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45P Career Guide

Army

45P: Sheridan Tank Turret Mechanic

Career transition guide for Army Sheridan Tank Turret Mechanic (45P)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 45P veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$60K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

PLC ProgrammingHydraulic Systems Certification

Maintenance Supervisor

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP)OSHA Safety Standards

Field Service Technician (Heavy Equipment)

$65K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific OEM Certifications (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere)Advanced Diagnostics Software Training

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Technical Trainer

$68K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional Design CertificationCurriculum DevelopmentExcellent Communication Skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 45P training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 45P, you developed a deep understanding of the intricate systems within the Sheridan tank turret, allowing you to diagnose and repair complex issues by mentally simulating how different components interact.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly into roles where you need to grasp how different parts of a process or organization work together to achieve a common goal.

Rapid Prioritization

You were responsible for quickly assessing the severity of maintenance issues and prioritizing repairs based on operational needs, ensuring that critical systems were always ready for deployment.

This skill in quickly triaging and prioritizing tasks is highly valuable in fast-paced civilian environments where you need to make quick decisions under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

Following technical manuals, modification work orders, and prescribed procedures was a critical part of your job. This ensured that maintenance was performed safely and effectively, maintaining the integrity of the equipment.

Your dedication to following procedures and adhering to strict guidelines is an asset in any regulated industry where compliance is paramount.

Team Synchronization

You supervised and coordinated the work of various maintenance personnel, ensuring that everyone was working together efficiently to complete repairs and keep the turret systems operational.

This experience in coordinating teams and ensuring everyone is working in sync translates into excellent project management and team leadership skills.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041.00

You've been meticulously inspecting and maintaining complex turret systems, ensuring they meet strict operational standards. This translates perfectly to a Quality Assurance role, where you'll be responsible for ensuring that products or services meet specified quality standards and are free from defects. Your attention to detail and understanding of complex systems will make you a valuable asset.

Field Service Technician

SOC 49-2097.00

You've been providing technical guidance, troubleshooting turret systems, and ensuring equipment readiness. As a Field Service Technician, you'll utilize your technical expertise to install, maintain, and repair equipment at customer locations. Your experience in troubleshooting complex systems and providing technical assistance will be highly valued.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 43-3071.00

You've been managing work orders, procuring parts, and maintaining supply records. This background makes you well-suited for a Logistics Coordinator role, where you'll be responsible for managing the flow of goods and materials, coordinating transportation, and ensuring that supplies are available when needed. Your experience in managing resources and coordinating activities will be a great fit.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ordnance School, Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

680 training hours17 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in automotive technology or electromechanical systems

Topics Covered

  • Principles of Armament Maintenance
  • Electrical and Hydraulic Systems of the M551 Sheridan Turret
  • Troubleshooting and Diagnostics of Fire Control Systems
  • Inspection and Repair of Cupola Systems
  • Turret-Mounted Weapon Systems Maintenance
  • Use of Technical Manuals and Schematics
  • Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
  • Modification Work Order (MWO) Compliance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)60% covered

Requires studying reliability principles, preventive maintenance optimization, and financial aspects of maintenance management.

Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM)50% covered

Requires studying advanced maintenance management techniques, strategic planning, and leadership skills specific to maintenance environments.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Quality Technician (CQT)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
M81 Sheridan Tank Turret SystemsLegacy electro-mechanical systems; vintage military vehicle restoration
Turret Electrical Drive Control Test SetAutomated test equipment for electric motor controls
Technical Manuals (TMs) & Repair Parts PublicationsOEM service manuals, parts catalogs
Modification Work Orders (MWOs)Engineering change orders (ECOs), service bulletins
Direct Support MaintenanceSpecialized repair shop services, depot-level maintenance
Conduct-of-Fire TrainerFirearms training simulation systems
Armament maintenance support activityForeman or Lead Technician in Armament repair facility

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