Air Force Electrical Power Production

It's easy to take electricity for granted since all we have to do is flip a switch and there it is. It is not so easy out in the field in the military.

Installations are often set up overnight in remote locations with no available power source. Even though there are no electrical lines to hook into, the installation still needs power and light to carry out its operations whether the facility acts as a field hospital, supply center, or base.

The United States Air Force electrical power production crew is responsible for creating power from generators or figuring out ways to tap into existing power sources. In mobile camps, they must be able to generate the power and distribute it throughout all the buildings and to essential devices. These workers also help maintain and restore power to stationary military bases.

The U.S. Air Force electrical power production field is best suited to those with electronic or electrical training. Experience in computers is also helpful. Other skills that come in useful include being good with tools and maintenance and repair. To be considered for this line of work you must have a high school diploma or a GED with 15 hours of college credit. You must also complete the standard 8 ½ weeks of basic training.

If you are accepted to train for the Air Force electrical power production specialty, you will go to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas for the schooling. The education you receive amounts to 21 hours of college credit towards a degree in Mechanical and Electrical Technology.

In addition to classroom instruction, you must also undergo supervised work experience so you will learn how to perform the job tasks safely and properly. The job tasks workers in the Air Force electrical power production field do include many aspects of generating and maintaining power. You must know how to operate, install, repair, inspect, and maintain, power production plants and related equipment including aircraft-arresting barriers. You must be able to analyze available supplies and determine operational readiness for the required job.

Another important task is the interpretation of malfunction data and maintenance data. You must also know how to read wiring diagrams for aircraft-arresting barriers and power generating systems. You'll need to know how to work with generators, gasoline, turbine, and diesel. There are several types of equipment you must become very familiar with operating and understanding by reading various gauges and instruments.

The U.S. Air Force electrical power production team works with manual, remote, and high voltage circuits. You must become adept at identifying problems and repairing defective components to keep the military installation operational. As a specialist in this field, you are not only called upon to keep basic power running to the installation itself, but you must also make sure power is maintained to weapon systems as well.

Working in the Air Force electrical production specialty can give you a great deal of job satisfaction since you will be performing a vital job function. You will enjoy job diversity and security as well. You'll also acquire valuable on the job experience that can help you start a rewarding career once you leave the Air Force.