2A3X2 - F-16 AVIONICS SYSTEMS question

[cuz]

I've been doing my research on airforce.com and usmilitary.about.com

I was wondering if there any avionics people on here that I can hear directly from about avionics life, location, also Pro's and Con's. This is not a "is job good" question. I want to really hear what people personally think about the job or what I can expect. I know alot of it is mindset, just want to know experiences and opinions.

I am a DEP'er and leave for basic 09/09 I am switching my job away from SF.

Thanks alot for all future input.

-Ryan
Wisconsin.

[rabbage]

I used to work flightline avionics on the F15E. I worked long-ish hours. I helped the crew chiefs when I wasn't busy with my job or mopping hangar floors. We worked outside most of the time, regardless of weather (unless lightning).

All in all, very satisfying work. One of the few places in the AF you can see a DIRECT impact on the mission. My opinion.

[denmom]

As a 2A3X2 person myself, I'll see if I can answer your questions. I won't sugar coat this either. First and foremost I love my job and the satisfaction it gives me on a daily basis. There are long hours in all weather conditions (cold, rain, snow, heat, etc). You will work with a great deal of skilled, knowledgeable people. You will learn skills that you can use in your civilian life (ie after the military). Most squadrons run a 3 shift operation. You won't work every weekend but there will be occasion of working weekend duty or prepping for exercises, etc. You will deploy through the AEF cycle with your unit.

We've been combining bases for some time now. Here's what's currently available: Langley AFB (you'd work on the Raptor), Shaw AFB, Tyndall (Raptor), Eglin, Hurlburt (CV-22), Hill AFB, Holloman AFB (Raptor), Nellis (Raptor & F-16), Creech (Predator), Cannon (CV-22), Luke, Eielson, Elmendorf (Raptor), Edwards (lots of options), Beale (Global Hawk), Kunsan AB, Osan AB, Misawa AB, Spangdahlem AB, and Aviano AB. I'm certain there are more bases that are available through special duty jobs but as a first term Airman these will give you an idea of where you can end up.

I've been in 12 years and I'm at my 3rd base (not including technical training). I know you're looking for experiences but it can be hard to be general. There is one thing in all probability you will end up going to Korea for a one year short tour. Remember to go to all assignments with an open mind. No matter what your assignment is...you will hear that the location will suck....just nod and go on with your day....Everyone told me that Kunsan would be horrible. Well Korea was a great assignment (except that I missed my family....but everyone there missed their families). I met great people, the morale was amazing and we worked our a*** off.

If you can think of more specific questions, feel free to ask.

[cuz]

thank you for answering all my questions I listed. How closely did you work with Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (Crew Cheifs) and Bomb Loaders (Aircraft Armament Systems) would you consider one of those as well, I see alot of Shop vs. Shop fights, I was just wondering if you'd personally consider one of those. How developed is the F-22 program? Do you know what it might be like?if you know at all...Would you have much time for college courses or free time?

Does your job feel repetitive or is everyday a new challenge? Pulling boxes/shooting wires.
Last of all could you give me a possible 24Hr. run down of your life?

It's alot of questions, sorry if it overwhelms you lol

thanks so much for the help.

[denmom]

No problem, glad I can help someone out with this stuff. Specialists (2A3X2) work with Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (Crew Chiefs) and Bomb Loaders (Aircraft Armament Systems) not necessarily together but at the same time (not sure if that makes sense but it's kind of the way it works). We all know each other and specialists help crew chiefs and bomb loaders and the same goes for them as well. There is the shop vs shop thing but it's almost like a sibling thing. We all give each other a hard time but we know that the mission needs all of us to get it done, it's all in fun.

For me I wouldn't chose either of them (but that's me). Both of these career fields tend to be repetitive in nature, don't get me wrong they do some different things just not on a daily basis. Specialists do different things almost on a daily basis, there will be some things that will be done on a daily basis (but you'll find that in any job). Yes there are some swaptronics (ie box swapping) tasks but there is troubleshooting and to me that's when it's fun, exciting and different. You're using the books and your knowledge/experience to solve the elusive problem. I get a sense of accomplishment when I see an aircraft fly a great mission after being down for maintenance and I was part of the team to get it back in the air.

Okay as for college it can be tough to get it done but you can do it if you're willing to make some sacrifices. I finished my bachelor's degree 13 months ago. I am married and have 3 kids. I went to school completely online so I could set my schedule (w/o having to go to a normal classroom environment). While you may not have a family to worry about while going to school you may have to sacrifice something else but like I said it can be done.

As for the 24 hour breakdown there's a lot to tell. What I can say is that each shift has different things to do. If you're on dayshift and you squadron day flying...you'll end up helping the crew chiefs out by launching and recovering. You'll also be working any 'redball' maintenance (problems that come up right before the plane is set to launch). If you're on swing shift and your squadron is day flying you'll be performing aircraft maintenance on those problems the aircrew experienced while in flight (during the day missions). Mid-shift ends up taking over any remaining maintenance from swingshift and does the prep work for the next day's flying.

I oversimplified the 24 hour scenario. I didn't want to overwhelm you with a great deal of detail. I hope I was able to answer your questions with what you're looking for. Feel free to ask any other questions that you may have.

[Lefty]

I've been doing my research on airforce.com and usmilitary.about.com

I was wondering if there any avionics people on here that I can hear directly from about avionics life, location, also Pro's and Con's. This is not a "is job good" question. I want to really hear what people personally think about the job or what I can expect. I know alot of it is mindset, just want to know experiences and opinions.

I am a DEP'er and leave for basic 09/09 I am switching my job away from SF.

Thanks alot for all future input.

-Ryan
Wisconsin.

This seems a lot like the poor grammar questions asked about the F-22 in other USAF forums online. I wouldn't respond to these for various OPSEC reasons, and if you have questions, I would PM people. Just a funny feeling I got when reading all of the posts. Mainly because I have never seen someone sign with their name and where they are from.

[cuz]

thank you for all the help, I 'll just keep doing my research and PM you if I have any other questions.

Lefty: Are you saying that I also have bad grammar? I respect your skepticism and that you think twice about what you are saying in public. I only gave my name and state to show my sincerity and gratefulness for anyone willing to take the time and respond to my questions.

Thanks.



One more question how close or compareable is E&E electrical & environmental to the Avionics?

[cuz]

currently my top 5 job picks in no certain order:

2W1X1- AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT
2A3X2- F16 AVIONICS
2A6X6- AIRCRAFT E&E
2W0X1- MUNITIONS
4C0X1- MENTAL HEALTH

please if you could say any brief comparison about any of them the except the 4C.

or if you want to just give your input about ANY of these.

much appreciated.

-ryan