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15A Career Guide

Army

15A: Aircraft Life Support Equipment Repairer

Career transition guide for Army Aircraft Life Support Equipment Repairer (15A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 15A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Avionics Technician

$82K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Repairman CertificateSpecific avionics system certifications (e.g., Garmin, Honeywell)

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) or similar certificationKnowledge of FAA regulations and quality standards

Maintenance Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)Formal training in management principlesExperience with civilian maintenance management software

Technical Trainer (Aerospace)

$72K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Professional in Training and Development (CPTD) or similar certificationCurriculum development experienceExcellent communication and presentation skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 15A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 15A, you understand how different aircraft systems and components interact. You can visualize the entire system, predict potential points of failure, and strategize maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety.

This ability to understand complex systems translates to various civilian fields where you can analyze processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements.

Resource Optimization

You're responsible for determining the resources – personnel, parts, and facilities – needed for aircraft maintenance and repair. You're adept at maximizing efficiency while minimizing waste and downtime.

This skill is highly valuable in any role requiring effective allocation and management of resources, from project management to operations management.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to technical manuals, directives, safety procedures, and operational policies. This ensures the safe and effective maintenance of aircraft and the safety of personnel.

This commitment to following established procedures and protocols is essential in regulated industries and organizations where accuracy and consistency are paramount.

Team Synchronization

You are responsible for planning aircraft maintenance areas, component repair shops, and facilities. You supervise and instruct subordinates in aircraft armament, electrical and avionic systems repair and technical inspection techniques and procedures.

This ability to organize complex workflows and lead people is highly valuable in any role requiring effective planning and management of resources.

Situational Awareness

As a 15A, you maintained a high level of awareness regarding the status of aircraft systems, maintenance operations, and potential risks. You anticipated problems and took proactive measures to prevent them.

This ability to stay informed and anticipate challenges translates well to civilian roles requiring vigilance and proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been managing complex maintenance operations, you instinctively grasp the flow of resources and understand how to optimize supply chains to ensure that necessary equipment and parts are available when and where they are needed.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been rigorously adhering to technical manuals and safety procedures, your attention to detail and commitment to following regulations make you an ideal candidate to ensure that organizations meet regulatory standards and avoid legal issues.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3010

You've been planning and managing aircraft maintenance areas, you have a natural aptitude for optimizing workspace and ensuring the smooth operation of facilities, making you a valuable asset to organizations looking to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9041

You've been instructing subordinates in aircraft armament, electrical and avionic systems repair and technical inspection techniques and procedures, your knowledge and experience make you an ideal candidate to ensure that personnel are properly trained and equipped to perform their duties safely and effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

ALSE Repairer Course, Fort Rucker

280 training hours7 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology.

Topics Covered

  • Inspection, fitting, and adjustment of ALSS
  • Diagnosis and troubleshooting of ALSS malfunctions
  • Repair of ALSS electrical and electronic components
  • Use of common and special tools for ALSS maintenance
  • Filling and maintenance of breathable oxygen systems
  • Maintenance of nickel-cadmium batteries
  • Use of interactive electronic technical manuals (IETM)
  • ALSS Tracker and FEDLOG database usage

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic60% covered

FAA Part 66 regulations, specific aircraft powerplant systems, advanced composite repair, and practical experience requirements as mandated by the FAA.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

Formal business management training, advanced financial management, and in-depth knowledge of fixed-wing aircraft operations (as the 15A role focuses on rotary-wing).

Six Sigma Green Belt50% covered

In-depth statistical analysis, design of experiments, and advanced process control techniques. Formal Six Sigma training is recommended.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)Lean Six Sigma Black BeltCommercial Pilot License (Helicopter)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aviation Life Support Systems (ALSS)Aircraft emergency and survival equipment maintenance (e.g., parachutes, oxygen masks)
Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs)Digital technical documentation and interactive troubleshooting guides
FEDLOG (Federal Logistics Data)Parts databases and supply chain management systems
MEDCAT (Medical Communications for Combat Casualty Care)Medical supply chain management and inventory tracking software
ALSE Tracker (Aviation Life Support Equipment Tracker)Inventory management systems for tracking and managing life support equipment
LOGSA (Logistics Support Activity) databasesLogistics data analytics and reporting platforms
USAARL (U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory) battle damage reportingMaterials failure analysis and reporting

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