Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Apprentice

The mission of our Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) weapon systems is to defend the United States. The ICBMs are installed in unmanned, underground launch facilities (LFs) scattered across the U.S. northern plains. It will be your job to install the missile components and maintain the mechanical systems of the ICBMs. You'll need top-secret security clearance. Most will work in one of two dispatching shops at their first assignment; however, there are shops where the technicians stay on the Air Force base. Once trained, a typical month in the life includes 12 days of working at the LF and three days of training. The "dispatch to the LF" days can last anywhere from about eight hours to a maximum of 16 hours (equivalent of two days of duty). The remaining days are normally yours. This is vastly different than most career fields both in where you will work (hours from the nearest military base) and the time you will work (fewer days but longer hours per day). This is a very stable career field. The choices of assignments are limited (three locations, all in the continental U.S.), which means you'll stay in one place longer (unless you pursue an assignment). This will provide you a greater opportunity to pursue a college degree. Completing the tech school for this career field will earn you 16 hours of college credit with the Community College of the Air Force in addition to the hours you receive for Basic Military Training. Also, the ICBM career fields are unique in that they are already deployed for contingencies - you will not be sent to foreign countries. You will already be in place for whatever is needed for our country's defense. You will not be a member of an Expeditionary Air Force. Once you have your five skill level, your follow-on opportunities are space lift maintenance technician (all U.S. space lift launches are from Cape Canaveral AFS, FL, or Vandenberg AFB, CA), defense threat reduction agency inspector (treaty compliance inspector), research and development technician, ICBM test launch maintenance, instructor duty and depot maintenance technician. Duties in this AFSC will prepare you for numerous civilian careers if you choose to leave the Air Force. Some civilian jobs you'll be prepared for are over-the-road truck driving, logistics manager and defense contractor logistics. PAY CHART

CCAF Degrees:: Missiles & Space Systems Maintenance
Tech Schools:: Lackland AFB, TX; Vandenberg AFB, CA

All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability.

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Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Apprentice

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