Need your help/advice choosing an AFSC for cross-training...

[OCRegister]

Hello to all,

I am reviewing possible options for a return to service with USAFR at March ARB, CA. Formerly, I was a crew chief in the 2A AFSC (aircraft maintenance). However, I'd like to cross-train into a new AFSC, and am looking for something interesting.

So far, I'm interested in 2W (munitions maintenance) and 1N (I think it's 1N -- intelligence applications), and there are openings in both fields. My physical exam and ASVAB qualify me for just about anything I'd like to do (boom operator, loadmaster, and flight engineer are out, however, as I wear contacts and my U/C vision is out of spec for those).

Since my regular F/T job is as a H S history teacher, I was thinking the 2W job would be a nice change for me. Plus, I'm real interested in aircraft muintions in general.

The Intel job would be good, too. More selective about who can get in, plus maybe the experience could help me catch on in Intel with the Feds down the road, I don't know. My main concern here is that I've heard Intel is somewhat boring. Plus, I'd be writing reports and giving presentations (wouldn't I?), and those are things I do F/T in civilian life anyway. I don't want to burn out by doing more office work.

But am I lacking accurate info on these jobs? Are my impressions erroneous?

I am hoping someone/anyone could shed more light on these two, plus chime in on any other career fields that may be of interest.

I enjoy being around military aircraft (obviously) and life on the flightline, but also enjoy being "in the know" on global security affairs and U.S. foreign policy, too. So, I can't seem to decide where I'd be more happy.

If you'd care to offer your .02 cents I'd be very appreciative! TIA to all who read this and who reply!

Best regards,

OCR

[OCRegister]

No help for the new guy..? :(

[KayJay]

You ever consider the 5J career field?

[OCRegister]

Originally posted by KayJay
You ever consider the 5J career field?

I would absolutely consider anything. But, what's 5J? I've never heard of that one, I don't think. Could you enlighten me so I may investigate?

[KayJay]

Air Force Paralegal...

[CustomsCop]

How about 3P0X1?

[LP Mgr]

As a 1N051 in the ANG, I can tell you that Intel is a worthwhile endeavor. I was an Intel type on active duty with the Army (96B), and then spent a couple of years in the ARNG. Opportunities for schools and good TDY's were limited. On the AF side of the house it is much different. There is the Practical Intelligence Course (PIC), where you get to spend a couple of weeks learning to support C-130's in a wartime environment (including going on several low-level missions that include air drops, combat offloads, landing on unimproved strips, manuever against fighters etc.), courses at the AF Special Ops School (like Dynamics of International Terrorism), and SV-80 (combat survival school). A lot of what you do does involve office work and giving presentations. You have to gather all available intel to support your flight crews and brief them prior to missions. You also have to debrief them after missions and file mission reports. Conducting required training for flight crews is another part of the job. If you are interested in knowing what's going on in the world and how your unit fits in to the big picture, intel is a good field to be in. There are also good TDY possibilities for reservists. The Volunteer Reserve System website (which has been down for a few weeks) is a usually good place to find out about these opportunities.

For what it's worth, that's my (completely unbiased) take on the Intel field.

[LP Mgr]

As a 1N051 in the ANG, I can tell you that Intel is a worthwhile endeavor. I was an Intel type on active duty with the Army (96B), and then spent a couple of years in the ARNG. Opportunities for schools and good TDY's were limited. On the AF side of the house it is much different. There is the Practical Intelligence Course (PIC), where you get to spend a couple of weeks learning to support C-130's in a wartime environment (including going on several low-level missions that include air drops, combat offloads, landing on unimproved strips, manuever against fighters etc.), courses at the AF Special Ops School (like Dynamics of International Terrorism), and SV-80 (combat survival school). A lot of what you do does involve office work and giving presentations. You have to gather all available intel to support your flight crews and brief them prior to missions. You also have to debrief them after missions and file mission reports. Conducting required training for flight crews is another part of the job. If you are interested in knowing what's going on in the world and how your unit fits in to the big picture, intel is a good field to be in. There are also good TDY possibilities for reservists. The Volunteer Reserve System website (which has been down for a few weeks) is usually a good place to find out about these opportunities.

For what it's worth, that's my (completely unbiased) take on the Intel field.