Readers Respond: Experiences in 3E0X1 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

Responses: 2

By Rod Powers, About.com Guide

Do you have experience in this Air Force enlisted AFSC? Share Your Experience

was stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base and was in both inside and outside gangs. they were some good times. Liked doing the exterior shop better. We also worked on Lighting Protection and Cathodic Protection. Didn't learn this in tech school but went to different schools in US.
—Guest aaron butcher

I've been an electrician in the AF for 19 yrs. It's changed A LOT since then. We now do everything from the power company (usually 69K volts) to the outlet your computer is pluged into. We also work on Airfield lighting both in the US. and overseas. Fire/Security alarms are also included. The AF has made a a jack of all trades and master of none. You will have a wide knowledge of electrical that translates well on the outside, but you won't be able to get out and have your Journeymans license. The outside has dozens of specialized electrical career fields that they would never combine, yet we have. The average deployment is 180 days after about a month of training. We normally deploy every year. That translates into 7-8 months being gone yearly. This can be a great job if you enjoy hard work in sometimes bad conditions. Most of us are a tight nit group that depend on each other to stay safe. If you're not a team player or don't like physically hard work, don't be a 3E0X1.
—Guest Twister