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1A751 Career Guide

Air Force

1A751: Special Missions Aviator

Career transition guide for Air Force Special Missions Aviator (1A751)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 1A751 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License

Security Officer/Guard

$40K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

State-specific security licenseFirst Aid/CPR certification

Weapons Systems Technician

$68K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific weapons systems certifications (e.g., military contractor training)

Remote Sensing Technician

$65K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificationRemote sensing data analysis software proficiency

Technical Trainer/Instructor

$62K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design certificationSpecific subject matter expertise (e.g., aviation, security)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 1A751 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As an airborne gunner, you constantly scan the environment, using NVGs and other tools, to identify potential threats and ensure the safety of the crew and mission success.

This translates to a strong ability to assess complex situations, anticipate potential problems, and maintain a clear understanding of your surroundings – valuable in dynamic environments.

Rapid Prioritization

During flight, you must quickly assess malfunctions, prioritize repairs, and coordinate with other crew members to maintain operational effectiveness under pressure.

You're adept at rapidly assessing situations, identifying critical tasks, and prioritizing actions to achieve desired outcomes, even when facing unexpected challenges.

Team Synchronization

You're an integral part of a close-knit aircrew, coordinating with pilots, flight engineers, and other specialists to ensure the safe and effective employment of weapons and defensive systems.

You possess a proven ability to work seamlessly within a team, understanding roles and responsibilities, and coordinating efforts to achieve shared objectives.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict flying, weapon, and explosive safety standards is paramount. You meticulously follow protocols and procedures to mitigate risks and ensure mission success.

You have a deep understanding of the importance of following established guidelines and procedures to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in operations. You excel at adhering to established protocols and maintaining standards.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at performing inflight maintenance and applying quick, decisive actions to restore malfunctioning systems to operational condition in high-pressure situations.

You are experienced in problem-solving under pressure, adapting to unexpected challenges, and maintaining operational effectiveness even when systems are not functioning optimally.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been trained to assess risks, develop contingency plans, and coordinate responses in high-pressure situations. Your experience with safety protocols and teamwork makes you a natural fit for helping communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044.00

You've been responsible for training unit gunners on airborne weapon systems, procedures, and tactics. You already possess the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively, making you a great asset in a corporate environment.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081.00

You've been responsible for forecasting ammunition requirements, managing munitions accounts, and ensuring the efficient distribution of resources. You're already familiar with resource optimization and inventory management, making you an ideal candidate for analyzing and improving supply chain operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Special Missions Aviation Course, Kirtland Air Force Base, NM

600 training hours15 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in aviation technology or military science

Topics Covered

  • Airborne Gunnery Techniques
  • Aircraft Defensive Systems Operation
  • Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Operations
  • In-flight Weapons Systems Maintenance
  • Ammunition Management and Accountability
  • Aircrew Coordination and Communication
  • Emergency Procedures and Survival Training

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Security Professional (CASP)60% covered

Focus on civil aviation security regulations, airport security procedures, and security management principles specific to civilian aviation environments. Study relevant laws and international agreements.

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)40% covered

Study safety management principles, risk assessment methodologies (HAZOP, FMEA), industrial hygiene practices, and relevant OSHA regulations. Review consensus standards (ANSI, NFPA) related to safety engineering.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic CertificationCommercial Pilot License (CPL)Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
M240 Machine Gun7.62mm belt-fed firearm
GAU-21 Machine Gun.50 caliber heavy machine gun
AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Goggles (NVGs)Night vision equipment for security, hunting, or search and rescue
AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing SystemAircraft defensive systems
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS)Laser-guided rockets
Joint Munitions Accountability and Assessment System (JMAAS)Inventory management software for ammunition and explosives

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