2A656 Career Guide
2A656: Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist
Career transition guide for Air Force Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist (2A656)
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Top civilian roles for 2A656 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Avionics Technician
Electrical Engineer
Skills to develop:
HVAC Technician
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Industrial Electrician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A656 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As an aircraft E&E technician, you develop a deep understanding of how electrical, environmental, and other aircraft systems integrate and function together. You can visualize the flow of electricity, air, and other resources throughout the aircraft to diagnose issues.
This ability to understand complex interconnected systems translates directly to any role requiring systems thinking, troubleshooting, and optimization within intricate environments.
Procedural Compliance
Your work demands strict adherence to technical publications, directives, and safety protocols when maintaining aircraft systems. Lives depend on you following established procedures meticulously.
This ingrained habit of following complex instructions and adhering to strict regulations is highly valuable in any industry where compliance and safety are paramount.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You're adept at troubleshooting and maintaining aircraft systems under pressure, often with limited resources or in challenging environments. You can think on your feet and find creative solutions to keep systems operational even when things aren't perfect.
Your experience in maintaining systems and solving problems under duress proves your capacity to maintain composure and effectiveness when navigating challenges in real-world settings.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining aircraft E&E systems requires constant monitoring of system performance and awareness of the overall operational status of the aircraft. You understand how your work impacts the safety and effectiveness of flight operations.
Your keen awareness of your surroundings and the impact of your actions makes you a valuable asset in any fast-paced or safety-critical environment. You can quickly assess situations and make informed decisions.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9099.01You've been working with complex electrical and mechanical systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring operational efficiency. Wind turbines are essentially massive, complex machines with electrical and environmental control systems, similar to aircraft. Your skills in diagnostics, maintenance, and safety protocols are directly transferable.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021You've been maintaining the environmental control systems of aircraft, including air conditioning, pressurization, and temperature regulation. Large commercial buildings rely on similar automated systems to control lighting, HVAC, and security. You already possess the knowledge and skills to install, troubleshoot, and maintain these building systems.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9062You've been working with electrical, electronic, and pneumatic systems on aircraft. Robotics involves similar systems and requires the ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain complex automated equipment. Your military experience gives you a solid foundation for working with robots in manufacturing, logistics, or other industries.
Training & Education Equivalencies
2A656 Technical Training, Sheppard AFB
Topics Covered
- •Electrical Circuitry and Theory
- •Aircraft Power Generation Systems
- •Environmental Control Systems (ECS)
- •Landing Gear and Anti-Skid Systems
- •Fire Protection Systems
- •Aircraft Lighting Systems
- •Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- •Use of Technical Publications and Maintenance Procedures
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
FAA Part 65 regulations, specific aircraft airframe and powerplant knowledge outside of military applications, and hands-on experience with civilian aircraft models.
Specific electronics troubleshooting and repair techniques used in consumer and industrial electronics, as well as knowledge of current electronics industry standards and best practices.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/AWM-55A Aircraft Armament Test Set | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for aerospace components |
| Common Munitions Bit/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) | Programmable logic controller (PLC) diagnostic and programming tools |
| TTU-205 series test stand | Hydraulic and pneumatic test benches for component testing |
| AN/USM-470A series of electronic equipment testers | Multimeters, Oscilloscopes, and Signal generators |
| Portable Oxygen Analyzer | Oxygen sensor and analysis equipment |
| Aircraft Integrated Maintenance System (AIMS) | Aircraft maintenance software and diagnostics systems |
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