2A795 Career Guide
2A795: Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance
Career transition guide for Air Force Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance (2A795)
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Top civilian roles for 2A795 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Structures Mechanic
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Skills to develop:
Industrial Painter
Skills to develop:
Composite Technician
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A795 training built — and where they transfer.
Procedural Compliance
Adhering strictly to technical orders, safety regulations, and environmental standards when handling hazardous materials, applying coatings, and performing repairs.
Meticulously following established protocols and guidelines to ensure accuracy, safety, and quality in a regulated environment.
Pattern Recognition
Identifying subtle variations in coatings, structures, and components to detect corrosion, damage, or wear that could compromise aircraft integrity and stealth capabilities.
Recognizing deviations from expected norms or standards in complex systems or materials to diagnose issues and predict potential failures.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the aircraft's condition, the surrounding environment, and the potential impact of repairs on its overall performance and stealth characteristics.
Assessing the broader context of a project or situation to anticipate challenges, make informed decisions, and ensure optimal outcomes.
Resource Optimization
Efficiently managing materials, tools, and equipment to complete repairs and maintenance tasks within tight deadlines and budget constraints.
Strategically allocating resources and streamlining processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste in project execution.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Quality Control Inspector
SOC 51-9061.00You've been trained to meticulously inspect aircraft coatings and structures for defects. Your experience in identifying anomalies and ensuring adherence to strict specifications directly translates to the role of a quality control inspector in manufacturing or other industries.
Industrial Safety Specialist
SOC 25-1071.00You're deeply familiar with handling hazardous materials and maintaining safe working environments. Your experience in complying with safety regulations and implementing safety protocols makes you well-suited to ensure workplace safety in industrial settings.
Materials Scientist Technician
SOC 17-3027.00You possess hands-on experience with various materials, coatings, and adhesives used in aircraft maintenance. Your skills in applying, sanding, and curing these materials, along with your knowledge of their properties, provide a solid foundation for assisting materials scientists in research and development.
Forensic Materials Analyst
SOC 19-4099Your keen eye for detail and experience in identifying material degradation translate well to forensic investigation. You've been trained to see and analyze minute damages on aircraft parts; now, use that to reconstruct events from material evidence!
Training & Education Equivalencies
Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Low Observable (LO) Material Identification and Application
- •Aircraft Structural Repair Techniques (metallic and composite)
- •Corrosion Identification, Treatment, and Prevention
- •Application of Aircraft Paint Schemes and Markings
- •Hazardous Material Handling and Disposal
- •Use of Technical Orders and Maintenance Documentation
- •Advanced Composite Repair
- •Planform Alignment Procedures
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
While the military training covers many aspects of aircraft maintenance and repair, including structural repairs and coatings, the A&P license requires specific knowledge of FAA regulations, powerplant (engine) maintenance, and detailed inspection procedures as outlined in 14 CFR Part 65.
The military training provides a strong foundation in composite repair and fabrication. Gaps may include specific advanced composite materials, industry-specific repair techniques, and adherence to civilian quality control standards and documentation.
While the military role includes applying and removing coatings, this certification requires in-depth knowledge of coating types, surface preparation, application techniques, inspection, and quality control specific to industrial and commercial protective coatings, as well as safety and environmental regulations.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) Application Tools | Specialized adhesive application equipment, Vacuum bagging systems |
| Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) | 3D scanning and measurement systems, such as those from Faro or Hexagon |
| Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment | Industrial Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, Ultrasound testing equipment |
| Automated Maintenance Systems (e.g., Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software (e.g., IBM Maximo, SAP Plant Maintenance) |
| Planform Alignment Tools | Laser alignment systems, Precision measurement tools for bodywork |
| Corrosion Control Equipment (e.g., media blasters, chemical treatment tanks) | Industrial sandblasting equipment, chemical etching and passivation systems |
| Paint Spraying Equipment (HVLP, Electrostatic) | Automotive and Industrial painting equipment, powder coating systems |
| Lockout/Tagout Equipment | OSHA-compliant lockout/tagout kits and procedures |
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