Air Force

2T355: Vehicle Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Vehicle Maintenance (2T355)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2T355 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Automotive Technician

$55K

High matchHigh demand

Diesel Mechanic

$62K

High matchVery high demand

Maintenance Mechanic

$52K

Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Industrial maintenance experience

Welder

$48K

Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized welding certifications (e.g., AWS)Experience with specific welding processes (e.g., TIG, MIG)

Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

$68K

High matchVery high demand

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2T355 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You create mental models of vehicle systems (engine, transmission, etc.) to quickly diagnose problems and predict the effects of repairs.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates to understanding workflows, processes, and even software architecture.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to detailed maintenance manuals, safety protocols, and environmental regulations (handling hazardous waste) is critical in your role.

Your commitment to following established procedures makes you reliable and minimizes errors, which is crucial in regulated industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You keep vehicles running even when parts are scarce or conditions are less than ideal, improvising solutions to maintain operational readiness.

You excel at problem-solving under pressure, finding creative ways to keep things running smoothly even when resources are limited or unexpected challenges arise.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the vehicle's overall condition, the impact of repairs on other systems, and potential safety hazards during maintenance are all part of your daily routine.

You have a knack for seeing the big picture and understanding how different components interact, allowing you to anticipate problems and make informed decisions.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

HVAC Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been working with complex mechanical systems, diagnosing issues, and performing repairs – all skills directly transferable to HVAC systems. Plus, your understanding of safety procedures is a major asset.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091.00

You've been maintaining and repairing complex machinery under pressure. Amusement park rides require similar skills, and your experience with safety regulations will be highly valued.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.00

You've developed expertise in maintaining large, complex mechanical systems. Your experience with diagnostics, repair, and safety protocols is highly applicable to wind turbine maintenance.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Vehicle Maintenance Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

792 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in automotive technology

Topics Covered

•Basic Vehicle Maintenance Principles
•Gasoline and Diesel Engine Repair
•Electrical System Diagnostics and Repair
•Brake System Maintenance and Repair
•Hydraulic System Maintenance
•Welding Techniques and Metal Repair
•Vehicle Preventative Maintenance Procedures
•Hazardous Material Handling and Disposal

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automobile Technician70% covered

Specific diagnostic procedures for late-model vehicles, advanced electronics, and some emissions control systems may require additional study.

ASE Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician60% covered

In-depth knowledge of commercial vehicle-specific systems like air brakes, transmissions, and diesel engine management may be needed.

Certified Automotive Glass Replacement Technician (AGR)75% covered

May need to study specific techniques for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) calibrations after windshield replacement.

Recommended Next Certifications

ASE Undercar Specialist (Brakes, Steering & Suspension)CDL (Commercial Driver's License) - to operate vehicles they maintainAWS Certified WelderCertified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military System	Civilian Equivalent
Automated Logistics System (ALS)	Inventory Management Software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs)	Online Repair Manuals and Diagnostic Software (e.g., Alldata, Mitchell OnDemand)
Battle Damage Assessment and Repair (BDAR) Kits	Mobile Automotive Repair Tool Sets
Contact Maintenance Teams (CMT) Equipment	Mobile Mechanic Service Vehicles
National Maintenance Data Collection System (NMDCS)	Fleet Maintenance Management Software
Air Force Technical Order (AFTO) Forms	Work Order Management Systems

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2T355 Career Guide