Which Avionics MOS would be best for someone considering a civilian career after serving?

2023-10-29T12:04:35-04:00

Hi everyone, I am 25 and looking to join the army national guard but trying to choose an MOS. I’ve narrowed it down to the 15 series (Avionics) which interests me but not sure which one would be best for when I come back to civilian life. I plan after AIT to start getting my foot into aerospace and avionics asap. I’m debating between 15 T, U, G, E, and H. What is the difference between them? The army description feels kind of the same. And can I get certifications when in like the A&P and others to get an advantage in the civilian world? Thanks.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 29 at 2023 1:29 PM

2023-10-29T13:29:04-04:00

I hate this kind of what will make me $$ after my hitch, but that's just me being a lifer. What is the problem, don't every aircraft/copter in the world have and use Avionics'? Check your local airport, and see what companies are doing tech support for the aircraft- what would they suggest?

Response by SP5 Peter Keane made Oct 29 at 2023 3:50 PM

2023-10-29T15:50:43-04:00

A&P requires 18 months experience. You will not be authorized to test just because you served in the military. Also, you cannot count time you spent training for the specialty, only the time you spent working in the specialty.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 30 at 2023 10:09 AM

2023-10-30T10:09:34-04:00

This is a difficult question because you are basically asking a group of strangers "Hey, what job do you think I will enjoy for the next 10-20 years that I could make a career out of while in/out of Uniform?"

The only person who knows what you like, dislike and want to do for a career is you. You can't expect somebody who doesn't know you to decipher that you would prefer airframes, avionic tech, engine or a crew chief position when compared to each other. As anything in aviation it depends on the respective airframe. There are certain things that overlap but if you have aviation experience combined with a bachleors degree there are alot of companies that would snatch you up. But at the end of the day its what you like to do.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 30 at 2023 3:49 PM

2023-10-30T15:49:16-04:00

I worked for a gentleman that was netting $2,000,000 a year after taxes.

He retired as an E7, and left the military at that time as the guy who was running of training soldiers on new equipment.

He ended up figuring out how the bidding process works for contracts, and then be basically founded a company that was a subcontractor to Prime contractors that needed professionals for the Prime contractors' personnel needs.

So all his company did was vet those professionals that government contractors needed.

I guess it's a complex and legal version of Pimping people out.

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So what I'm saying is, there is a world out there in government contracting services were the world is their oyster as the majority of the civilian sector just doesn't want to deal. So companies with less than top tier products can survive off the government teet if they are willing to jump through the government hoops of the contract bidding process.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Oct 31 at 2023 9:37 AM

2023-10-31T09:37:13-04:00

Go for 15T (UH-60 Helicopter Repairer). It's a good choice for a civilian avionics career, and you can get certifications like A&P in the military.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 31 at 2023 1:11 PM

2023-10-31T13:11:19-04:00

Avionics can be tricky in the civilian world; a lot of places still want an electronics engineering degree with experience in specific areas that they are working with. some jobs in Aviation are less desirable while in but offer more post service such as Maintenance administration. Then there are jobs that cross multiple industries when you get out such as Machinists and the always desired Non-Destructive Inspection,

I don't know if you are dead set on Army Reserve, but Airforce Reserve technicians usually have aviation positions where you are a reservist but also have a full-time position doing the same job.