Avionics

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Hey, I am enlisting into the military. The "Good" branch. And I am planning to get trained in either the career choices of Electrician or Avionics. I was never too fixated on airplanes as much as I was on video games and Bycicles as a kid. But I loved to work on my Bike 24/7 and still really enjoy working with my hands. I think it would be a good job, especially if I can program myself to become obsessed with airplanes. I think they are fasinating atm and if I can develope a strong obsession with the field I think it would be a good career because then I can be left alone with my planes all day away from people. In my past jobs I was always employee of the month and then kicked out for being inattentive and "weird". I just wanted to know if anyone is or knows an aspy who works as an avionics technician in the military or perhaps in an airport.

Congrats for looking into the military! I've been enjoying my 4 year stint. As for the military, don't look into it as you'll be left alone by yourself alot to fix things... The military is all about taking initiative, leading, and high standards. Don't let your strong motivation skew what the real expectations of the military will be. You'll be expected to lead and be the role model for the individuals of lower rank.

Try to stay away from pilots unless you have a real thick skin. If one little switch isn't exactly right they'll be breathing down your neck for your whole enlistment. When I was in the cockpit I had high respect for my maintenance crews but the majority of my peers really treated them like crap. As an electrician you'd work in a Civil Engineering unit where the atmosphere is much much more low key. You might also consider Engineering Assistant, HVAC tech, or even a carpenter. You'd do regular maintenance around base as a junior enlists and as you work up the ladder you'd become more of adviser and inspector role.

My hardee advice would be to try a Reserve Officer Training Core (ROTC) program at a local college. There's no service commitment for the first two years... After that point if you don't like it you can walk away with no strings attached!

First advice... No matter what you do and no matter how much you trust someone in the military. DO NOT MENTION AS! NOT EVER!! ! The consequence can be fairly severe if word get out and they diagnose you.

Boot camp wasn't alot of fun. It was only four weeks though. The military not bad once you get up in the ranks. I rarely have people tell me what do rather the opposite. Self-initiative is the most valued asset you will learn! (the figure it out on your own mentality without bothering your boss skill) I'll find myself in positions to brief a board of Colonels or 60 enlisted on short notice (literally an hour) on topics I've never heard of. I read the table of contents, shrug my shoulders, and act like I know what Im talking about then get on with the day.

Whatever I went to school for I don't use. It hard to explain until your there... (Mounds of Red Tape?) You'll be trained for one thing then they use you for another... It's a damn good paycheck.

Avionics is a fun industry but be careful... The aviation industry is always struggling. You may be risking wage cuts, benefit cuts, and frequent layoffs because those companies simply cannot make a buck. Plus your limited to a narrow band of airports and aircraft companies.

One more thing! Don't waste your cash on "nice things" I see too many new guys buy new cars, bikes, or toys they can't afford. Money in the bank is money that's working for you! (i.e. Money makes money sitting in the bank) The local lenders and dealers prey on the military personnel for sales. They sell overpriced stuff at exuberant interest rates.

I'm not in the military, but my Dad (AS) was and brother (NT) is.

The structure benefited them both. There's a clear hierarchy of roles, a clear definition of culture and expectations, fixed sleep/food schedules, etc. One of the purposes of boot camp is to tear you down to build you back up, and in so doing, you're explained everything.

I imagine that that kind of environment could be great for an aspie.

Thanks for serving our country.