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918A Career Guide

Army

918A: Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Army Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Technician (918A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 918A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Calibration Technician

$70K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific equipment certifications (e.g., Fluke)ISO 17025 accreditation knowledge

Quality Assurance Manager

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt)Advanced statistical analysis

Maintenance Manager

$90K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationCMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software proficiency

Technical Trainer

$75K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Instructional design certificationSpecific industry knowledge related to training field

Metrologist

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) certificationAdvanced knowledge of measurement science

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 918A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 918A, you managed the complex ecosystem of TMDE, calibration standards, and related instruments, understanding how each component interacts within the larger system and anticipating potential points of failure.

This translates to the ability to visualize and understand intricate systems, predict potential issues, and develop strategies for optimization and maintenance in civilian roles.

Resource Optimization

You managed personnel, equipment, and supply assets to maximize the efficiency of TMDE maintenance and calibration operations, ensuring resources were allocated effectively to meet mission requirements.

This showcases your talent for efficiently managing resources, minimizing waste, and maximizing productivity, skills highly valued in any organization seeking to improve its bottom line.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict safety policies, practices, and regulations related to hazardous materials like electricity, pressurized gases, and radiation was paramount. You ensured everyone followed established protocols.

This demonstrates your ability to meticulously follow procedures and regulations, ensuring safety and compliance – a critical skill in regulated industries.

Team Synchronization

Leading a TMDE Maintenance Support Detachment/Team required synchronizing the efforts of various personnel, coordinating technical, administrative, and logistical support to achieve common goals.

You excel at coordinating diverse teams, aligning individual efforts, and fostering collaboration to achieve shared objectives, making you a valuable asset in any team-oriented environment.

Situational Awareness

You maintained a constant awareness of the operational environment, understanding the status of TMDE, personnel readiness, and potential threats to mission success.

This reflects your ability to stay informed, assess situations accurately, and make sound decisions based on real-time information – a crucial skill for proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

You've been responsible for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of critical equipment. As a Quality Assurance Manager, you can apply your expertise in establishing and enforcing quality control procedures to ensure products and services meet the highest standards. Your meticulous approach to procedural compliance and system modeling makes you exceptionally well-suited for this.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

You've enforced stringent safety protocols and regulations related to hazardous materials. As a Compliance Officer, you'll leverage your experience in procedural compliance and situational awareness to ensure organizations adhere to legal and ethical standards. You already understand the importance of attention to detail, thorough documentation, and risk mitigation, which are essential for success in this field.

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.00

You've expertly managed personnel, equipment, and supply assets to optimize TMDE maintenance. As a Logistics Manager, you'll use your resource optimization skills to plan, direct, and coordinate supply chain operations. Your experience with interservice support agreements and maintenance management systems gives you a distinct advantage in this role.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-4022.00

You've trained personnel in the use of calibration standards, specialized test procedures, and metrology skills. As a Technical Trainer, you'll leverage your ability to break down complex topics and convey them effectively to others. Your experience developing programs of instruction and managing training programs translates directly to this role.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Ordnance Electronic Maintenance Warrant Officer Basic Course, Fort Gregg-Adams, VA

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or electromechanical technology.

Topics Covered

  • Principles of Metrology
  • Calibration Procedures
  • TMDE Systems Diagnostics and Repair
  • Calibration Management Information System (CALMIS) Administration
  • Radiation Safety and Source Handling
  • Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Procedures
  • Maintenance Management and Supervision
  • Technical and Logistical Interface

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)70% covered

In-depth knowledge of specific calibration standards and procedures used in commercial industries; staying current with the latest calibration technologies and software used outside the military.

Certified Test and Evaluation Professional (CTEP)50% covered

Understanding of statistical analysis techniques, advanced testing methodologies, and project management principles specific to civilian testing environments.

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)40% covered

Requires additional knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001), statistical process control, and problem-solving methodologies used in manufacturing and service industries.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Six Sigma Black BeltCertified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Calibration Management Information System (CALMIS)Calibration management software (e.g., IndySoft, MetCal)
Instrument Master Record File (IMRF)Asset management databases
The Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
TB 750-25 (Army Materiel Maintenance Policy)ISO 9000 standards, quality management systems
Radiological source handling procedures (NRC compliance)Industrial radiography safety protocols, HAZMAT handling procedures
Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADPE)General purpose computer systems and networks

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