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6531 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6531: Aircraft Ordnance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircraft Ordnance Technician (6531)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6531 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P License (Airframe and Powerplant)Specific experience on civilian aircraft models

Weapons Systems Technician

$70K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific experience on civilian security systemsRelevant certifications in security system maintenance

Quality Control Inspector

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)Knowledge of ISO 9000 standards

Munitions Handler/Technician (Defense Contractor)

$78K
High matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

HAZMAT CertificationSecurity Clearance (if required by the specific role)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind Turbine Technician CertificationClimbing and working at heights trainingElectrical troubleshooting skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6531 training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Your meticulous adherence to safety protocols and maintenance procedures when handling sensitive ordnance ensured the safety of yourself, your team, and the aircraft you worked on. You understand the critical importance of following established guidelines to prevent accidents and maintain operational readiness.

This translates directly to a strong ability to follow established protocols and regulations in civilian settings. You are detail-oriented, understand the importance of precision, and can consistently adhere to established procedures, making you a reliable and safe worker.

System Modeling

You developed a deep understanding of complex aircraft armament systems, including their electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic components. You could diagnose malfunctions, troubleshoot problems, and predict the effects of modifications or repairs on the system's overall performance.

This demonstrates your ability to understand and analyze complex systems. You can identify relationships between different components, predict outcomes, and troubleshoot problems effectively, making you valuable in any technical or engineering role.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining situational awareness was critical when working with aircraft ordnance. You had to be constantly aware of your surroundings, potential hazards, and the status of the aircraft and its systems to prevent accidents and ensure mission success. You also anticipated potential malfunctions based on environmental factors and operational tempo.

This means you are highly observant and able to quickly assess your surroundings and identify potential problems. You can anticipate risks, prioritize tasks, and maintain composure under pressure, making you an excellent candidate for roles requiring quick thinking and decisive action.

After-Action Analysis

You prepared various reports including Conventional Ordnance Deficiency Reports, Explosive Mishap Reports, and Technical Publication Deficiency Reports. This required you to analyze incidents, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. You can effectively investigate incidents, identify contributing factors, and develop solutions to prevent recurrence. This makes you well-suited for roles in quality assurance, risk management, or process improvement.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been trained to work at heights on complex electro-mechanical systems, troubleshoot malfunctions, and follow strict safety protocols. Your experience with aircraft armament systems translates directly to maintaining and repairing wind turbines. Plus, your meticulous record-keeping and reporting skills will be invaluable in documenting maintenance activities.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9092

Your expertise in maintaining and repairing aircraft armament systems has given you a solid foundation in electromechanical systems. You're adept at troubleshooting, using diagnostic tools, and following technical documentation. As a Robotics Technician, you'll apply these skills to maintain, repair, and program robots in various industries.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071

You've worked with complex, safety-critical systems that require meticulous maintenance and inspection. Your ability to troubleshoot malfunctions, follow strict safety protocols, and maintain detailed records makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring the safe operation of amusement park rides. Your experience with both mechanical and electrical systems is a major asset.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Ordnance Technician School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

800 training hours20 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Ammunition Identification and Handling
  • Aircraft Armament Systems Maintenance
  • Explosives Safety and Procedures
  • Aircraft Weapons Loading and Unloading
  • Ordnance Quality Control
  • Armament Support Equipment Operation
  • Technical Publications and Reporting
  • Aircraft Armament Electrical Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Aviation Safety Technician (AST) Certification60% covered

Formal civilian aviation safety training, specific FAA regulations, and possibly additional NDT methods.

Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)40% covered

FAA Part 66 or 147 requirements, general aviation maintenance practices, and possibly airframe and powerplant knowledge.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Quality Technician (CQT)Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/AWM-102A, AN/AWM-103 Central Computer System Test Set (CCS TS)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics systems
Armament Weapons Support Equipment (AWSE)Specialized tool and equipment calibration and maintenance systems
Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI)SAE International standards database and technical documentation repositories
Conventional Ammunition Automated Management System (CAAMS)Inventory management software for hazardous materials
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for aerospace
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) equipment (for safe handling procedures)Robotic systems for handling hazardous materials; remote control manipulators
AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL)Cryptographic key management systems, Hardware Security Modules (HSM)

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