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68Y Career Guide

Army

68Y: AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer

Career transition guide for Army AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer (68Y)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$72K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Electrical Engineer Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree in Electrical Engineering TechnologyProficiency in CAD software

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Specific wind turbine maintenance trainingClimbing and rescue certificationElectrical safety training

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationKnowledge of quality control standards (ISO 9000)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

System Modeling

As a 68Y, you developed a deep understanding of the complex interplay between electrical, avionics, and armament systems on the AH-64D Apache. Troubleshooting malfunctions required you to visualize the entire system and predict how changes in one area would affect others.

This ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly to roles requiring systems thinking, such as understanding how different components of a business operate and impact each other.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demanded strict adherence to technical manuals, safety procedures, and operational policies when maintaining and repairing aircraft systems. Your attention to detail and commitment to following protocols were critical for ensuring safety and operational readiness.

The discipline and precision you honed in the military are highly valuable in civilian roles that require strict adherence to regulations and standardized procedures. Your experience demonstrates your ability to consistently follow established protocols and maintain high standards of accuracy.

Resource Optimization

As a 68Y, you were responsible for determining the manpower, parts, and facility requirements for repairs. You had to maintain supply economy and discipline, ensuring efficient resource allocation while minimizing waste.

Your experience in the military directly translates into civilian roles where efficient resource management is key. You've already demonstrated your ability to optimize resource allocation and maintain economy while ensuring operational effectiveness.

Team Synchronization

You supervised and provided technical guidance to subordinate soldiers, ensuring that maintenance operations were conducted efficiently and effectively. Coordinating tasks and maintaining team cohesion were crucial for achieving maintenance goals.

This experience translates directly into civilian project management and team leadership roles. Your experience coordinating teams and ensuring efficient operation is invaluable in a collaborative environment.

After-Action Analysis

You evaluated maintenance operations and facilities, performed maintenance trend analysis, and applied quality control principles to improve maintenance processes. This involved identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Your ability to analyze processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement effective changes is highly valuable in civilian roles that require continuous improvement and quality assurance. This skill makes you a strong candidate for roles that involve optimizing processes and improving efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been working with complex electromechanical systems and following strict maintenance procedures. Wind turbines have similar systems, and your experience will allow you to quickly adapt to this field.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You're experienced with troubleshooting and repairing intricate electronic and mechanical systems. Robotics involves similar skills, so you'll find your background is a great fit for maintaining and repairing robots in manufacturing or other industries.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041.00

Your expertise in diagnosing and repairing complex systems easily transfers to maintaining and repairing industrial machinery. You've been ensuring that sophisticated equipment operates efficiently and safely, and this role will allow you to leverage those skills in a civilian setting.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Combined Arms Maintenance (AVCAM) Course, Fort Eustis, VA

1,130 training hours28 weeksUp to 24 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • AH-64 Armament Systems Maintenance
  • AH-64 Electrical Systems Troubleshooting
  • Avionics Systems Repair Procedures
  • AH-64 Fire Control Systems Maintenance
  • Use of Diagnostic Equipment and Special Tools
  • Maintenance Management and Supply Procedures
  • Technical Manual Interpretation
  • Forward Area Rearming Point (FARP) Operations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)60% covered

Study general management principles, business aviation operations, and industry best practices not specifically covered in military maintenance roles.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license70% covered

While military training provides a strong foundation, you'll need to demonstrate specific knowledge of civil aviation regulations, complete the FAA's required practical projects, and pass their written, oral, and practical exams.

CompTIA A+40% covered

Focus on current PC hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, networking, and troubleshooting in a general IT environment, as the military focuses on aviation-specific systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter Armament Systems (e.g., M230 Chain Gun, Hydra 70 rocket system, AGM-114 Hellfire missile system)Automated weapons systems maintenance, diagnostics, and repair (similar to robotic manufacturing systems or automated defense systems)
AH-64D Electrical Systems (Power generation, distribution, and control)Aerospace electrical systems maintenance and repair, power distribution network management (smart grids)
AH-64D Avionics Systems (e.g., navigation, communication, radar, sensor systems)Commercial avionics maintenance and repair (e.g., Honeywell, Collins Aerospace), embedded systems engineering
Forward Area Rearming Point (FARP)Mobile refueling and resupply operations (e.g., for mining, construction, or disaster relief)
Controlled Cryptographic Equipment (CCE)Data encryption and cybersecurity hardware/software
Maintenance Information Systems (e.g., Army Maintenance Management System - Aviation (TAMMS-A))CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) for tracking maintenance, inventory, and work orders (e.g., SAP Plant Maintenance, Maximo)
Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Calibration ProgramCalibration and metrology services for electronic test equipment, quality assurance programs

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