Attention fellow gearheads! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

AngryCamaro · 06-12-2009, 01:21 AM

I realize that the title probably emcompasses the entire population of Camaro5, but I have a question that could really help me out if answered.

I have always been into taking things apart to see how they work. My question is; what are the possible avenues I could take to turn something I enjoy doing into a professional career?

I joined the Army after spending a year in college. I managed to get a job as a mechanic in the aviation branch. I have spent the past five years turning wrenches on $65 million helicopters. It is a pretty good gig, but it is very limited. In the military, once you get promoted to a certain level the "fun" work stops and it becomes a desk job.

I am not sure how my experience would carry over into the automotive industry. I am sure certain fundamentals would carry over, but other the that I am pretty much clueless.

I would really appreciate any information on good schools, personal experiences or just friendly advice. Thanks.

blackedout010 · 06-12-2009, 01:29 AM

s.a.m.in texas is a great school

Zabo · 06-12-2009, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryCamaro

I joined the Army after spending a year in college. I managed to get a job as a mechanic in the aviation branch. I have spent the past five years turning wrenches on $65 million helicopters. It is a pretty good gig, but it is very limited. In the military, once you get promoted to a certain level the "fun" work stops and it becomes a desk job.

I am not sure how my experience would carry over into the automotive industry. I am sure certain fundamentals would carry over...

When you get out, look into schools like Western Michigan, Embry Riddle, Purdue, etc. Go into their Aviation programs and get your A&P license.

It's worth it, plus some employers will pay for you to get that, and your Private/Instrument/Multi pilots ratings. Another oddity of having experience in the aviation industry and holding an A&P is that some consider you the creme de la creme of the mechanic world. The standards we have to follow are so stringent that many go into the racing industry working on racing engines or for NHRA teams and NASCAR pit crews.

Xmicro_SS · 06-12-2009, 06:51 AM

With Military training, you should look into a career in Law Enforcement, or a mechanic for a local police department. Police Departments love x-military and you can fast track through. My buddy came back from Desert Storm in 91 and got into a great department. Now he makes great money and he is almost able to retire, just 2 years.....lucky SOB.

AngryCamaro · 06-12-2009, 09:53 AM

Thanks for the advice fellas. I still have a few years left on my contract and the re-enlistment bonuses are way down nowadays. My unit pays for us to get our A&P and if our Op tempo wasn't as high as it is right now I would already have it. I will have atleast that before I get out of the Army.

I worked for a tire shop while I was in high school and the local police department had all their work done through that shop, I always thought police departments contracted surrounding auto shops to work on the cruisers.

06-12-2009, 01:21 AM	#1
AngryCamaro Drives: A2B POS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North of Nashville TN Posts: 17	Attention fellow gearheads! I realize that the title probably emcompasses the entire population of Camaro5, but I have a question that could really help me out if answered. I have always been into taking things apart to see how they work. My question is; what are the possible avenues I could take to turn something I enjoy doing into a professional career? I joined the Army after spending a year in college. I managed to get a job as a mechanic in the aviation branch. I have spent the past five years turning wrenches on $65 million helicopters. It is a pretty good gig, but it is very limited. In the military, once you get promoted to a certain level the "fun" work stops and it becomes a desk job. I am not sure how my experience would carry over into the automotive industry. I am sure certain fundamentals would carry over, but other the that I am pretty much clueless. I would really appreciate any information on good schools, personal experiences or just friendly advice. Thanks.

06-12-2009, 06:51 AM	#4
Xmicro_SS Thank You GM Drives: Sky Redline & Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,876	With Military training, you should look into a career in Law Enforcement, or a mechanic for a local police department. Police Departments love x-military and you can fast track through. My buddy came back from Desert Storm in 91 and got into a great department. Now he makes great money and he is almost able to retire, just 2 years.....lucky SOB. __________________ ITS HERE! : 2010 Camaro 2SS / 6 Speed Manual (No other way) / Silver Ice Metallic / Inferno Orange Interior Accent / RS Package / Polished Wheels / SOLO MACH X CAT BACK

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06-12-2009, 01:29 AM	#2
blackedout010 Drives: on order black 2010 2ss Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: north carolina Posts: 913	s.a.m.in texas is a great school

06-12-2009, 09:53 AM	#5
AngryCamaro Drives: A2B POS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North of Nashville TN Posts: 17	Thanks for the advice fellas. I still have a few years left on my contract and the re-enlistment bonuses are way down nowadays. My unit pays for us to get our A&P and if our Op tempo wasn't as high as it is right now I would already have it. I will have atleast that before I get out of the Army. I worked for a tire shop while I was in high school and the local police department had all their work done through that shop, I always thought police departments contracted surrounding auto shops to work on the cruisers.