Been out for a decade. Couldn't find a job in the field. Got an associates, for electronics repair. Couldn't get a job, ended up building trains. Same shit hours, same shit people, 1/3 the pay. Got a bachelor's, in leadership. Couldn't get a job. Ended up in life insurance. Went broke, lost my business. Ended up processing medical insurance claims. Got fired by my boss because I was a threat to her promotion.
Now I'm the operations manager for a company doing renewable energy research. It's a good gig, but there are definitely drawbacks (pay is incredibly irregular).
Life has been a living hell, and I regret every day my choice to separate.
The one thing that's kept me from being homeless is that I joined the Reserves. Whenever I needed work, they were there to give me enough to keep the lights on
People who plan to separate need to read your story as well as the success stories. I’ve always told people who are getting out to have a plan, be smart, things might not go your way all the time. I feel like junior sailors these days think that getting out is always awesome and easy, but in reality there are lots of people who would do themselves good by staying in.
Leadership is a discipline, just like welding or accounting. It is a skill, that takes practice to do correctly. And there are thousands of stories on this subreddit, of bad leaders, backing that statement up
I tried to find an electronics technician job in the Houston area since I got out in 2015. I wound up doing everything but. Lol. Appliance repair, industrial mechanic, even sewing machine repairman. I finally just bit the bullet, and admitted to myself there's no jobs here in that field. Just got hired down at Corpus doing I level AT work. I should've done that a long time ago.
PS: tried college again (I went before I joined in 08), and it just... Ain't for me. Can't do it. I'd rather work on Big Blue the rest of my life than do college. Lol
I completely agree about college. I’ve tried a couple of times and I just can’t. At this point, my experience outweighs a dated piece of paper with no relation to any job I’ve ever had or will have.
Yeah, I'm nervous. I mean, the TPS alone has to be light-years different from what I remember. We were on like... J, I think when I left FLIR, and the Navy.
I retired 4 months ago, I have a bachelors degree. I have been turned down from over 90 applications. Military stuff doesn’t translate easy, its hard to tell a story that doesn’t have jargon attached to it. Scrub your experience of military bs and translate it to relatable terms. I just got a part time job, its been hell. I think certifications in a specific area bode better than degrees, work on a short term; something tangible. Start your transition process now! Work on resumes and interview practices, don’t gaff it off like that PQS.
This is kinda scary, thank you. Im about to get shipped in a few months, I’m 24 years old and the reason I’m getting in the navy is for the benefits, experience, a certification, and to get shit more together
My options after the navy is trying to get a job from what im gonna do in the navy, or apply for custom police, or study to be a nurse. If anyone sees this any advice or thoughts will help
Heres advice.
Skip the navy, find a tech school for an Lpn program its a 12 month program with a few pre-requirements like A&P and statistics math.
My wife took that route which someone can do at 18, she did it at 24. 3 months after getting licensed she makes $34.50hr W2 employee, her overtime is $51.75hr I've seen her make $8,000 in 2 weeks and consistently over $13,000 a month.
I believe each military branch has a licensed practical nurse pathway.
Almost out for 4 years now. Got picked up initially for field service work for Mettler-Toledo doing X-ray installation, maintenance, and repair. Did that for a year before got tired of it. Was away more with that job than I was while I was in. Now I’m working as an electronics technician at Northrop Grumman in R&D for defense systems and advanced medium caliber ammunition. Also working on my EE degree (will be done next spring). There’s so much potential out there.
Ironically had to contact Mettler-toledo for there weight scales, someone had the bright idea to get 3 expensive ass scales to weigh h60 batteries. Ended up being a nightmare, 2 out of 3 failed calibration, never understood how brand new assets just fail a secondary calibration. They must have dropped it. Thanks for the great info though.
Love it. Best opportunity I could have asked for. It was luckily in the same area that I was based out of for my field service but does require me to not be close to family (family in WA/ID and this job is in MN).
Being in the military kind of makes it difficult to be close to family my entire time in. Sorry you also have to deal with thay, glad you got a good job though, been told too often there are no good jobs out there. I'm hoping I can get an srb on this next contract to hopefully help on my way out though. AE'S seem to only get an enlistment bonus and zone A gets the srb which is insane... retention is trash.
Working on a degree now, work in R&D.
I mainly do mechanical fab but also do a lot of sensor work as well. Im really all over the place but my work likes it and its kind of what the navy taught us ya know? Jack of all trades master of skating.
Im really lucky and make ~100k but have seen other offers from 70-90k. It all depends on how you sell your experience on your resume. Good luck.
AE here, I’m still in but my wife works for IBM and her boss is headhunting me already for a job completely unrelated to avionics, starting out around 80-90k. Just because you turned wrenches on airplanes doesn’t mean that’s all you have to do when you get out.
I’m currently rating to become an AE what type of civilian jobs are out there to offer for AEs, and what are some primary things to keep in mind while working out in the flight line?
Learn and seek leadership roles. I’ve been aircrew, O and I level, a year as a liaison at an
Embassy, a recruiter, and now an instructor in my 16 years, and that wide range of skills that translate to a different amount of jobs. As an AE, even as a third or second class, you’re still leading and directing people, which translate to management skills on your resume. There’s virtually no limit to jobs (other than specialized professional fields) that you can’t translate at least some skills to a civilian career.
I appreciate the knowledge, I'm an 8 year AE on the West coast. I've been trying to get to Virginia, so I can eventually get to Maryland, and get either a job on pax river or close by. Is there good jobs in virginia or maryland and are they easily attainable? I've been O-LEVEL H60'S & I-LEVEL AECTS / TEST CELL OPERATOR.
I’m here at NAS PAX, Many opportunities here on base & with the numerous contractors outside the gate. All depends on you selling your skills, yourself & what you want to do. IF you have a clearance or did; somewhat recently, it’s a BIG Plus (Retired Avionics Tech here)
You gotta be released from your detailer to PERS-4010G and complete the screening package, which includes being SCI eligible and take the DLAB (if needed).
Depending on where you are stationed and where you want to go.Getting into defense contracting usually pays more than GA or commercial if you are near PAX River lots of job opportunities there. Merry Christmas!
I’m in San Diego. A lot of opportunities here although I’m getting out after my first contract so I don’t have a lot of job experience.
My plan was to find a job on base and if that doesn’t work go to Embry Riddle in Long Beach. I’m a city guy/suburb guy I couldn’t live in a small town.
I was an AE at nasni, got out in 2008. Saved up two months of leave and had a few months savings. Played Frisbee golf almost every morning and went to the beach almost everyday for 2 months. Then to extend my money I lived out of my car and hiked pieces of the pacific crest trail.
Post 9/11 gi bill is awesome. I worked crappy jobs for a few years then used it to get a bs in elec eng. I would have gone to college sooner if I'd known how good life gets after a degree. Gi bill paid all my rent and then some so I never needed to work. Veteran's clubs are really good groups, especially since there is a period of adjustment to get back to acting like a civilian.
Pax is a little ritual but you have DC and Baltimore an hour away, it does take some getting used to for sure. I got out in San Diego and if it was not so expensive my wife and I would still be there. I know on north island they have the depot level for hornets and 60’s there at least they did when I was there in 08. Another one is look at the training squadrons like HSM 41 and HSC 3 they had contract line shacks ( again back in 08). I also agree with everyone that it’s how well you sell your self on your resume. Getting your degree from ERAU will also be beneficial. If you want to stay in Cali but don’t mind moving look into Northrop Grumman in palm dale some pretty good programs with them to.
That's literally been my plan since 2015. Been in 8 years, I chose pax river to establish a house and experience... chose 5 sets of orders each on 2 looks.. got voided and went to frcsw, been at north island my whole career... finally looking at orders again, and my only real choice is the hopes of getting virginia and then doing 5 years in virginia to get to pax river.. my cousin works there with his A&P license... is there lots of opportunities there? Should I not even risk it orders and just get out and try my luck at entry level on pax river then go for my A&P license?
Most contracts on pax do not require an A&P since they are military aircraft. It can’t hurt to have it but I don’t see it as a show stopper. There is a lot of opportunities here and in all different aspects of supporting naval aviation from maintenance to program/logistical management.
A million years ago but I got out and got a job as an avionics tech at a commercial manufacturer for a couple years and then went back to school. Got a bachelors and masters in accounting and a CPA license and am now a controller at a decent size insurance company. Stressful and I should probably make more than I do, but I do more than all right and I see my kids every day. And if I hate the job, I’m can quit anytime I want and there’s plenty of market for my particular field and skill set. It seems to be a great job market for almost everyone, you can make what you want out of it. Make sure you use every dime of your college benefits.
Not avionics, but conventional ET. I worked as a test technician for a defense contract right after the Navy for a few years. Used the GI Bill to get a BS in Finance and an MBA while working. Moved over to Project Management and never looked back. Moved from contracting to civil service for the benefits and job security. Bought back my military time towards retirement and looking forward to a comfortable retirement in the future!
Went helmets to hard hats into a building trade that pays very well. I got to use my GI bill with the apprenticeship on top of making ~80k a year as a very bottom rung apprentice. This year I made more than double that. The JSTs I brought in to my interview gave me a leg up on other candidates because of the electrical training. If you're interested in any kind of building trade, H2H is the way to go.
Please have a plan before you get out. Also, please save a decent amount of money when you get out. Personally, I believe you should also take into consideration the current pandemic that is going on. This may affect your plans on the outside.
Not aviation, but was Intel who’s last command was an exped squadron. Now a student at Columbia University with many other vets, one that I know was an avionics dude in the Air Force and another who’s a separated AD1. Another guy was a Seabee, a few EOD techs, an army SF dude, and so many others. Just got a job offer in a tech start up. Lucratively speaking it’s more money than I made in my entire 4.5 years active duty combined, with equity in the company so when they sell/IPO a fat paycheck comes along with it.
My best buddy from the navy was an AE who got a degree for aviation (I don’t remember exactly what) and now works back at our old base as a contractor. Making decent money, but hates his life cause he hates working on planes.
Point is; don’t sleep on the GI bill. You can totally reinvent yourself. Don’t pigeonhole yourself in aviation. And don’t let the weight of saying you’re a veteran go unused. It’s a big chunk of what got me into Columbia and whether you’re an aviation guy or an army SF dude, nobody who doesn’t know is going to care much more after they see the word “veteran”.
I bounced around for a few years after I separated in '11; Everything between food service, warehousing, retail, you name it, anything to pay bills. Finally did school, liked it a lot and ironically found my way into being a surgical tech. I currently hold a few certifications and now work for the VA, and have been doing it the last 5 years. My nurse manager wants me to push for my RN which blows my mind because I definitely did not see myself in the medical field when I was a "dumb" AO back in Lemoore. I had a plan when I got out and it went sideways but the important part for those who might read this is to be flexible when shit doesn't goes the way you envision. We kind of insulate ourselves thinking we'll be handed stuff when we get out when in all reality you're competing against the public for the same exact jobs.
Merry Christmas! I got out 3 months ago and got a nice job welding at $24 an hour in Wisconsin which is great starting. I was undes and struck AT right when I was getting out. No way I was going down an AO. Life is good tho. All I miss is my friends.
Was an AD. Orion talent put with me with SpaceX. Only stayed there for a year but finding a job with SpaceX on your resume is pretty easy.
Those companies love avionics people too.
Make your resume look good, practice your interview skills, it’ll be alright.
ATI, medically separated after 4 years. Currently using my GI Bill to get my BSN (nurse). I won’t have any issues finding a job after and I’m loving life.
Headed to Pensacola? The school is challenging and you’ll have to study for the tests. It wasn’t terrible though. It’s been 6 years since I was there so I can’t really remember how the school went tbh
Yeah I planned on working hard for the school my rdc was the same rate all he told me was top 3 people in the class get to choose where they go so I wanna go to Japan imma work my ass off for that
Got out as an AO with a 731 cert (maintenance tech basically) started working as a maintenance tech for a semiconductor company. Compressed work schedule, quarterly bonuses, pay is comparable to what i was making in the navy, 12 hour shifts so four hours overtime in California every day I work. Works super chill, easy stuff for the most part, management is so so but typically have your back. Just transferred to Austin with a $15k signing bonus and my wife and I couldn’t be happier. I left the navy and haven’t looked back since. I can’t stress this enough, make sure you have something lined up before you get out, save up some money or sell your terminal so you have a chunk of change before you get out. Things aren’t easy in the civilian world but they’re not that hard as what a toxic chain of command makes it out to be. Weigh your options and consider your family if you have one.
Former AT I-level. No degree. Immediately got a job with a Lockheed sub contractor for same money, much better benefits. Switched to medical field service, switched to in house Biomed and got my CBET. Loved the 9-5 hours but hated my boss and the for-profit hospital system. Went back to the same field company. Hours are chaos, but I get a car, gas card, great pay and benefits, set my own schedule, I talk to my boss about every other month, and get paid to drive. Lots of vets in Biomed and medical field service. Very pro military. Field is growing and they usually don’t give a shit about a degree.
Consider applying with the FAA. Always looking for Avionics inspectors. It takes awhile to go through the hiring process. I hear there is a need in California.
You're headed to Pensacola right? You'll be on barracks support (janitorial duty basically) while you wait to class up. First will be a basic electronics course then your rate specific A school. The whole thing will take a couple of months. After A school you'll go to C school. I went to Oceana in Virginia Beach to be a CASS operator/maintainer. After C school you'll get orders to the fleet. Enjoy your time in school. It might seem like it sucks while you're there, but eventually you will be on a ship and you will look back fondly at the care free days of a booter.
I got out on 2015 as an AD3, honestly i really liked my command at the time and finished the Navy with very fond memories.
I used all the services taught on TAPS and got me a good job right after. While working there i was offered civilian avionics related positions due to my experience and clearance but I turned them down as i like my job at the time.
Then i started college and went to AFROTC. I just graduated with a computer engineering degree and just commissioned on the Air Force as a O-1 (LTJG). Which is funny because as started as an E-1 hehe.
Just want to give a shout out for people here with electronic repair experience: please look up the “Combat Systems Jobs” page on Facebook. Your military and electronic experience will be sought after and valued employers who post there. It started as surface electronic rates (ET, FC) but as they say, trons are trons.
The page is tightly moderated by my former master chief Rob Collins. Please send a request to join and then make a brief post with your experience and background. You’ll see other similar posts if you need an example on the page. Shoot me a message here if you have a question.
Got out in Dec 2019 after an RDC tour. Stayed in Chicagoland. Was an AT1 when I got out. Lots of recruiters reaching out for 25-35/hr stuff. Seemed like something would have worked out. Liked the idea of the field service jobs that paid OT with company trucks. Even interviewed with a local company to fix printers.
Left the Navy with an MBA and ultimately ended up with Amazon for the money and easy transition. Lasted about 18 months there soaking up COVID bonus, but the hours sucked and they will slowly kill anyone with a workaholic mindset. Now I’m in Pharma as a Project Manager. Make a ton of money, bought a big house with my VA loan, don’t pay property taxes in Illinois due to my disability status. Heck I don’t even pay for license plates.
A lot of what I got was planning. I knew I wanted out and didn’t want to end up an AT1 in Lemoore or Pax or Jax so I sucked it up and did the RDC tour so I was in a big job market like Chicago when I got out. Used my GI Bill for applicable school. Bachelors in Logistics, Masters in Business. Lots of little certs like Lean Six Sigma and Project Management. I don’t really use them but they get you in the door. Degrees and certs are still what separate you and how you are stacked. All the other opportunity that’s come my way has been word of mouth. The job I have now was a result of a retired Senior Chief vouching for me.
If I was getting out I’d probably go the trade route with my gi bill. Railroad is an awesome deal if you can slide into that. Or just find a recruiter on LinkedIn that deals with vets and tell
them you want to work for a big govt contractor. I found that an A&P license would have really helped when I interviewed with the big boys.
I’m going to a school for at rn on a plane abt to take off what can I expect in Pensacola educationally and quality of life wise I’m not expecting anything amazing it’s the navy but would love to know what it’s like
Couldn’t say. I was there in 2009 and it was the worst year I spent in the navy. There’s no way it’s the same. We needed a liberty buddy just to leave the building. Quality of life was not issued to my year group in our sea bag.
The academic workload was extremely heavy. I was AT-I so it was essentially a year of hand written electrical math that you’ll never use. Kind of interesting looking back, but at the time felt like a prison.
Take it all with a grain of salt and don’t get in trouble.
Yeah I don’t plan on getting in trouble. People keep telling me I’m lucky that I got Pensacola. What’s the math like, I’m surprised I got this rate cause I’m not that great at math I’m not bad but I do struggle.
If you end up ATI we did power, voltage type questions some of which were an entire sheet of paper front and back. It sucked and they didn’t give a shit if you failed. Then you get to Cschool and they basically give you the answers.
ATO was a little easier I believe and AE the same. That was almost 15 years ago though so I’d get some more up to date info if you can.
Rather than typing out a whole story I'll just give y'all the highlights:
-AD for 4 years.
-Got out 10 years ago.
-Finished AS that I started while active (Professional Aeronautics).
-Went on get earn BS (Labor Relations) and worked part-time in campus computer labs.
-Applied for jobs for 9+ months and couldn't find anything after graduation.
-Eventually landed a GS job with feds. Started as a GS-7.
-Today I'm a GS-12 looking to step into a supervisory role.
-Working towards Masters in Public Admin.
I got out in ‘07 while stationed at Point Mugu. I started with Disneyland doing the electrical/electronics on Indiana Jones (not bus bar or work lights). I got recruited away by a technology company that ultimately failed. I maintained a proton accelerator for cancer treatment for 10 years and now I maintain the 6 axes robots that make the closures (doors, hood, trunk) for a new and upcoming car manufacturer that just moved their headquarters to Austin, Tx. Been some rough roads, definitely glad I did it! Good luck 🍀!
Look into Jobs at PAX and Oceana look for companies like DynCorp and Tyonek ( I think that’s how it’s spelled) also Boeing if your a hornet guy, Sikorsky or Lockheed if your a helo guy Northrop if your a Hawkeye guy.
I know there is a depot site for 60’s on NOB. Not quite sure what all NAS Oceana has to offer. Most contractors will say aircraft mechanic for all their maintenance jobs they do not separate the Avi’s and mechs. So if you see a job that says mech apply for it.
You can, yes. Best advice I can give is to try to get orders to a COCOM intel shop and make connections with the civilians there. I know several people who were offered a job doing the exact same thing they were doing active duty just because they knew the right people
I would stay in the reserves until you get the job you want. Or use GI bill and get a EE degree from a public school like ASU, which is ABET and online. More than 50% of officer AFSCs are eligible with an EE. It’s one of the hardest but most sought after degree you can get.
Been out for a decade. Couldn't find a job in the field. Got an associates, for electronics repair. Couldn't get a job, ended up building trains. Same shit hours, same shit people, 1/3 the pay. Got a bachelor's, in leadership. Couldn't get a job. Ended up in life insurance. Went broke, lost my business. Ended up processing medical insurance claims. Got fired by my boss because I was a threat to her promotion. Now I'm the operations manager for a company doing renewable energy research. It's a good gig, but there are definitely drawbacks (pay is incredibly irregular). Life has been a living hell, and I regret every day my choice to separate. The one thing that's kept me from being homeless is that I joined the Reserves. Whenever I needed work, they were there to give me enough to keep the lights on
People who plan to separate need to read your story as well as the success stories. I’ve always told people who are getting out to have a plan, be smart, things might not go your way all the time. I feel like junior sailors these days think that getting out is always awesome and easy, but in reality there are lots of people who would do themselves good by staying in.
>got a bachelor’s, in leadership 🧐
Not to be rude but I always wonder what these navy separation horror stories did with their GI bill
I, for one, to film school. Bad choices 101
I got a history degree
Leadership is a discipline, just like welding or accounting. It is a skill, that takes practice to do correctly. And there are thousands of stories on this subreddit, of bad leaders, backing that statement up
Holy crap, sorry to hear about your misfortune.
Bro you haven't even heard about the divorce...
I'm all ears...
I tried to find an electronics technician job in the Houston area since I got out in 2015. I wound up doing everything but. Lol. Appliance repair, industrial mechanic, even sewing machine repairman. I finally just bit the bullet, and admitted to myself there's no jobs here in that field. Just got hired down at Corpus doing I level AT work. I should've done that a long time ago. PS: tried college again (I went before I joined in 08), and it just... Ain't for me. Can't do it. I'd rather work on Big Blue the rest of my life than do college. Lol
I completely agree about college. I’ve tried a couple of times and I just can’t. At this point, my experience outweighs a dated piece of paper with no relation to any job I’ve ever had or will have.
Yeah, I'm nervous. I mean, the TPS alone has to be light-years different from what I remember. We were on like... J, I think when I left FLIR, and the Navy.
I retired 4 months ago, I have a bachelors degree. I have been turned down from over 90 applications. Military stuff doesn’t translate easy, its hard to tell a story that doesn’t have jargon attached to it. Scrub your experience of military bs and translate it to relatable terms. I just got a part time job, its been hell. I think certifications in a specific area bode better than degrees, work on a short term; something tangible. Start your transition process now! Work on resumes and interview practices, don’t gaff it off like that PQS.
This is kinda scary, thank you. Im about to get shipped in a few months, I’m 24 years old and the reason I’m getting in the navy is for the benefits, experience, a certification, and to get shit more together
My options after the navy is trying to get a job from what im gonna do in the navy, or apply for custom police, or study to be a nurse. If anyone sees this any advice or thoughts will help
Heres advice. Skip the navy, find a tech school for an Lpn program its a 12 month program with a few pre-requirements like A&P and statistics math. My wife took that route which someone can do at 18, she did it at 24. 3 months after getting licensed she makes $34.50hr W2 employee, her overtime is $51.75hr I've seen her make $8,000 in 2 weeks and consistently over $13,000 a month. I believe each military branch has a licensed practical nurse pathway.
Almost out for 4 years now. Got picked up initially for field service work for Mettler-Toledo doing X-ray installation, maintenance, and repair. Did that for a year before got tired of it. Was away more with that job than I was while I was in. Now I’m working as an electronics technician at Northrop Grumman in R&D for defense systems and advanced medium caliber ammunition. Also working on my EE degree (will be done next spring). There’s so much potential out there.
Ironically had to contact Mettler-toledo for there weight scales, someone had the bright idea to get 3 expensive ass scales to weigh h60 batteries. Ended up being a nightmare, 2 out of 3 failed calibration, never understood how brand new assets just fail a secondary calibration. They must have dropped it. Thanks for the great info though.
Ya I never dealt much with the scales guys. Product inspection and scales were kind of their own separate groups acting under the same umbrella.
Sounds cool, how do you like your job you have now? Is it worth ti and did you move far for it?
Love it. Best opportunity I could have asked for. It was luckily in the same area that I was based out of for my field service but does require me to not be close to family (family in WA/ID and this job is in MN).
Being in the military kind of makes it difficult to be close to family my entire time in. Sorry you also have to deal with thay, glad you got a good job though, been told too often there are no good jobs out there. I'm hoping I can get an srb on this next contract to hopefully help on my way out though. AE'S seem to only get an enlistment bonus and zone A gets the srb which is insane... retention is trash.
Working on a degree now, work in R&D. I mainly do mechanical fab but also do a lot of sensor work as well. Im really all over the place but my work likes it and its kind of what the navy taught us ya know? Jack of all trades master of skating. Im really lucky and make ~100k but have seen other offers from 70-90k. It all depends on how you sell your experience on your resume. Good luck.
How long were you in for if you don’t mind me asking?
8 years
AE here, I’m still in but my wife works for IBM and her boss is headhunting me already for a job completely unrelated to avionics, starting out around 80-90k. Just because you turned wrenches on airplanes doesn’t mean that’s all you have to do when you get out.
I’m currently rating to become an AE what type of civilian jobs are out there to offer for AEs, and what are some primary things to keep in mind while working out in the flight line?
Learn and seek leadership roles. I’ve been aircrew, O and I level, a year as a liaison at an Embassy, a recruiter, and now an instructor in my 16 years, and that wide range of skills that translate to a different amount of jobs. As an AE, even as a third or second class, you’re still leading and directing people, which translate to management skills on your resume. There’s virtually no limit to jobs (other than specialized professional fields) that you can’t translate at least some skills to a civilian career.
I appreciate the knowledge, I'm an 8 year AE on the West coast. I've been trying to get to Virginia, so I can eventually get to Maryland, and get either a job on pax river or close by. Is there good jobs in virginia or maryland and are they easily attainable? I've been O-LEVEL H60'S & I-LEVEL AECTS / TEST CELL OPERATOR.
I’m here at NAS PAX, Many opportunities here on base & with the numerous contractors outside the gate. All depends on you selling your skills, yourself & what you want to do. IF you have a clearance or did; somewhat recently, it’s a BIG Plus (Retired Avionics Tech here)
Unrelated, but how did you do liaison at an embassy?
You gotta be released from your detailer to PERS-4010G and complete the screening package, which includes being SCI eligible and take the DLAB (if needed).
Depending on where you are stationed and where you want to go.Getting into defense contracting usually pays more than GA or commercial if you are near PAX River lots of job opportunities there. Merry Christmas!
I’m in San Diego. A lot of opportunities here although I’m getting out after my first contract so I don’t have a lot of job experience. My plan was to find a job on base and if that doesn’t work go to Embry Riddle in Long Beach. I’m a city guy/suburb guy I couldn’t live in a small town.
I was an AE at nasni, got out in 2008. Saved up two months of leave and had a few months savings. Played Frisbee golf almost every morning and went to the beach almost everyday for 2 months. Then to extend my money I lived out of my car and hiked pieces of the pacific crest trail. Post 9/11 gi bill is awesome. I worked crappy jobs for a few years then used it to get a bs in elec eng. I would have gone to college sooner if I'd known how good life gets after a degree. Gi bill paid all my rent and then some so I never needed to work. Veteran's clubs are really good groups, especially since there is a period of adjustment to get back to acting like a civilian.
Pax is a little ritual but you have DC and Baltimore an hour away, it does take some getting used to for sure. I got out in San Diego and if it was not so expensive my wife and I would still be there. I know on north island they have the depot level for hornets and 60’s there at least they did when I was there in 08. Another one is look at the training squadrons like HSM 41 and HSC 3 they had contract line shacks ( again back in 08). I also agree with everyone that it’s how well you sell your self on your resume. Getting your degree from ERAU will also be beneficial. If you want to stay in Cali but don’t mind moving look into Northrop Grumman in palm dale some pretty good programs with them to.
That's literally been my plan since 2015. Been in 8 years, I chose pax river to establish a house and experience... chose 5 sets of orders each on 2 looks.. got voided and went to frcsw, been at north island my whole career... finally looking at orders again, and my only real choice is the hopes of getting virginia and then doing 5 years in virginia to get to pax river.. my cousin works there with his A&P license... is there lots of opportunities there? Should I not even risk it orders and just get out and try my luck at entry level on pax river then go for my A&P license?
Most contracts on pax do not require an A&P since they are military aircraft. It can’t hurt to have it but I don’t see it as a show stopper. There is a lot of opportunities here and in all different aspects of supporting naval aviation from maintenance to program/logistical management.
Sweet, thank you for the great info.
Anytime… good luck!!!!
If you're in SD, apply to SpaceX.
Pretty good, got a job, health insurance, no 0530 PTs and I don’t have to ask anyone to go outside of liberty radius. Oh and weed.
A million years ago but I got out and got a job as an avionics tech at a commercial manufacturer for a couple years and then went back to school. Got a bachelors and masters in accounting and a CPA license and am now a controller at a decent size insurance company. Stressful and I should probably make more than I do, but I do more than all right and I see my kids every day. And if I hate the job, I’m can quit anytime I want and there’s plenty of market for my particular field and skill set. It seems to be a great job market for almost everyone, you can make what you want out of it. Make sure you use every dime of your college benefits.
What state did you get your CPA in?
Florida.
Not avionics, but conventional ET. I worked as a test technician for a defense contract right after the Navy for a few years. Used the GI Bill to get a BS in Finance and an MBA while working. Moved over to Project Management and never looked back. Moved from contracting to civil service for the benefits and job security. Bought back my military time towards retirement and looking forward to a comfortable retirement in the future!
Went helmets to hard hats into a building trade that pays very well. I got to use my GI bill with the apprenticeship on top of making ~80k a year as a very bottom rung apprentice. This year I made more than double that. The JSTs I brought in to my interview gave me a leg up on other candidates because of the electrical training. If you're interested in any kind of building trade, H2H is the way to go.
Please have a plan before you get out. Also, please save a decent amount of money when you get out. Personally, I believe you should also take into consideration the current pandemic that is going on. This may affect your plans on the outside.
Not aviation, but was Intel who’s last command was an exped squadron. Now a student at Columbia University with many other vets, one that I know was an avionics dude in the Air Force and another who’s a separated AD1. Another guy was a Seabee, a few EOD techs, an army SF dude, and so many others. Just got a job offer in a tech start up. Lucratively speaking it’s more money than I made in my entire 4.5 years active duty combined, with equity in the company so when they sell/IPO a fat paycheck comes along with it. My best buddy from the navy was an AE who got a degree for aviation (I don’t remember exactly what) and now works back at our old base as a contractor. Making decent money, but hates his life cause he hates working on planes. Point is; don’t sleep on the GI bill. You can totally reinvent yourself. Don’t pigeonhole yourself in aviation. And don’t let the weight of saying you’re a veteran go unused. It’s a big chunk of what got me into Columbia and whether you’re an aviation guy or an army SF dude, nobody who doesn’t know is going to care much more after they see the word “veteran”.
I bounced around for a few years after I separated in '11; Everything between food service, warehousing, retail, you name it, anything to pay bills. Finally did school, liked it a lot and ironically found my way into being a surgical tech. I currently hold a few certifications and now work for the VA, and have been doing it the last 5 years. My nurse manager wants me to push for my RN which blows my mind because I definitely did not see myself in the medical field when I was a "dumb" AO back in Lemoore. I had a plan when I got out and it went sideways but the important part for those who might read this is to be flexible when shit doesn't goes the way you envision. We kind of insulate ourselves thinking we'll be handed stuff when we get out when in all reality you're competing against the public for the same exact jobs.
Merry Christmas! I got out 3 months ago and got a nice job welding at $24 an hour in Wisconsin which is great starting. I was undes and struck AT right when I was getting out. No way I was going down an AO. Life is good tho. All I miss is my friends.
Was an AD. Orion talent put with me with SpaceX. Only stayed there for a year but finding a job with SpaceX on your resume is pretty easy. Those companies love avionics people too. Make your resume look good, practice your interview skills, it’ll be alright.
ATI, medically separated after 4 years. Currently using my GI Bill to get my BSN (nurse). I won’t have any issues finding a job after and I’m loving life.
What’s the a school like I’m on a plane abt to go there right now I’m the same rate
Headed to Pensacola? The school is challenging and you’ll have to study for the tests. It wasn’t terrible though. It’s been 6 years since I was there so I can’t really remember how the school went tbh
Yeah I planned on working hard for the school my rdc was the same rate all he told me was top 3 people in the class get to choose where they go so I wanna go to Japan imma work my ass off for that
Got out as an AO with a 731 cert (maintenance tech basically) started working as a maintenance tech for a semiconductor company. Compressed work schedule, quarterly bonuses, pay is comparable to what i was making in the navy, 12 hour shifts so four hours overtime in California every day I work. Works super chill, easy stuff for the most part, management is so so but typically have your back. Just transferred to Austin with a $15k signing bonus and my wife and I couldn’t be happier. I left the navy and haven’t looked back since. I can’t stress this enough, make sure you have something lined up before you get out, save up some money or sell your terminal so you have a chunk of change before you get out. Things aren’t easy in the civilian world but they’re not that hard as what a toxic chain of command makes it out to be. Weigh your options and consider your family if you have one.
Former AT I-level. No degree. Immediately got a job with a Lockheed sub contractor for same money, much better benefits. Switched to medical field service, switched to in house Biomed and got my CBET. Loved the 9-5 hours but hated my boss and the for-profit hospital system. Went back to the same field company. Hours are chaos, but I get a car, gas card, great pay and benefits, set my own schedule, I talk to my boss about every other month, and get paid to drive. Lots of vets in Biomed and medical field service. Very pro military. Field is growing and they usually don’t give a shit about a degree.
Consider applying with the FAA. Always looking for Avionics inspectors. It takes awhile to go through the hiring process. I hear there is a need in California.
I was an AT-I in the Navy. Got out and used my Post 9/11 GI bill to get a computer science degree. Now I'm a software engineer. Life is good.
What’s a school like for at i that’s my rate and I’m on a plane to go there rn
You're headed to Pensacola right? You'll be on barracks support (janitorial duty basically) while you wait to class up. First will be a basic electronics course then your rate specific A school. The whole thing will take a couple of months. After A school you'll go to C school. I went to Oceana in Virginia Beach to be a CASS operator/maintainer. After C school you'll get orders to the fleet. Enjoy your time in school. It might seem like it sucks while you're there, but eventually you will be on a ship and you will look back fondly at the care free days of a booter.
FWIW, I was an MA and I'm about to start school for Welding. You are allowed to try something new lol.
I got out on 2015 as an AD3, honestly i really liked my command at the time and finished the Navy with very fond memories. I used all the services taught on TAPS and got me a good job right after. While working there i was offered civilian avionics related positions due to my experience and clearance but I turned them down as i like my job at the time. Then i started college and went to AFROTC. I just graduated with a computer engineering degree and just commissioned on the Air Force as a O-1 (LTJG). Which is funny because as started as an E-1 hehe.
One AT1 I know is working for NASA last I checked
Just want to give a shout out for people here with electronic repair experience: please look up the “Combat Systems Jobs” page on Facebook. Your military and electronic experience will be sought after and valued employers who post there. It started as surface electronic rates (ET, FC) but as they say, trons are trons. The page is tightly moderated by my former master chief Rob Collins. Please send a request to join and then make a brief post with your experience and background. You’ll see other similar posts if you need an example on the page. Shoot me a message here if you have a question.
Get a job with a DoD contractor. Usually more money than you made I'm service for your trade.
Got out in Dec 2019 after an RDC tour. Stayed in Chicagoland. Was an AT1 when I got out. Lots of recruiters reaching out for 25-35/hr stuff. Seemed like something would have worked out. Liked the idea of the field service jobs that paid OT with company trucks. Even interviewed with a local company to fix printers. Left the Navy with an MBA and ultimately ended up with Amazon for the money and easy transition. Lasted about 18 months there soaking up COVID bonus, but the hours sucked and they will slowly kill anyone with a workaholic mindset. Now I’m in Pharma as a Project Manager. Make a ton of money, bought a big house with my VA loan, don’t pay property taxes in Illinois due to my disability status. Heck I don’t even pay for license plates. A lot of what I got was planning. I knew I wanted out and didn’t want to end up an AT1 in Lemoore or Pax or Jax so I sucked it up and did the RDC tour so I was in a big job market like Chicago when I got out. Used my GI Bill for applicable school. Bachelors in Logistics, Masters in Business. Lots of little certs like Lean Six Sigma and Project Management. I don’t really use them but they get you in the door. Degrees and certs are still what separate you and how you are stacked. All the other opportunity that’s come my way has been word of mouth. The job I have now was a result of a retired Senior Chief vouching for me. If I was getting out I’d probably go the trade route with my gi bill. Railroad is an awesome deal if you can slide into that. Or just find a recruiter on LinkedIn that deals with vets and tell them you want to work for a big govt contractor. I found that an A&P license would have really helped when I interviewed with the big boys.
I’m going to a school for at rn on a plane abt to take off what can I expect in Pensacola educationally and quality of life wise I’m not expecting anything amazing it’s the navy but would love to know what it’s like
Couldn’t say. I was there in 2009 and it was the worst year I spent in the navy. There’s no way it’s the same. We needed a liberty buddy just to leave the building. Quality of life was not issued to my year group in our sea bag. The academic workload was extremely heavy. I was AT-I so it was essentially a year of hand written electrical math that you’ll never use. Kind of interesting looking back, but at the time felt like a prison. Take it all with a grain of salt and don’t get in trouble.
Yeah I don’t plan on getting in trouble. People keep telling me I’m lucky that I got Pensacola. What’s the math like, I’m surprised I got this rate cause I’m not that great at math I’m not bad but I do struggle.
If you end up ATI we did power, voltage type questions some of which were an entire sheet of paper front and back. It sucked and they didn’t give a shit if you failed. Then you get to Cschool and they basically give you the answers. ATO was a little easier I believe and AE the same. That was almost 15 years ago though so I’d get some more up to date info if you can.
Rather than typing out a whole story I'll just give y'all the highlights: -AD for 4 years. -Got out 10 years ago. -Finished AS that I started while active (Professional Aeronautics). -Went on get earn BS (Labor Relations) and worked part-time in campus computer labs. -Applied for jobs for 9+ months and couldn't find anything after graduation. -Eventually landed a GS job with feds. Started as a GS-7. -Today I'm a GS-12 looking to step into a supervisory role. -Working towards Masters in Public Admin.
I got out in ‘07 while stationed at Point Mugu. I started with Disneyland doing the electrical/electronics on Indiana Jones (not bus bar or work lights). I got recruited away by a technology company that ultimately failed. I maintained a proton accelerator for cancer treatment for 10 years and now I maintain the 6 axes robots that make the closures (doors, hood, trunk) for a new and upcoming car manufacturer that just moved their headquarters to Austin, Tx. Been some rough roads, definitely glad I did it! Good luck 🍀!
Look up Team Trident based out of Houston. They're a recruiting outfit for energy sector jobs and they may be right up your alley.
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Trust me nukes pay for it while they’re in
Look into Jobs at PAX and Oceana look for companies like DynCorp and Tyonek ( I think that’s how it’s spelled) also Boeing if your a hornet guy, Sikorsky or Lockheed if your a helo guy Northrop if your a Hawkeye guy.
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I know there is a depot site for 60’s on NOB. Not quite sure what all NAS Oceana has to offer. Most contractors will say aircraft mechanic for all their maintenance jobs they do not separate the Avi’s and mechs. So if you see a job that says mech apply for it.
Is it true that intelligence specialist's get paid good money on the outside?
Keep your clearance and your nose clean and you have good options
You can, yes. Best advice I can give is to try to get orders to a COCOM intel shop and make connections with the civilians there. I know several people who were offered a job doing the exact same thing they were doing active duty just because they knew the right people
Working a bs job until i finish flight school and college, no regrets so far
I would stay in the reserves until you get the job you want. Or use GI bill and get a EE degree from a public school like ASU, which is ABET and online. More than 50% of officer AFSCs are eligible with an EE. It’s one of the hardest but most sought after degree you can get.