Secondly, i suggest he check out Embry Riddle University.  He can get a degree in Aviation management or maintainence management, and i think there are discounts for ex military.  Maybe G.I. bill will pay for it?

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Follow Up:

As far as jobs go, its seems that with your knowledge of turbine helicopters you would be in high demand in the civilian market.  I would suggest just knocking on doors, i know a lot of shops don't have adds out but will talk to you in person.  But maybe it is just the area, I know you and your gf don't want to move but if you came out here to CA you would have a job in 10 seconds flat with either a govt' contractor or somewhere at an airport shop. Or if you have and enterprising mind you could start a business and repair choppers.  Good Luck!

http://aviation.thingamajob.com/jobs/New...

http://www.aviationemployment.com/job-li...

hope this helps

Answer 5

His MIl experience will mean virtually nothing when he gets out. They paint a great picture for you when you go in but in truth is almost usless experience. Because they teach you just hydralics or just brakes or just engines which in the real world is usless unless you work in a overhaul shop for F-18's or whatever he is working on. Out here you have to be able to work on everything not just what you want.  Get out and away and start all over again,  good luck.

Answer 6

This is the bf. I'm aware of the need for an a+p license, and yes, embry riddle is covered by the GI bill. I'm a Powerplant and relay mechanic on the CH-53E. I cross train with airframes and hydraulics quite frequently. I have more than half of my  a+p work done and will have it completed shortly after the end of my military service. I'm currently a CDI and will be Quality Assurance before the end of next month. The real question I think we're trying to ask is does anyone know of any civilian organizations in western NY that will hire a+p licensed mechanics with prior military service. I have been searching on some job sites, some of them tailored specifically for the aviation community, and have turned up little to nothing. Any information would be appreciated

Answer 7

He will have to attend a certified A&P program to get his A&P license.  You have to know a LOT more about a lot of different types of aircraft, to get an A&P ticket.

The military might help him with sheetmetal work, maybe elecrtical, and possibly jet engines, but an A&P mechanic also has to know internal combustion engines (prop planes), wood and fabric of older planes, etc. as well as all the modern stuff.

He's has a way to go to get his A&P ticket.