Army MOS 15G (Aircraft Structural Repairer) to Civilian Career: Complete Transition Guide (With 2024-2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 15G Aircraft Structural Repairers—you possess one of the most hands-on, technically demanding skill sets in aviation maintenance. Your sheet metal fabrication, composite repair, structural damage assessment, welding and riveting, corrosion control, aircraft skin repair, fiberglass work, and airworthiness standards knowledge make you exactly what airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and MRO facilities need. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $60,000-$75,000 for airframe mechanics at regional operators or MRO facilities, scaling to $80,000-$105,000 with FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification at major airlines. Senior structural repair technicians with specialized certifications earn $95,000-$130,000+. The aviation industry projects 13,100 annual openings for aircraft mechanics through 2032—you're in high demand.

Let's cut through the noise: Every aircraft that flies requires structural integrity. Skin panels, frames, stringers, doors, windows, flight control surfaces—all the physical structure you've been repairing in the Army is identical to what keeps Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, and corporate jets flying. The civilian world pays 50-100% more for the same work, in climate-controlled hangars, with predictable schedules and union protection.

Here's your path: FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license ($20,000-$45,000 in training, 18-24 months, GI Bill covered) is your ticket to $75,000-$120,000+ airline careers. Your 15G experience means you'll excel in the airframe portion—you've already done the work for thousands of hours. Composite repair certifications (manufacturer-specific, $2,000-$5,000) add $10,000-$20,000 to specialized roles. Welding certifications (AWS D17.1, $500-$2,000) open aerospace manufacturing doors.

Most 15G veterans with A&P licenses land airline or aerospace jobs at $70,000-$90,000 within 120 days of certification. Major airlines pay $85,000-$120,000+ with seniority. Aerospace manufacturers (Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop) pay $75,000-$110,000 for production or repair work. Corporate aviation offers $65,000-$95,000 with better schedules. Choose strategically based on your priorities.

What Does an Army 15G Aircraft Structural Repairer Do?

As a 15G, you performed structural maintenance and battle damage repair on Army aircraft—helicopters and fixed-wing platforms. You fabricated and installed sheet metal components, repaired damaged airframe structures, performed composite repairs on rotor blades and fairings, welded aluminum and steel components, controlled corrosion, replaced windows and transparencies, repaired flight control surfaces, and ensured all structural repairs met airworthiness standards. You read engineering drawings, used precision measuring tools, operated metal-working equipment (shears, brakes, forming equipment), and documented every repair in aircraft maintenance records.

You didn't just "patch holes." You assessed structural damage, determined repair classifications (temporary vs. permanent), calculated stress and load requirements, fabricated replacement parts to exacting tolerances, performed heat treatments, applied corrosion protection, and signed off repairs as airworthy. You worked on structures where failures meant catastrophic aircraft loss.

Civilian employers need all of that. The physics of aircraft structures don't change between military and civilian aviation. Airlines need sheet metal mechanics. Aerospace companies need fabricators. MRO facilities need structural repair specialists. The skills translate directly—you're not starting over.

Skills You've Developed (And Their Civilian Value)

Technical Skills (What Employers Pay For)

Sheet metal fabrication and repair = Airframe mechanic, sheet metal technician (airlines, aerospace manufacturers, MRO facilities—$65K-$110K+)

Composite repair (rotor blades, fairings, structures) = Composite repair technician, advanced structures specialist (aerospace, helicopter operators—$70K-$115K)

Structural damage assessment = Aircraft inspector, damage tolerance engineer (MRO facilities, insurance adjusters—$70K-$100K)

Welding (aluminum, steel, titanium) = Certified welder, fabrication specialist (aerospace manufacturing—$60K-$95K)

Corrosion control and treatment = Corrosion control specialist, paint/refinish technician (airlines, MRO—$55K-$85K)

Rivet installation and removal = Structural assembler, production mechanic (Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop—$60K-$90K)

Fiberglass/composite layup = Composite technician, layup specialist (aerospace, composite manufacturing—$55K-$85K)

Precision measurement and layout = Quality inspector, tooling specialist (aerospace manufacturing—$60K-$90K)

Airworthiness standards compliance = Quality assurance inspector, FAA compliance specialist (airlines, repair stations—$65K-$100K)

Technical data interpretation = Engineering support technician, technical publications specialist (aerospace—$60K-$90K)

Soft Skills (What Gets You Promoted)

Attention to detail = You measured tolerances in thousandths of an inch on critical structures. Civilian quality control requires identical precision.

Problem-solving = You designed repairs for non-standard damage using engineering principles. Civilian repair stations value independent thinkers.

Safety consciousness = You followed chemical safety, ventilation, and PPE requirements for hazardous materials. Airlines have identical safety cultures.

Quality focus = You knew your work directly affected flight safety. Civilian aviation has zero tolerance for shortcuts.

Adaptability = You worked on multiple aircraft types with different structural configurations. Civilian employers value technicians who learn quickly.

Documentation = You maintained detailed repair records meeting Army standards. FAA requires identical documentation discipline.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 15G Veterans

1. Airline Airframe Mechanic (Best Long-Term Stability)

Civilian job titles:

• Airframe Mechanic (A&P)
• Aircraft Structural Repair Technician
• Sheet Metal Mechanic
• Line Maintenance Technician (Structures)
• Heavy Maintenance Technician

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level (with A&P): $60,000-$75,000
• Mid-level (3-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
• Senior (5+ years): $90,000-$115,000+
• Lead/Inspector: $100,000-$130,000+

Top employers:

• Delta Air Lines TechOps - Atlanta, Minneapolis, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York
• United Airlines - Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, Denver, Newark
• American Airlines - Dallas-Fort Worth, Charlotte, Miami, Phoenix, Tulsa
• Southwest Airlines - Dallas, Phoenix, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston
• FedEx - Memphis, Indianapolis, Newark, Oakland, Anchorage
• UPS Airlines - Louisville, Rockford, Philadelphia, Ontario CA, Columbia SC
• Alaska Airlines - Seattle, Portland, Anchorage
• JetBlue - New York JFK, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale

Certifications needed:

• FAA A&P license (required—$20K-$45K, GI Bill covers it, 18-24 months)
• Composite repair certifications (Boeing, Airbus specific—employer-provided)
• NDT certifications (eddy current, ultrasonic—often employer-provided)

Reality check: Airlines offer the best combination of pay, benefits, job security, and clear advancement. Union contracts protect wages. Published pay scales show exactly what you'll earn in 5, 10, 20 years. Benefits include flight privileges, 401(k), pensions (some carriers), health insurance.

Downsides: Night shift initially, weekends/holidays (aircraft fly 24/7), outdoors in all weather, seniority-based advancement. Hiring takes 2-6 months.

Entry-level at $65,000-$75,000. After 5 years: $85,000-$100,000+. After 10 years: $100,000-$120,000+ with overtime (time-and-a-half weekends, double-time holidays). Senior structural specialists at major airlines exceed $130,000 total compensation.

Best for: 15G soldiers wanting long-term stability, union protection, clear career path, willing to work nights/weekends initially for 2-3 years.

2. Aerospace Manufacturing (Production & Assembly)

Civilian job titles:

• Aircraft Structural Assembler
• Production Sheet Metal Mechanic
• Fabrication Specialist
• Composite Layup Technician
• Structural Assembly Mechanic

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level: $55,000-$70,000
• Experienced (3-5 years): $70,000-$90,000
• Lead/Senior: $85,000-$110,000+

Top employers:

• Boeing - Seattle/Everett WA, Renton WA, Charleston SC
• Lockheed Martin Aeronautics - Fort Worth TX, Marietta GA, Palmdale CA
• Northrop Grumman - Palmdale CA, Melbourne FL
• Spirit AeroSystems - Wichita KS, Tulsa OK
• Gulfstream Aerospace - Savannah GA
• Bell Textron - Fort Worth TX, Amarillo TX
• Sikorsky (Lockheed) - Stratford CT, Troy AL
• Bombardier - Wichita KS
• Leonardo Helicopters - Philadelphia PA
• Airbus Americas - Mobile AL

Certifications needed:

• A&P license (preferred but not always required for production)
• Welding certifications (AWS D17.1 aerospace welding)
• Composite certifications (manufacturer-specific)
• FOD (Foreign Object Debris) training (employer-provided)

Reality check: Manufacturing work is building new aircraft, not repairing old ones. You're fabricating components, assembling structures, installing fasteners, sealing fuel tanks, applying protective coatings—all per engineering drawings and specifications.

Pay is solid, schedules predictable (usually day shift with overtime opportunities), benefits good. Work is precise and repetitive—you might spend months on the same aircraft section. Boeing production mechanics start $55K-$65K, reach $80K-$95K+ with experience. Union jobs (IAM) at Boeing, Lockheed offer excellent benefits.

Some people love the precision of building new versus the problem-solving of repairs. Others find production repetitive.

Best for: 15G veterans who prefer new-build work over repair troubleshooting, want predictable schedules, and value working for major aerospace brands.

3. MRO Facilities & Repair Stations (Immediate Opportunities)

Civilian job titles:

• Airframe Repair Technician
• Structural Repair Specialist
• Sheet Metal Mechanic
• Composite Repair Technician
• Heavy Maintenance Technician

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level: $55,000-$70,000
• Experienced (3-5 years): $65,000-$85,000
• Senior/Specialized: $80,000-$105,000+

Top employers:

• AAR Corp - Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, Miami, Rockford
• ST Engineering - Mobile AL, San Antonio TX, Pensacola FL
• HAECO Americas - Greensboro NC, Lake City FL
• StandardAero - Multiple locations
• Lufthansa Technik - Tulsa OK, Puerto Rico
• Duncan Aviation - Lincoln NE, Battle Creek MI
• AerSale - Goodyear AZ, Roswell NM
• Able Engineering - Phoenix AZ

Certifications needed:

• A&P license (preferred)
• Structural repair manuals (SRM) training (employer-provided)
• Composite repair certifications (Boeing, Airbus specific)

Reality check: MRO facilities perform heavy maintenance, modifications, and repairs on aircraft from multiple airlines. Work is varied—you'll see different aircraft types, damage scenarios, and repair challenges. Hiring is faster than airlines (weeks vs months).

Pay is moderate ($60K-$85K typically), but you gain diverse experience quickly. Many people use MRO experience to qualify for higher-paying airline jobs later. Work can be physically demanding—crawling in tight spaces, working overhead, odd positions.

Best for: 15G veterans wanting immediate employment, diverse experience across aircraft types, and stepping stone to airlines.

4. Defense Contractors (Military Aircraft)

Civilian job titles:

• Aircraft Structural Mechanic (Military Aircraft)
• Sheet Metal Mechanic (Depot-Level Repair)
• Composite Repair Specialist
• Battle Damage Repair Technician

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level: $65,000-$80,000
• Mid-level (3-5 years): $75,000-$95,000
• Senior/Specialized: $90,000-$120,000+
• OCONUS/Deployed: $85,000-$130,000+

Top employers:

• Boeing Defense - Mesa AZ (Apache), Philadelphia PA (Chinook), St. Louis MO
• Lockheed Martin - Fort Worth TX, Marietta GA (C-130), Sikorsky sites
• Northrop Grumman - Palmdale CA, Melbourne FL
• Bell Textron - Fort Worth TX (military helicopters)
• AECOM, KBR, Vectrus - Base support contracts worldwide
• Army depot support contractors - Corpus Christi TX, Anniston AL

Certifications needed:

• Security clearance (Secret/TS—worth $15K-$25K premium)
• A&P license (preferred but not always required for military aircraft)
• Platform-specific training (employer-provided)

Reality check: Defense contractors specifically recruit 15G soldiers who worked on military aircraft. Your training is exactly what they need. If you repaired Apache structures, Boeing wants you for Apache contracts.

Pay is higher than regional airlines, competitive with majors. OCONUS work pays premium but means deployments. Some contracts are CONUS depot support—home every night, stable work. Clearance is valuable—adds $15K-$25K to salary.

Contract work can be less stable than airlines. Budget cuts end contracts. But you're working on familiar aircraft with systems you know.

Best for: 15G veterans with clearances, willing to deploy (OCONUS roles), or those wanting to continue military aircraft work in civilian capacity.

5. Corporate/Business Aviation

Civilian job titles:

• Corporate Airframe Technician
• Business Jet Structural Mechanic
• Completion Center Technician

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level: $55,000-$70,000
• Experienced (3-5 years): $70,000-$90,000
• Senior: $85,000-$110,000+

Top employers:

• Gulfstream - Savannah GA, Long Beach CA, Appleton WI
• Textron Aviation - Wichita KS
• Bombardier - Wichita KS, Hartford CT
• Embraer Executive Jets - Melbourne FL
• Dassault Falcon - Teterboro NJ, Little Rock AR
• Duncan Aviation - Lincoln NE, Battle Creek MI
• Jet Aviation - Multiple FBO locations
• NetJets, FlexJet - Multiple bases

Certifications needed:

• A&P license (required)
• Composite certifications (manufacturer-specific)

Reality check: Corporate aviation offers better schedules than airlines—often day shift, minimal weekends. You work on fewer aircraft types, become highly specialized. Work environment is professional—maintaining executive aircraft with high-end interiors and systems.

Pay is competitive ($65K-$90K), slightly below major airlines but better than regionals. Quality of life trade-off: better schedules, less exposure to extreme weather, professional environment.

Job security is lower (few unions). Economic downturns hit corporate aviation harder than airlines.

Best for: 15G veterans wanting work-life balance, better schedules, working on high-end aircraft, willing to trade some salary for quality of life.

Required Certifications & Training

High Priority (Get These)

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License

• What it is: FAA mechanic certification (airframe + powerplant)
• Cost: $20,000-$45,000 (GI Bill covers most/all)
• Time: 18-24 months full-time at Part 147 school
• 15G advantage: Your structural experience covers 60-70% of airframe curriculum—you'll excel
• Value: Required for airlines, aerospace, corporate aviation; increases salary 40-60%
• ROI: Extremely high—adds $25,000-$45,000 to annual salary

Composite Repair Certifications

• What it is: Manufacturer-specific training (Boeing, Airbus, manufacturer courses)
• Cost: $2,000-$5,000 per certification
• Time: 1-2 weeks per course
• Value: Specialized skill; adds $10,000-$20,000 to salary for composite specialists
• ROI: High for modern aircraft (composites increasingly common)

Welding Certifications (AWS D17.1)

• What it is: Aerospace welding certification (aluminum, steel, titanium)
• Cost: $500-$2,000
• Time: 40-80 hours training + practical test
• Value: Opens aerospace manufacturing roles; premium skill
• ROI: Moderate to high—welders earn $65K-$95K in aerospace

Medium Priority (Valuable)

NDT Certifications (Non-Destructive Testing)

• Eddy Current, Ultrasonic, Magnetic Particle, Penetrant
• Cost: $1,000-$3,000 per method
• Value: Inspection specialists earn $70K-$100K+
• ROI: Good for specialized inspection careers

Inspection Authorization (IA)

• Requirements: A&P + 3 years experience
• Value: Adds $10K-$20K to salary
• ROI: Long-term benefit after 3+ years

Lower Priority

Associate's/Bachelor's Degree

• Aviation Maintenance Technology
• Cost: $0 with GI Bill
• Value: Opens management track
• ROI: Moderate for hands-on roles; higher for management

Companies Actively Hiring 15G Veterans

Major Airlines

1-20. Delta, United, American, Southwest, FedEx, UPS, Alaska, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, Hawaiian, SkyWest, Republic, Endeavor, PSA, Envoy, Piedmont, Horizon, Air Wisconsin

Aerospace Manufacturers

21-40. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Spirit AeroSystems, Gulfstream, Bell Textron, Sikorsky, Leonardo, Airbus Americas, Bombardier, Textron Aviation, Embraer, Dassault, Honda Aircraft, Cirrus, Pilatus, Robinson, MD Helicopters

MRO Providers

41-60. AAR Corp, ST Engineering, HAECO Americas, StandardAero, Lufthansa Technik, Duncan Aviation, AerSale, Able Engineering, West Star, Jet Aviation, Stevens, Constant Aviation, Elliott Aviation, Pentastar, Delta TechOps (external customers)

Defense Contractors

61-80. Boeing Defense, Lockheed Martin (Aeronautics/Sikorsky), Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, BAE Systems, L3Harris, General Dynamics, AECOM, KBR, Vectrus, SOSi, DynCorp, Textron Systems

Government Depots

81-90. Corpus Christi Army Depot, Anniston Army Depot, Tobyhanna Army Depot, Fleet Readiness Centers (Navy), Warner Robins ALC, Tinker AFB, Hill AFB, Oklahoma City ALC

Additional Opportunities

91-100. Satcom Direct, Yingling Aviation, Clay Lacy Aviation, ExecuJet, Solairus Aviation, Atlantic Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Million Air, Regional FBOs with maintenance

Salary Expectations

Entry-Level (0-2 Years)

• Airline (A&P): $60,000-$75,000
• Aerospace Manufacturing: $55,000-$70,000
• MRO Facility: $55,000-$70,000
• Defense Contractor: $65,000-$80,000

Mid-Level (3-5 Years)

• Airline: $75,000-$95,000
• Aerospace: $70,000-$90,000
• MRO: $65,000-$85,000
• Contractor: $75,000-$95,000

Senior (5+ Years)

• Airline: $90,000-$120,000+
• Aerospace Lead: $85,000-$110,000
• MRO Specialist: $80,000-$105,000
• Contractor SME: $90,000-$120,000+

Resume Translation

Before:

• "15G Aircraft Structural Repairer, 6 years"
• "Fixed aircraft damage"

After:

• "Aircraft Structural Repair Technician with 6+ years fabricating, repairing, and modifying airframe structures on military helicopters valued at $250M+ fleet"
• "Performed sheet metal fabrication, composite repairs, welding, and corrosion control on UH-60/AH-64/CH-47 aircraft achieving 98% structural readiness"

10 Resume Bullets:

1. "Fabricated and installed 200+ sheet metal components (skin panels, brackets, doublers) for aircraft structural repairs using precision layout, forming, and riveting techniques"

2. "Repaired composite rotor blades, fairings, and structural components valued at $500K+ using vacuum bagging, wet layup, and manufacturer-approved procedures"

3. "Performed aluminum and steel welding (TIG/MIG) on structural components meeting AWS D17.1 aerospace specifications with 100% weld acceptance rate"

4. "Assessed battle damage and structural failures, classified repairs (temporary vs. permanent), and executed repairs per technical data and engineering specifications"

5. "Controlled corrosion on 15-aircraft fleet through surface treatment, protective coating application, and preventive maintenance, extending airframe service life 20%"

6. "Maintained 100% accountability for $1.5M+ tools, precision measuring equipment, and materials across 48-month period with zero losses"

7. "Interpreted engineering drawings, structural repair manuals, and technical orders to fabricate parts to tolerances of ±0.005 inches"

8. "Documented all structural repairs in aircraft logbooks per Army aviation regulations, achieving 100% audit compliance across 25+ inspections"

9. "Trained 5 junior structural repairers on sheet metal fabrication, composite repair, and welding techniques, improving team productivity 30%"

10. "Operated metal-working equipment (shears, brakes, slip rolls, rivet guns) and composite repair tools safely with zero safety incidents across 5,000+ maintenance hours"

Transition Timeline

6-12 Months Before Separation

• Decide on A&P: Critical decision. Airlines require it. Without it, options narrow significantly.
• Apply to Part 147 schools if pursuing A&P
• Get welding/composite certifications using Army Credentialing Assistance ($4,000/year)
• Document aircraft worked on (UH-60, AH-64, CH-47, etc.)
• Set up LinkedIn - connect with 50+ aviation maintenance professionals

3-6 Months Before

• SkillBridge internship - Airlines, Boeing, MRO companies offer it
• Apply to 30-50 jobs across airlines, aerospace, MRO
• Register on ClearanceJobs.com (if clearance)
• Get DD-214 copies (10+)

First 90 Days Out

• Accept first reasonable offer ($55K-$70K beats unemployment)
• Continue applying for better opportunities
• Build professional network

Months 4-12

• Reassess salary after 6-12 months
• With 1 year experience, more marketable
• Consider lateral moves if underpaid

Job Search Strategy

Job Boards:

• JSfirm.com (aviation-specific)
• ClearanceJobs.com (defense contractors)
• Indeed, LinkedIn (general)
• Company career pages (Delta, United, Boeing, etc.)

Networking:

• LinkedIn groups: "Aviation Maintenance Professionals"
• Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA)
• Local veteran groups
• Company alumni networks

Application Tips:

• Tailor resume to keywords in job posting
• Quantify everything (numbers, percentages, dollar values)
• Cover letter: 3 paragraphs, 250-300 words
• Follow up after 7-10 days

Interview Preparation

Common Questions:

1. "Walk me through a complex structural repair you performed."
2. "How do you determine if damage is repairable or requires replacement?"
3. "What's your experience with composite repairs?"
4. "Describe your welding experience and certifications."
5. "How do you ensure quality on structural repairs?"
6. "What rivet types and installation methods are you proficient with?"
7. "Tell me about a time you found a safety issue."
8. "Do you have your A&P? If not, are you willing to pursue it?"
9. "What's your experience with corrosion control?"
10. "How do you read and interpret engineering drawings?"

Preparation:

• Use STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Bring portfolio photos of repairs (if unclassified)
• Research company aircraft types
• Prepare 3-5 questions for interviewer

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Delaying A&P decision - Decide within 90 days. Airlines require it.
2. Underselling experience - Quantify your work
3. Letting clearance lapse - Worth $15K-$25K premium
4. Only applying to airlines - Apply to 50+ companies
5. Geographic inflexibility - Be willing to relocate
6. Waiting until last minute - Start 6-12 months before separation

Success Stories

Case Study 1: Tom, 27, E-5 → Delta TechOps

• 6 years 15G (UH-60/AH-64)
• Got A&P using GI Bill (18 months)
• Hired by Delta at $68,000 (Atlanta)
• Three years later: $88,000 + overtime = $105K+ total
• Key: A&P investment, willing to start night shift

Case Study 2: Jessica, 29, E-6 → Boeing (Charleston)

• 7 years 15G (CH-47)
• Targeted manufacturing, didn't want A&P school time
• Boeing hired her at $62,000 for 787 production
• 18 months later: $72,000, day shift, union benefits
• Key: Production focus, familiar with large aircraft structures

Case Study 3: Mike, 32, E-7 → Lockheed Martin Contractor

• 10 years 15G (Apache)
• Kept clearance, targeted defense contractors
• Lockheed hired him at $82,000 (Mesa, AZ) supporting Apache
• Two years later: $94,000, subject matter expert
• Key: Clearance, Apache-specific experience

Education Options

A&P Schools:

• Aviation Institute of Maintenance (multiple locations)
• Spartan College (Tulsa, Denver)
• NEIT (Rhode Island)
• Embry-Riddle (Florida, Arizona)
• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Cost: $20K-$45K (GI Bill covers) Time: 18-24 months Outcome: A&P license qualifying for airlines, aerospace

Alternative Experience Route:

30 months documented aircraft work, then FAA exams. School is faster and more reliable.

Geographic Considerations

Top Cities:

1. Atlanta, GA - Delta TechOps, Gulfstream, Lockheed
2. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX - American, Bell, aerospace (excellent cost of living)
3. Seattle, WA - Boeing, Alaska Airlines
4. Wichita, KS - Textron, Spirit (low cost of living)
5. Phoenix, AZ - Boeing, airlines, MRO
6. Houston, TX - United, aerospace
7. Charlotte, NC - American hub
8. San Francisco Bay, CA - United, corporate aviation
9. Chicago, IL - United, Boeing
10. Savannah, GA - Gulfstream

Resources

• Army Credentialing Assistance: $4,000/year
• GI Bill: 36 months tuition + housing
• SkillBridge: Last 180 days civilian work
• ClearanceJobs.com: Defense contractors
• JSfirm.com: Aviation jobs
• Hire Heroes USA: Free career coaching

Next Steps: Execute

This Week:

• Decide on A&P (yes/no)
• Research Part 147 schools
• Create LinkedIn
• Apply to 5 jobs

This Month:

• Submit GI Bill paperwork if A&P route
• Apply to 30+ jobs if not A&P route
• Get welding/composite certs using Credentialing Assistance
• Get DD-214 copies

Next 3-6 Months:

• Continue applications
• Network aggressively
• Attend job fairs
• Complete certifications

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Your 15G structural repair expertise is in high demand. Airlines need you. Aerospace companies need you. The work you've been doing in the Army is exactly what civilian aviation requires.

First job: $60K-$75K. With A&P in 5 years: $85K-$110K+. Execute the plan.

Ready to start? Use the Military Transition Toolkit to track your certifications and transition.