Army 15R veterans specialize in working on the Apache helicopter, regarded as one of the most advanced attack helicopters in the world. This experience translates into a number of civilian opportunities. Below are a few in which AH-64 attack helicopter veterans may have an advantage over other candidates.
Career Comparison
| Job Title | Median Wage (2021)* | Job Growth (2021-2031)* | Applicable Military Skills/Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $65,380 | 6% | Logged hours for FAA certification |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | $46,910 | 4% | Training to military standards and quality |
| Electro-mechanical Technicians | $60,360 | -4% | Experience working with electro-mechanical devices |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | $71,260 | 4% | Military leadership and procedure training; safety enforcement |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians | $73,580 | 6% | Experience repairing advanced military aircraft |
| Aerospace Engineers | $122,270 | 6% | Security clearance and hands-on experience with aircraft repair |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Civilian Careers for 15R Veterans
Repairing AH-64 attack helicopters, the job of Army 15R, requires the ability to test, diagnose, and perform repairs on one of the most advanced helicopters in the world. This military service may give job seekers an advantage in the following civilian careers.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Army 15R veterans test and replace systems in Apache helicopters. This work is comparable to what aircraft mechanics and service technicians do in the civilian workforce on other aircraft. The similarity in the workflow and duties may make this a good career choice for veterans.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians perform maintenance, service, and repairs on aircraft. This includes but is not limited to planes. They routinely inspect and test equipment, and replace parts and systems as needed. This position does not require a degree, but it does require FAA certification which may be obtained during active duty service. The requirement for those without a college degree is 30 months of training while those with an associate's degree or higher may require as little as 18 months of training.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
For 15R veterans who like to work on a variety of different types of electric machines, this may be a good choice. The multiple and complex systems in the AH-64 helicopter may be great training for a career in this field.
Those who enter this field will find that there is an almost spectacularly wide range of devices and tools which fit into the category. They range from high-tech machines used by military support enterprises and businesses, to home generators and electric motorbikes. Most candidates who enter the field will specialize in a given area. The career track is based upon experience rather than a degree.
Electro-mechanical Technicians
For 15R veterans who want to advance their careers and move beyond repair work, becoming an electro-mechanical technician could be a good fit. This career takes advantage of technical skills and experience already gained by veterans who performed repairs on Apache helicopters.
Electro-mechanical technicians work with both electric circuitry and mechanical devices. They may work on different types of motors, power generators, and machines. In addition, they are generally regarded as the primary technicians to work with unmanned vehicles, also known as drones. These technicians work with robotics and automation systems. To enter this field requires a postsecondary certificate or an associate's degree.
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Given that the military emphasizes effective leadership, adherence to protocols and procedures, proper documentation, and safety measures, it is perhaps no surprise that military veterans are often regarded as top candidates for supervisory roles. 15R veterans have not only the technical expertise but may also have the management capabilities to become first-line supervisors.
The first-line supervisor of mechanics, installers, and repairers is responsible for creating and overseeing the schedules of both personnel and equipment. They determine staffing needs, necessary equipment, and required materials. It is their job to insure that schedules are followed, quality control is tight, and processes are completed on schedule. A degree is not required.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
For those AH-64 attack helicopter repairers who want to move into an even more technical role in the aircraft industry, this may be a good choice. Experience with testing, diagnosis, repair, and assembly in the military is applicable to this career.
These technicians build prototypes and perform tests and diagnostics for new aircraft. Currently, much of the testing process is performed on computers with modelling software, but not all of it. These technicians provide support for engineers in the aerospace industry. They work with the prototypes and components or completed craft, testing for functionality, quality control, and stress under different situations. This requires an associate's degree or some other type of vocational-technical postsecondary training.
Aerospace Engineers
15R veterans who are mathematically inclined and ambitious may want to pursue a bachelor's degree and become aerospace engineers. Having military experience and security clearance may give veterans an advantage over other graduates.
These are the men and women who design the planes, rockets, satellites, and other vehicles that fly. These engineers design a craft that functions on earth as well as in space. There are numerous performance requirements, such as speed and maneuverability for fighter jets, or fuel economy and price for passenger aircraft. It is the job of aerospace engineers to adapt to the requirements and create air and spacecraft that meet the specifications.
