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2T374 Career Guide

Air Force

2T374: Vehicle Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Vehicle Maintenance (2T374)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2T374 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic

$55K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

ASE Certifications (e.g., A1-A9)Specialized diagnostic software training

Diesel Mechanic

$62K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)EPA 609 Certification (for A/C work)Specialized diesel engine diagnostics

Welder

$48K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

American Welding Society (AWS) certificationSpecialized welding techniques (e.g., TIG, MIG)Blueprint reading

Mobile Equipment Mechanic

$58K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Hydraulic systems certificationSpecific equipment manufacturer training (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere)

Maintenance Supervisor

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)Lean Six Sigma certificationOSHA safety standards training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2T374 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You routinely diagnose complex vehicle malfunctions by understanding how various systems (engine, transmission, electrical, etc.) interact. You can visualize the entire system and predict how changes in one area will affect others.

This ability to understand and predict system behavior translates directly to analyzing and improving complex processes in civilian industries. You can identify bottlenecks, anticipate problems, and optimize performance.

Resource Optimization

You plan and schedule maintenance activities, ensuring vehicles, equipment, parts, and manpower are available to meet mission requirements. This means effectively managing limited resources to achieve maximum operational readiness.

Your experience in resource optimization is highly valuable in any environment where efficiency is key. You excel at allocating resources strategically, minimizing waste, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere to strict maintenance schedules, technical manuals, and safety regulations when performing repairs. You understand the importance of following procedures to ensure quality and prevent accidents.

This dedication to procedural compliance makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require meticulous attention to detail and adherence to established protocols. You can ensure consistent quality and minimize risks by following procedures precisely.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at troubleshooting and repairing vehicles even when resources are limited or conditions are challenging. You can adapt to unexpected problems and find creative solutions to keep equipment running.

Your experience with degraded-mode operations translates to resilience and problem-solving abilities in dynamic civilian environments. You are adept at finding solutions under pressure, adapting to changing circumstances, and maintaining productivity even when faced with obstacles.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've been maintaining and repairing complex equipment, and that translates perfectly to industrial settings! Your troubleshooting skills and knowledge of mechanical systems will allow you to keep production lines running smoothly.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've been working on vehicles, and wind turbines are just the next generation of complex machines to master. Your diagnostic and repair skills will be invaluable in keeping these renewable energy sources operating efficiently.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091

You've already got the mechanical aptitude, and this would let you work on all kinds of different machines: thrill rides, go-karts, arcade games, and more. Your background in vehicle maintenance makes you a great fit for inspecting and maintaining these attractions, and your attention to detail ensures the safety of the public.

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 Systems (engines, transmissions, electrical)
  • Preventive Maintenance Procedures
  • Vehicle Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
  • Brake Systems Repair and Maintenance
  • Welding and Metal Repair
  • Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
  • Air Conditioning Systems Repair
  • Hazardous Material Handling and Disposal

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Technician70% covered

Requires study of specific vehicle makes/models, advanced diagnostics, and staying current with rapidly evolving automotive technology. Focus on areas outside of military vehicle focus.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)50% covered

Requires passing written and driving tests specific to the type of vehicle. Study traffic laws and regulations specific to civilian trucking.

Certified Welder60% covered

Requires specific certification depending on the welding process (SMAW, GMAW, etc.) and material (steel, aluminum, etc.). May need to practice specific welding techniques and pass a practical exam.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM)Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Logistics Readiness System (ALRS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software like IBM Maximo or SAP EAM
Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) such as Fiix or UpKeep
Technical Orders (TOs)OEM repair manuals, online databases like Mitchell 1 or ALLDATA
Vehicle Diagnostic Equipment (Vetronix Mastertech, Snap-on MODIS)Automotive diagnostic scanners and tools (e.g., Snap-on, Autel, Bosch)
HAZMAT tracking systems (e.g., used for waste disposal)Environmental compliance software and waste management tracking systems
Air Force Supply System (e.g., for ordering parts)Parts ordering and inventory management systems (e.g., those used by NAPA, AutoZone)
Welding equipment (MIG, TIG, arc welders)Industrial welding equipment (Miller, Lincoln Electric)

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