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56632 Career Guide

Air Force

56632: Fuels Systems Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Fuels Systems Maintenance (56632)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 56632 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Petroleum Engineer

$140K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Petroleum EngineeringReservoir simulation software proficiencyKnowledge of drilling and extraction techniques

Pipeline Technician

$65K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Pipeline welding certificationNDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certificationHAZMAT training

Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

$58K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) trainingAdvanced welding techniquesExperience with industrial automation systems

HVAC Technician

$55K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

EPA Section 608 certificationFormal HVAC training programKnowledge of building automation systems

Power Plant Operator

$78K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Power plant operations certificationKnowledge of safety protocols and regulationsExperience with distributed control systems (DCS)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 56632 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You use schematics and drawings to understand the entire fuel system, predicting how changes in one part affect the whole, ensuring efficient operation and preventing failures.

This skill translates to understanding complex systems in various industries, allowing you to analyze and optimize processes for efficiency and reliability.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously follow established maintenance and safety procedures when working with hazardous materials and high-pressure systems, minimizing risks and ensuring regulatory adherence.

This translates to a strong ability to adhere to protocols, crucial in regulated industries where safety and accuracy are paramount.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at troubleshooting and repairing fuel systems under pressure, even with limited resources or in challenging conditions, ensuring mission readiness.

This demonstrates your ability to maintain functionality and solve problems creatively when facing unexpected challenges or resource constraints, valuable in any dynamic work environment.

Resource Optimization

You plan and estimate resource requirements for maintenance and repair projects, ensuring efficient use of materials, equipment, and manpower to minimize downtime and costs.

This shows your strength in optimizing resources, a transferable skill for managing budgets, inventory, and personnel effectively in a civilian setting.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Water Treatment Plant Operator

SOC 51-8031.00

You've been managing complex fluid systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and maintaining equipment under pressure. This is directly applicable to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of water treatment plants.

HVAC Technician (Commercial/Industrial)

SOC 49-9021.00

You've honed your skills in maintaining and repairing liquid fuel systems, which involves understanding thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. This knowledge transfers seamlessly to HVAC systems that regulate temperature and air quality in commercial or industrial settings.

Power Plant Operator

SOC 51-8013.00

You've gained experience in managing fluid systems, troubleshooting equipment, and ensuring efficient operation of fuel distribution. Power plants rely on similar principles, making your skills highly relevant in controlling and maintaining power generation equipment.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Fuels Systems Maintenance Technical School, Sheppard AFB, TX

560 training hours14 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Fuel Storage Tank Maintenance
  • Fuel Distribution System Inspection
  • Piping and Valve Repair
  • Fuel Dispensing Equipment Troubleshooting
  • Fuel Quality Control Procedures
  • Environmental Compliance for Fuel Systems
  • System Drawings and Schematics Interpretation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

OSHA 30-Hour Construction70% covered

Study specific OSHA regulations related to construction safety, hazard communication, and electrical safety. Focus on areas not directly covered in fuel systems maintenance.

Certified Petroleum Mechanic (CPM)60% covered

While you have experience with fuel systems, the CPM requires specific knowledge of environmental regulations, leak detection/prevention, and specific equipment types not encountered in the military. Study these areas in depth.

Recommended Next Certifications

API Individual Certification Programs (ICP)NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP)AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants (POL) testing equipmentFuel quality testing kits and laboratory equipment
Aviation Fuel Storage and Dispensing SystemsCommercial aviation fuel farms and distribution networks
Rapid Airfield Fueling System (RAFS)Mobile fuel dispensing systems for remote locations
Fuel pipeline and pumping systemsCommercial fuel pipeline infrastructure
HAZMAT handling equipment and proceduresOSHA HAZWOPER certified hazardous material handling
Technical Orders (TOs) and schematicsTechnical manuals and engineering drawings
Automated Fuel Handling Equipment (AFHE)SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for fuel management

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