After waiting almost a year to go active duty the Air Force has offered me 2a3x3 Tactical Aircraft Maintenance. Should I take the job?

SrA Blake Johnson — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 07:09:18 -0400

It’s Definitely something I did not want to do. Should I take it and try to cross train or just wait unti next year?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2018 7:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 07:22:56 -0400

It's the Air Force. You're holding out for the way of life, not the MOS. Or you can wait another year.

Response by LTC Charles T Dalbec made Sep 22 at 2018 7:37 AM

LTC Charles T Dalbec — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 07:37:39 -0400

Why would you not want the training and job? Nothing beats the additional training to add to your resume..

Response by SrA Blake Johnson made Sep 22 at 2018 7:39 AM

SrA Blake Johnson — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 07:39:57 -0400

I was trying to avoid aircraft maintenance because that was my job in the usmc and the reason I I got out.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2018 2:05 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 22 Sep 2018 14:05:29 -0400

SrA Blake Johnson That is your decision to make. What are your long term career goals? Can you reach your long term goals by taking this job?

Response by TSgt Alex Barkey made Sep 23 at 2018 6:18 AM

TSgt Alex Barkey — Sun, 23 Sep 2018 06:18:03 -0400

It's up to you to decide. I was a 2A3X3 it's what you make of it. It is at times hard work in al kinds of weather. But after a few years you can put in to cross train into something that you like. Just talk with your recruiter for more information and if you decide to do another enlistment talk to career advisor. Usually you need to put in 3 or 4 choices. Hopefully this information will help you out good luck on your decision.

Response by A1C Lexas Granger made Oct 1 at 2018 7:09 AM

A1C Lexas Granger — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 07:09:02 -0400

The experience that it would provide you with is translatable to civilian jobs and is able to provide many opportunities for the long haul. This was my AFSC.

Response by SSgt Patrick Guarino made Feb 12 at 2019 9:46 PM

SSgt Patrick Guarino — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 21:46:44 -0500

I spent 7 years USAF as flight line mechanic several different airplanes ending with F4,s. Hated it and couldn’t get out of it. My suggestion would be to specialize in one of the systems ie weapons, radar, fuel, munitions etc etc. A general mechanic is grunt work and an “any hour” job. Good luck

Response by TSgt Manuel Perez made Dec 29 at 2020 2:08 PM

TSgt Manuel Perez — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 14:08:34 -0500

I was in the 2A3 tactical Aircraft Maintenance, for 30 years, which translate to a FAA airframe and powerplant Mechanic. I was a crew chief is the job title , and with 30 months of experience you can qualify to take the FAA testing. I did it and while on active duty was allowed 20 days permissive TDY to get certified. Today I am still in aviation making good living. So think about it, look into http://www.faa.gov . Next year the industry will be looking for up to 400k mechanics and 800k pilots. Good luck.

www.faa.gov

Response by MSgt Dusty Storms made Mar 19 at 2021 7:00 AM

MSgt Dusty Storms — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 07:00:33 -0400

Don’t look at the short term. Look down the road at jobs you may want to have after the service. There are jobs waiting for people like you that have the experience on 4th and 5th generation aircraft and the pay is not to shabby with the experience level. Final statement, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance is worth the pain after the military, but always find what you love to do and press.