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6511 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6511: Aviation Ordnance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aviation Ordnance Technician (6511)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6511 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific avionics systems certifications

Quality Control Inspector

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationKnowledge of industry-specific quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001)

Maintenance Technician (General)

$55K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) trainingSpecific equipment maintenance certifications

Ammunition and Explosives Technician

$60K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Acquire any necessary civilian certifications for handling and storing ammunition/explosives (often state-specific)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6511 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

Identifying recurring malfunctions or wear patterns in aircraft armament systems to proactively address potential failures.

Analyzing data to identify trends and anomalies, enabling proactive problem-solving and risk mitigation.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict maintenance and safety protocols when handling ammunition and servicing aircraft armament systems to prevent accidents.

Following established procedures and regulations meticulously to ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance in various operations.

System Modeling

Understanding the complex interdependencies of aircraft armament systems to troubleshoot malfunctions and optimize performance.

Comprehending the relationships between components within a system to diagnose issues, improve efficiency, and predict outcomes.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the aircraft's status, surrounding environment, and potential threats while loading ammunition and arming/de-arming systems.

Remaining vigilant and perceptive of the surroundings to anticipate potential problems, make informed decisions, and respond effectively to changing circumstances.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041

You've been rigorously inspecting, testing, and maintaining complex systems to ensure safety and performance. This directly translates to ensuring products or services meet established quality standards.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've developed a keen eye for identifying potential mechanical issues on aircraft. This skill is directly transferable to the wind energy field, where inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines is essential for optimal performance. You're also used to working on complex machinery in often challenging conditions.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've honed your abilities to diagnose, repair, and maintain sophisticated armament systems. As an industrial machinery mechanic, you would apply those same skills to keep manufacturing equipment running smoothly, preventing costly downtime.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Ordnance Technician Course, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology or related fields.

Topics Covered

  • Ammunition Identification and Handling
  • Aircraft Armament Systems (F/A-18, CH-53, AH-1)
  • Aviation Ordnance Maintenance and Repair
  • Explosives Safety Procedures
  • Aircraft Loading Procedures
  • Armament System Troubleshooting
  • Aviation Ordnance Test Equipment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)60% covered

FAA regulations, specific aircraft systems outside of military aircraft, general aviation maintenance practices.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry70% covered

OSHA record-keeping, hazard communication standards in civilian workplaces, specific general industry safety topics.

Recommended Next Certifications

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Level II Certification (various methods such as Ultrasonic, Radiography, etc.)Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Armament Repair Shop Test Set (ARSTS)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics
AN/AWM-102A Digital Volt-Ohm MeterDigital Multimeter
Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) equipmentDiagnostic software and hardware for weapons systems
Joint Service Transportability Automated Management Office (JSTAMO)Logistics management software
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
Aviation Ordnance Handling Equipment (e.g., MHU-191/M trailer)Heavy equipment operation and maintenance (forklifts, trailers)

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