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2A772 Career Guide

Air Force

2A772: Nondestructive Inspection Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Nondestructive Inspection Specialist (2A772)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A772 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry standards (e.g., ASQ certifications)Experience with specific manufacturing processes

Aircraft Inspector

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Metallurgical Technician

$50K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Materials science courseworkLaboratory experienceSpecific software proficiency (e.g., for data analysis)

Oil and Gas Pipeline Inspector

$68K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

API certifications (e.g., API 510, API 570)Knowledge of pipeline regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A772 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

You use pattern recognition to identify anomalies and defects in aerospace weapon systems using various inspection methods. This includes interpreting visual, radiographic, and ultrasonic data to detect subtle deviations from expected norms.

This skill translates into the ability to quickly identify irregularities and potential problems in complex systems, making you adept at spotting trends and anomalies that others might miss.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to detailed procedures and safety protocols when performing nondestructive inspections, handling hazardous materials, and operating specialized equipment. You understand the importance of following established guidelines to ensure accuracy and safety.

Your meticulous approach and commitment to following established procedures make you an ideal candidate for roles requiring adherence to strict regulations and guidelines.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining situational awareness is critical when establishing radiation areas, monitoring personnel exposure, and ensuring safety protocols are followed during radiographic operations. You're trained to assess the environment and potential risks continuously.

Your ability to stay aware of your surroundings, assess potential risks, and adapt to changing circumstances makes you valuable in roles that require vigilance and quick decision-making.

System Modeling

You develop a strong understanding of how aerospace weapon systems and their components function, allowing you to predict potential failure points and optimize inspection strategies. This involves understanding the interdependencies of various parts and systems.

You can apply your ability to understand complex systems and their interdependencies to various fields. You're capable of analyzing processes, identifying potential bottlenecks, and suggesting improvements.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051

You've been meticulously inspecting complex systems for flaws, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and safety. As a QA Manager, you'll use your expertise to oversee quality control processes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure products meet customer expectations. Your experience in nondestructive testing translates directly to ensuring product integrity and reliability.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been trained to adhere to strict procedures and safety protocols, making you well-versed in regulatory compliance. As a Compliance Officer, you'll leverage your experience to ensure organizations follow industry regulations, identify potential compliance risks, and implement strategies to mitigate them. Your attention to detail and commitment to following guidelines will be invaluable in this role.

Industrial Safety Specialist

SOC 27-5011

You've been responsible for establishing radiation areas, monitoring personnel exposure, and handling hazardous materials, demonstrating your understanding of safety protocols. As an Industrial Safety Specialist, you'll use your skills to identify workplace hazards, develop safety procedures, and ensure a safe working environment for employees. Your experience in risk assessment and mitigation will be highly beneficial.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Nondestructive Inspection Specialist Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

720 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Principles
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing
  • Magnetic Particle Testing
  • Radiographic Testing (X-ray and Gamma ray)
  • Eddy Current Testing
  • Ultrasonic Testing
  • Fluid Analysis and Wear Metal Analysis
  • Hazardous Material Handling and Disposal

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

ASNT NDT Level II (various methods)70% covered

Specifics of the ASNT recommended practice, qualification requirements, and potentially some differences in equipment or techniques based on the specific method (PT, MT, UT, RT, ET) pursued.

AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)30% covered

Welding processes, metallurgy specific to welding, code interpretation (AWS D1.1, etc.), and welding inspection techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

ASNT NDT Level III (various methods)Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Eddy Current Testing EquipmentEddy Current Flaw Detectors
Magnetic Particle Inspection UnitsMagnetic Particle Testing Systems
Radiographic Inspection Systems (X-ray)Industrial Radiography Equipment
Ultrasonic Flaw DetectorsUltrasonic Testing Equipment
Penetrant Testing SystemsDye Penetrant Inspection Kits
Spectrographic Oil Analysis Program (SOAP)Oil Condition Monitoring (OCM) systems
Personal Radiation Monitoring Devices (Dosimeters)Personal Radiation Detectors

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