Aircraft
Armament Job Description
(Change 30 Apr 96)
1. Specialty Summary. Loads and unloads nuclear and nonnuclear
munitions, explosives, and propellant devices on aircraft. Manages,
controls, maintains, and installs aircraft bomb, rocket, and missile
release, launch, suspension, and monitor systems; guns and gun
mounts; and related munitions handing, loading, and test equipment.
Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 646.
2. Duties and Responsibilities:
2.1. Loads, unloads, and positions munitions on aircraft. Loads,
positions, performs safing operations, and unloads munitions.
Uses handling, loading, and checkout procedures and equipment.
Tests suspension, launch, and release systems for retentive locking,
and manual or electrical release. Analyzes malfunctions. Performs
functional checks of launch and suspension systems. Prepares munitions
and inspects post loading weapons. Operates handling and loading
equipment, and mates munitions with aircraft release, launch,
and suspension systems. Loads and services aircraft gun systems.
Tests electrical and electronic circuitry for continuity, voltage,
and proper operation. Tests for unwanted electrical signal or
power before connecting electrically actuated explosives and propellants.
Installs ground safety devices on munitions and gun system components
to prevent inadvertent detonation, launching, or firing. Inserts
and removes impulse cartridges associated with fuel tanks and
pylons. Adjusts and installs fuses, boosters, and delay elements
in conventional munitions.
2.2. Inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft release, launch,
suspension, and monitor systems; aircraft guns; and related equipment.
Operates, inspects, and performs operator maintenance on related
munitions handling, loading, and test equipment. Examines for
visual defects and proper installation of systems components such
as munitions ejector racks, loading and suspension devices, shackles,
rocket pods, pylons, aircraft ammunition, boosters, and feed chutes.
Bore sights and performs after-firing inspection of aircraft guns.
Examines aircraft guns for defects. Analyzes malfunctions of munitions
launch, release, suspension, and monitor systems, and associated
handling and loading equipment. Disassembles, repairs, or replaces
mechanical, electrical, electronic, and pneudraulic mechanisms
of launch and release systems, and aircraft gun systems. Removes,
disassembles, and inspects parts and subassemblies for damage,
rust, corrosion, or acceptable clearances and tolerances. Makes
adjustments and applies lubricants and preservatives. Performs
serviceability tests on aircraft guns, gun systems, and munitions
associated suspension equipment.
2.3. Performs armament systems maintenance functions. Modifies
munitions launch, release, suspension, and monitor systems to
improve efficiency. Determines probable effect of modifications
on future maintenance and operational problems.
2.4. Plans, organizes, and directs aircraft armament systems maintenance
activities. Establishes and evaluates performance and training
standards, maintenance controls, and procedures. Checks methods
and techniques used to load and unload munitions on aircraft,
to repair and maintain aircraft release and gun systems, and to
maintain, repair, and modify associated equipment. Ensures compliance
with policies, directives, and safety procedures. Analyzes productivity
and work quality. Evaluates operational efficiency of aircraft
guns and munitions systems, and recommends modification.
3. Specialty Qualifications:
3.1. Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: electricity;
principles of physics, mechanics, electronics, and ballistics
applying to munitions launch, release, suspension, fusing, and
arming systems, and aircraft gun systems; use of precision measuring
tools and equipment; interpreting schematics and wiring diagrams;
concepts and application of maintenance directives; nuclear and
nonnuclear munitions loading and safety procedures; and proper
handling, use, and disposal of hazardous waste and materials.
3.2. Education. For entry into this specialty, completion
of high school or General Education Development equivalency is
mandatory. Also, completion of courses in mechanics or basic electronics
is desirable.
3.3. Training. The following training is mandatory for
award of the AFSC indicated:
3.3.1. AFSC 2W131X. Completion of a suffix specific basic
aircraft armament systems course.
3.3.2. AFSC 2W171. Completion of the advanced aircraft
armament systems course.
3.4. Experience. The following experience is mandatory
for award of the AFSC indicated:
3.4.1. 2W151. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2W131C/D/E/F/H/K/L
or Z. Also, experience loading and unloading munitions, or maintaining,
repairing, and modifying munitions launch, release, suspension,
or aircraft gun systems.
3.4.2. 2W171. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2W151.
Also, experience performing or supervising functions such as loading
and unloading munitions, or maintaining, repairing, and modifying
munitions launch, release, suspension, or aircraft gun systems.
3.4.3. 2W191. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2W171.
Also, experience managing and controlling functions such as loading
and unloading munitions, or maintaining, repairing, and modifying
munitions launch, release, suspension, or aircraft gun systems.
3.5. Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:
3.5.1. For entry into this specialty, normal color vision as defined
in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.
3.5.2. For entry, award, and retention of these AFSCs:
3.5.2.1. No record of emotional instability.
3.5.2.2. Normal depth perception as defined in AFI 48-123.
3.5.3. For award and retention of AFSCs 2W131X/51/71/91/00, eligibility
for a Secret security clearance according to AFI 31-501, Personnel
Security Management Program.
4. *Specialty Shredouts
Suffix Portion of AFS to Which Related
C= A10
D= F-4
E= F-15
F= F-16
H= F-111
K= B-52
L= B-1
Z= All Other
NOTE: Suffixes are authorized only at the 1- and 3-skill levels.
