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6521 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6521: Aviation Ordnance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aviation Ordnance Technician (6521)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6521 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Quality Control Inspector

$60K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

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

Maintenance Technician

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry knowledge (e.g., manufacturing, facilities)PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Training

Explosives Handler/Ordnance Technician

$48K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

40-hour HAZWOPER certificationCommercial Driver’s License (CDL) with Hazmat endorsement

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine safety trainingClimbing and rescue certification

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6521 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

As an aviation ordnance technician, you learned to identify subtle deviations from the norm in ammunition and aircraft systems, predicting potential failures before they occur.

This keen eye translates to an ability to quickly identify anomalies and inefficiencies in complex systems, making you adept at troubleshooting and problem-solving in various industries.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demanded strict adherence to detailed maintenance and safety protocols to ensure mission success and prevent accidents.

This ingrained discipline means you excel at following established procedures and maintaining meticulous records, a valuable asset in regulated environments.

System Modeling

Maintaining and repairing complex aircraft armament systems required you to understand how each component interacts and contributes to the overall function.

This holistic understanding equips you to grasp the intricacies of complex systems quickly, allowing you to analyze, diagnose, and improve performance in any field.

Situational Awareness

Loading and arming aircraft in dynamic environments required constant vigilance and awareness of your surroundings to mitigate risks.

This heightened awareness translates to an ability to anticipate potential problems and adapt to changing circumstances, making you a valuable asset in fast-paced or high-pressure situations.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4041.00

You've been trained to meticulously inspect and maintain complex systems. This translates directly to ensuring products or services meet rigorous quality standards.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

Your unwavering adherence to procedures makes you a natural fit for ensuring organizations follow rules and regulations. You're adept at identifying potential violations and implementing corrective actions.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044.00

You've mastered complex systems and can effectively communicate technical information. This skillset allows you to train others on equipment operation, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've worked on complex mechanical and electrical systems in demanding environments. Servicing and maintaining wind turbines requires similar skills in diagnostics, repair, and safety protocols.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Ordnance Technician Course, Naval Air Station Pensacola

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electricity and Electronics
  • Aircraft Armament Systems
  • Ammunition Identification and Handling
  • Explosives Safety Procedures
  • Aviation Ordnance Maintenance
  • Aircraft Loading Procedures
  • Troubleshooting and Repair of Armament Equipment

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)60% covered

FAA regulations, specific aircraft airframe and powerplant systems not covered in military training.

Certified Quality Inspector (CQI)40% covered

In-depth knowledge of quality control methodologies, statistical process control, and auditing techniques as defined by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Test Equipment (ATE)Automated diagnostic and testing systems
Joint Service Technical Manuals (JSTMs)Online technical documentation databases
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
Aviation Ordnance Management System (AOMS)Inventory management and tracking software
Common Munitions Bit/Obis Ground Segment (COMBGS)Munitions tracking system

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