U.S. Air Force: Tactical Aircraft Maintenance

[thedailymindset]

I served honorably for six years in the Air Force during the Cold War. My first ASVAB score was in the 70's. My first four years were spent as an Admin. I wanted to see the real Air Force so I re-tested and scored a 98 on the ASVAB. I went to CBPO and sat at a staff sergeant's desk who put four large books on his desk. Each was at least 3 inches thick, (This was long before the World Wide Web or today's technology ever exited). He told me "Well Sergeant Owens you scored a 98, you can have any job you want. What do you want to do?" I was in shock because no one had ever said that to me. The private sector will never say to you "you can have any job you want". I told him I wanted to see the real Air Force. He said "OK, do you want to work on stealth reconnaissance aircraft, if so you'll need a Top Secret clearance and most likely be stationed in California or do you want bombers, cargo or fighters? I told him "Fighters". He put away three of the books. Opened up the other one then asked, "OK, are you interested in the F-15, F-16, A-10?". I said the F-16. He told me that was a great choice as it was still very new in the inventory and the hottest plane. He then explained about Sheppard and that the washout rate is 60% and it is one of the hardest schools for enlisted. He said their are bases all around. It was a fun conversation and the only one of it's kind I would ever have. So for those out there who want to see the real Air Force and be a maintainer you need to score as high as possible. It gives you more choices. If you do go to Sheppard stay out of trouble always while serving. Keep your uniform clean and take pride in serving in the worlds greatest Air Force. Remember you are an Airman first before anything else. Those stripes are wings. Enlisted are expected to lead. First and foremost lead yourself, then others. Be the example that others follow. Take every training opportunity that comes your way. Get every ribbon and medal you can. Milk it for as long as you can. The smart ones retire with a pension the rest of their days. It may be the difference between having a roof over your head, and food to eat or being homeless. I was an Air Force BMTS Distinguished Honor Graduate. I was a Yellow Rope in tech school. I served in the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright Patterson. I graduated from Sheppard and served as an F-16 Crew Chief with the 72nd Tactical Fighter Squadron who received the Air Force Outstandind Unit Citation. Excellence is a standard, not an achievement. Push yourself to see how far you can go. Help others do the same. After the Air Force my wife was killed in a car crash at the age of 26 leaving me to raise two sons and a daughter all on my own. Which I did for almost 20 years. At one point I was homeless living in my car with my son. Things got better over time. I eventually achieved 2nd Degree Black Belt in martial arts and became a published nature photographer and wrote two books. One of them is called "INSIDE THE RED LINE". Always believe in yourself even if others don't. If other's try to burst your bubble use it to your advance to motivate you. Life will always kick you in the six. What matters is not, IF you get up, but what you do, WHEN you get up. It was honor to serve. Aim High Airman!

[isaiah]

Currently a junior in highschool and joining the Airforce right after graduation…I can not explain the excitement I receive from watching these videos, especially since I’m planning on doing tactical aircraft maintenance.

[jumpingjeffflash]

i relate to the guy at 1:15, I didn't know anything about cars much less planes before I joined at 18 yet I found being a crew chief on F-16 to be really easy. Glad i served.

[connorstafford]

Scored 80 on my mechanical portion of the ASVAB, just signed for 2A3X3, ship in march and I’m stoked already

[ilovenoodles]

God bless our military, God bless the Air Force and God bless the aircraft mechanics, they really are the true unsung heroes, everyone is, but...these guys here, man, I love them!
Respect and high regards for them.

[Hi_Redacted]

As a senior in high school about to enlist videos like this only make me that much more determined I can’t wait to join my family in service

[dom.eberhardt]

I’m an Automotive Technician specializing in Hondas and Acura’s. It would be awesome to work on these Jets

[destroyuttobots]

Love to all the fighter jet maintainers out there 🔥🔥

[thespeedypatriot]

I just got my MOS which turned out to be this job, specifically with 5th Gen tactical aircraft and I’ll be shipping out October 18, I’d love to work on these planes soon ^^

[banana]

shipping out for this in a week and a half, the more i dig into my hopeful future job the more excited i become

[valtiomaksaaracing]

Man this would be my dream job, hope Finland has the same to offer!

[mikefire]

I can't wait to work on these things.

[sparkydude]

That was a Total Blast!!!!
One of the highlights, got to work with the very First F-16 Thunderbird team!!!!
in Tampa (before they got they're own jets)

[jamalcoley]

Just got me a new job at Bridge stone maintenance technician let me finish losing this weight I promise I'ma be tactical aircraft mechanic just wait💯💪🏿

[slumpy]

I’ll be going in September for Tactical Aircraft maintenance (5th Gen) and I’m excited

[theanointedonemimeministry]

I'm joining the national guard as and aircraft builder mechanic

[dunkleberries]

I’ve been interested in working in the air force when I’m out of high school, and after college. What kind of schooling should I take to prepare myself for the Air Force? I plan on being a mechanical engineer with a minor in electrical, but I don’t know how much that would help me out with a job like that, but I’m sure there’s tons of different positions.

[zombieman]

I want to join the Air Force when I’m older

[Unknown-lhkl]

Just got my job pulled leaving for this in a few months

[Playmaker]

I heard this job is high stress and physically demanding any input on this? I’m not mechanical savvy or have background experience or confidence in working with my hands but after taking my Asvab they’re saying I mostly qualify for this and other 2A jobs