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15R Career Guide

Army

15R: AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer

Career transition guide for Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (15R)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Aircraft Mechanic / Aviation Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific aircraft type certifications (e.g., Boeing, Airbus)Familiarity with civilian aviation regulations (FAA/EASA)

Maintenance Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationLean Six Sigma certificationExperience with Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) softwareBachelor's degree in Business or Engineering

Quality Control Inspector

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationKnowledge of ISO 9000 standardsExperience with statistical process control (SPC)

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Global Wind Organisation (GWO) Basic Safety TrainingClimbing and rescue certificationElectrical troubleshooting skillsExperience with hydraulic systems

Technical Trainer

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Professional in Training and Development (CPTD)Instructional design experienceExcellent communication and presentation skillsExperience with Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

System Modeling

As a 15R, you developed a deep understanding of the complex AH-64 attack helicopter systems, mentally modeling how each component interacts and affects overall performance. You use this to quickly diagnose issues and predict potential problems.

This ability to understand and visualize complex systems translates directly into skills needed for systems analysis and design in various industries. You can quickly grasp how different parts of a business or technical system work together.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to maintenance manuals, safety regulations, and operational procedures. You understand the importance of following established protocols to ensure mission success and prevent accidents.

This rigorous training makes you exceptionally well-suited for roles requiring adherence to industry standards, quality control processes, and regulatory requirements. You are detail-oriented and understand the importance of precision.

Resource Optimization

As a supervisor, you are responsible for managing personnel, parts, and equipment to ensure efficient and effective maintenance operations. You make critical decisions on resource allocation to keep the helicopters mission-ready.

Your experience in maximizing resources translates to skills highly valued in operations management, logistics, and supply chain roles. You know how to get the most out of available resources while maintaining high standards.

Team Synchronization

Maintaining AH-64 attack helicopters requires a coordinated effort from multiple specialists. You've learned to synchronize your team's actions for efficient maintenance and repairs.

Your ability to coordinate teams and tasks directly translates to project management skills. You understand how to delegate tasks, communicate effectively, and keep everyone on track.

After-Action Analysis

You review maintenance procedures and outcomes to identify areas for improvement and prevent future problems. This systematic approach to learning from experience helps you enhance maintenance operations.

This critical analysis skills are invaluable in quality assurance and continuous improvement roles. You can identify inefficiencies, develop solutions, and implement changes to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been working with complex rotary systems, hydraulics, and electrical components your entire career in the Army. Wind turbines are just bigger helicopters! Your troubleshooting and maintenance skills are directly transferable, and the industry is booming.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071.00

You've been maintaining complex machinery with safety implications, and amusement park rides are no different. You already have the core mechanical skills, and theme parks are often looking for people who can handle high-stress environments and ensure equipment is safe.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069.00

You're used to troubleshooting advanced systems. Robotics combines mechanical, electrical, and software components. Your skills in diagnostics, repair, and maintenance are extremely valuable in this growing field.

Elevator Mechanic

SOC 47-4021.00

You possess the experience with intricate electro-mechanical systems and a strong commitment to safety that are essential in the elevator industry. Your ability to diagnose and repair complex equipment makes you an ideal candidate. Plus, it's a high-demand field with great job security!

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Combined Arms Maintenance (AVCAM) Course, Fort Eustis

1,296 training hours36 weeksUp to 24 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • AH-64 Apache helicopter systems overview
  • Engine removal and installation
  • Rotor system maintenance
  • Hydraulic and electrical systems troubleshooting
  • Avionics systems maintenance and repair
  • Airframe repair techniques
  • Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance procedures
  • Use of diagnostic equipment and special tools

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) Mechanic70% covered

FAA regulatory knowledge, specific civilian aircraft models, and some general aviation maintenance practices.

Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)60% covered

Broader facilities management, financial management, and strategic planning elements of civilian maintenance operations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Reliability Engineer (CRE)Commercial Pilot License (Helicopter)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AH-64 Apache Attack HelicopterCommercial helicopter platforms such as Boeing, Airbus, Sikorsky
Army Aviation Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)Maintenance tracking software (e.g., SAP Plant Maintenance, IBM Maximo)
Standard Army Maintenance System-Enhanced (SAMS-E)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO)
Aviation Ground Power Unit (AGPU)Commercial aircraft ground power units
Forward Area Refueling Equipment (FARE)Mobile refueling systems
AN/AVS-7 Aviation Night Vision Imaging System (ANVIS)Commercial night vision goggles and enhanced vision systems (EVS)
Common Missile Warning System (CMWS)Laser warning systems used in commercial aircraft

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