How often do structural aircraft maintainers (2A7X3) deploy?

2019-12-02T14:21:15-05:00

Its bonus, critically manned job and im worried that if i take it i will be deploying a lot. Im fine with getting deployed, but I want to get my bachellors degree in accounting before the end of my 6 year enlistment amd deployments could definitely keep that from happening.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 2 at 2019 3:46 PM

2019-12-02T15:46:04-05:00

Have you taken any accounting classes?

Response by SSgt Joe Bromley made Dec 3 at 2019 8:48 AM

2019-12-03T08:48:05-05:00

Finally! A question that I can answer as an expert in the field!
Thomas, I did 10yrs in sheetmetal and only racked up 3 TDYs. Two of those occurred in my first 6. Global situation and the direct mission of your base will dictate far more than the manning "issues" faced by the job. You are more likely to be sent out as an escort for construction efforts in a well secured forward location than actually be sent out to support an aircraft in your early career due to the wealth of experience needed to keep birds moving in a limited environment.

Even better is that just about anywhere they might send you will very likely have education opportunities available for you to take full advantage of in your downtime should you be sent to kick some sand.

Best of luck to you, and keep plenty of rags and tape around for when you inevitably need to do some unscheduled maintenance on your hand.

Response by AB Mike Bonner made Jul 7 at 2020 6:22 PM

2020-07-07T18:22:49-04:00

Once at duty station aircraft structural repairmen seldom go on TDY. That's more for the prop shop and avionics. In14 months at Naha AFB, I do not remember one of our men going on TDY. Only after discharge did I go to Viet Nam 1968-1969 as a Tech Rep.

Response by MSgt Jim H made May 1 at 2022 3:13 AM

2022-05-01T03:13:05-04:00

Sounds like you want to be an accountant more than a tin bender. Change careers now. In the military you are susceptible to deploy at any time. And in your first enlistment you will be doing your career development course and getting OJT and upgrade training which is more important than your wish to get your degree in accounting. If you are going to be a structural maintenance man, focus on that job. Don’t try to be a bean counter in a tin benders clothing.