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68G Career Guide

Army

68G: Aircraft Structural Repairer

Career transition guide for Army Aircraft Structural Repairer (68G)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 68G veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyFinite element analysis (FEA) knowledge

Quality Control Inspector

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

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

Maintenance Supervisor

$85K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)OSHA safety regulations knowledge

Aviation Safety Inspector

$90K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)In-depth knowledge of civil aviation regulations (FARs)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 68G training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Meticulously following technical manuals and safety procedures is non-negotiable in aircraft maintenance to ensure airworthiness and prevent accidents.

The discipline to adhere to strict protocols translates to industries where safety and precision are paramount.

System Modeling

Understanding how aircraft structures interact and how modifications affect the entire system is vital for effective repair and maintenance.

The ability to grasp complex system interdependencies is valuable in fields dealing with interconnected processes and infrastructure.

Resource Optimization

Managing shop stock, requisitioning parts efficiently, and minimizing waste are essential for keeping maintenance operations cost-effective and on schedule.

Skills in resource allocation and efficient inventory management are highly sought after in various business settings.

Team Synchronization

Supervising teams of maintenance personnel, coordinating tasks, and ensuring everyone is working towards the same goal is critical for timely aircraft repairs.

Experience in leading and coordinating teams to achieve complex goals is transferable to project management and leadership roles.

Situational Awareness

Constantly monitoring the status of aircraft, anticipating potential problems, and reacting quickly to changing conditions are vital for safety and mission readiness.

The ability to assess dynamic situations, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions under pressure is valuable in fast-paced environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

You've been rigorously inspecting and maintaining complex aircraft structures, so you have an exceptional eye for detail and a deep understanding of quality control processes. This makes you a perfect fit to oversee quality assurance in manufacturing or engineering environments.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086.00

You're already skilled in structural repair, diagnostics, and maintenance of complex machinery. Wind turbines share many engineering principles with aircraft, so your existing skills will give you a significant advantage in this rapidly growing field.

Building Inspector

SOC 47-4011.00

You've been responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of aircraft, so you possess a strong understanding of safety regulations and construction standards. Building inspection is a natural transition where you can apply your expertise to ensure the safety and compliance of buildings and infrastructure.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You have experience in managing inventory, coordinating the flow of parts, and ensuring timely delivery of resources for aircraft maintenance. These are all essential skills for logistics management, where you'll be responsible for optimizing supply chains and ensuring efficient operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Structural Repairer Course, Fort Eustis, VA

630 training hours15 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft metal properties and identification
  • Sheet metal repair techniques (patching, riveting)
  • Fiberglass and composite repair
  • Welding (TIG and MIG) for aircraft structures
  • Corrosion control and prevention
  • Blueprint reading and technical documentation
  • Aircraft painting and finishing
  • Structural alignment and inspection

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic70% covered

FAA regulatory knowledge, specific powerplant systems, and practical exams on civilian aircraft.

Certified Composites Technician (CCT)60% covered

Advanced composite repair techniques, specific material properties, and industry standards outside of military applications.

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder40% covered

Specific welding processes, metallurgy, destructive and non-destructive testing, and AWS standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) TrainingLean 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
Army Aviation Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)Maintenance Management Software (MMS) like Maximo or SAP Plant Maintenance
Automated Logistical System (ALS)Inventory Management Systems like Fishbowl Inventory or NetSuite Inventory Management
Technical Manuals and Bulletins (TM/TB)OEM Maintenance Manuals, Online Knowledge Bases, and Repair Databases (e.g., Mitchell 1, Alldata)
Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment (X-ray, Ultrasound, Eddy Current)NDI Equipment for aerospace (e.g., Olympus NDT, GE Inspection Technologies)
Aircraft Structural Repair Manuals (SRM)Aircraft manufacturer's structural repair manuals
Battlefield Damage Assessment and Repair (BDAR) KitsMobile repair units and field service kits for heavy machinery
Composite repair equipment (heat blankets, vacuum bagging systems)Composite repair equipment for aerospace and automotive industries

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