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2W131D Career Guide

Air Force

2W131D: Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Aircraft Armament Systems Specialist (2W131D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2W131D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyEngineering principlesData analysis

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certification (e.g., Certified Quality Inspector)Lean Six Sigma training

Explosives Technician

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial explosives handling licenseHAZMAT certification

Maintenance Manager

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (PMP)Business management courseworkOSHA safety standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2W131D training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to safety protocols and technical manuals is critical when handling munitions to prevent accidents and ensure mission success.

Meticulous adherence to established procedures, regulations, and protocols to ensure safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

System Modeling

Understanding the intricate relationships between aircraft systems, munitions, and release mechanisms allows for effective troubleshooting and maintenance.

Developing and utilizing models to understand how different components interact within a larger system, enabling effective problem-solving and optimization.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a high level of awareness regarding the status of munitions, aircraft, and surrounding environment is essential for safe and effective operations.

Continuously monitoring and assessing the environment to identify potential risks and opportunities, allowing for proactive decision-making and adaptation.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Maintaining armament systems under stressed conditions, like equipment malfunction or lack of resources, is critical for mission continuation.

The ability to adapt and find solutions even when equipment is not working properly or resources are scarce.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041

You've been rigorously inspecting and maintaining complex systems. Now, you can apply that sharp eye and dedication to quality control in manufacturing or engineering. Your experience ensures that products meet the highest standards.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You're skilled at maintaining and repairing complex mechanical and electrical systems on aircraft. With some additional training, you can transfer those skills to maintaining wind turbines, ensuring they operate efficiently and safely.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091

You've worked with sophisticated launch and release systems. Now, you can apply that expertise to maintaining the complex mechanical and electronic systems of amusement park rides, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of park guests.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aircraft Armament Systems Technical School, Sheppard AFB, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in avionics maintenance

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electricity and Electronics
  • Aircraft Armament Systems Theory
  • Munitions Handling and Safety
  • Aircraft-Specific Armament Loading Procedures (F-16, F-15, A-10)
  • Troubleshooting and Maintenance of Launch/Release Systems
  • Aircraft Gun Systems Maintenance and Boresighting
  • Inspection and Repair of Munitions Handling Equipment
  • Use of Technical Orders and Schematics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Security Professional (CASP)50% covered

Study aviation security regulations, airport security procedures, and threat assessment methodologies.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry60% covered

Focus on general workplace safety beyond munitions handling, including hazard communication, electrical safety, and machine guarding.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
BRU-61/A Smart Bomb RackSmart bomb rack systems for civilian aircraft testing and development
LAU-129 Missile LauncherMissile launcher systems for research and development purposes.
M61A1/A2 Vulcan CannonHigh-speed Gatling gun systems for law enforcement or security applications.
AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing SystemAutomated emergency flare dispensing systems for civilian aircraft.
Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) equipmentAutomated test equipment for verifying the functionality of safety-critical systems
Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)GPS-guided systems for precision agriculture or surveying.
Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)Guidance systems for autonomous vehicles or robotics.

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