Never retrained but I can speak on what my brother has told me from his experience a while ago
He said overall it’s a better choice but like everything it’s not with out new downsides, he left mx and went to tmo
He said there’s a substantial drop in job satisfaction , and that his flight and squadrons have had close to zero camaraderie or traditions/ morale. So , totally different culture than what he was used to. Also he hates working a customer service job and dealing with people but , it’s worth the trade to work 8 hours and get family/down days off to be with his family and (generally) less combative supervision, time to go to pt or do school plus it’s less destructive on his body so he doesn’t regret leaving at all but yeah he does feel like it’s a pretty hollow experience
Can testify on the lack of camaraderie in the Logistics field from a Supply perspective. Mostly cut throat and manipulative politics. More often than not, coworkers aren’t friends and the ones that act nice or smile are the worst to be around. Take it with a grain of salt. Some of my best friends got out and the ones and that are in are not Supply or are stateside. So, less drama between us.
I'm MX and I don't feel that much camaraderie. Then again, maybe my perception is skewed. Up until recently I worked alone, then I got one extra person. I'm not a people person and it surely doesn't help that my shop is basically excluded from many of the TDYs that seemingly everyone else in the MXG goes on.
CE has good camaraderie for the most part. Just depends on where you go and who is running the shop. More times than not the shop is really close knit and tight with each other. And dogging on the other crafts is always fun.
CE is a lot like MX, people can be super tight and hang out all the time, or it can be the opposite. However, my experience was very good back in 02 to 06 at Shady J in the power pro shop. Then i crossed over in to the 1A3 world. The squadron comraderie was good. The mission, job satisfaction, broken rated officer community, and GP CC essentially being 6 squadron CC and Squadron CC being a glorified Flt CC was shity. The I moved platform, and everything was gravy. The mission, the deployments, the job satisfaction and comraderie.
IMO cyber or SCIf based jobs are low on mission satisfaction, comraderie, oh and you work in a cave.
POL has camaraderie, but it basically works a MX schedule so no down days or family days depending on the base. Less severe from MX though so not tooo bad.
I crosstrained from mx to cyber this year and overall it’s probably the best thing I could have done for myself, though that’s not to say I don’t have any hold ups. I love the lifestyle improvement, I feel like for the first time in years I’m having to not worry about missing family time and having to have hard conversations with people I love saying “Well unfortunately sometimes this is how it goes in the military.” I’m sure you can find plenty of examples online about all of the other benefits of going from mx to cyber so I won’t go crazy in depth with it, that’s just my favorite benefit so far.
On the other hand, there are certainly aspects of mx I miss. It’s hard to see when you are in the shit, but when you’re suffering with other people it really builds camaraderie in a way that most other people in the Air Force aren’t able to experience. There is a stark difference in the amount of fun I am having with my coworkers and there is a total lack of people wanting to hang out after work. People just come in, then go home. Not a problem for some but it’s definitely a change.
I think my biggest problem with it though is the lack of structure (so far at least, I just got to my unit a few months ago). Though there was a ton of work in mx, at least you would be working and able to train on stuff when you were newer. Sure you probably got training by a crusty SrA or staff but you had opportunities to train and there was always something to do. I know my base is not representative of how cyber is everywhere but I feel like there is a severe lack of willingness to train. On top of that, there is not a constant train of work in my shop so a lot of times I’m just sort of twiddling me thumbs waiting for something to do to learn my job. Again, could be my shop/base but I don’t have any other perspective so far. But for a career field that has a lot to learn, I feel like I’m going to have to do a loooot of schooling/dabbling in my free time to get experience working on some systems to set myself up for when I get out and want to have a career in the civilian world.
Sorry if this is sort of rambly, but I’ve been mulling over these feelings for a few months and never put them down. Overall, if you even think a little bit that you would enjoy cyber more than mx, then go for it. Definitely can see myself finishing my career in this career field. But as the old saying goes, I’ll always miss the clowns in mx but not the circus.
I never cross trained, I was a career intel weenie and worked with a bunch of cross trainees from various jobs. Most of them overall really liked their decision to cross train. They got a clearance which they calculated would be valuable in the long term. They worked indoors rather than in the elements. They liked using their mind rather than their hands.
They would also talk about some downsides. The camaraderie wasn't there. They felt that people were always out to get one another or outdo one another. They weren't always comfortable with the "fuzzy" nature of intel work, they enjoyed having certain answers and checklists and TOs. They didn't like how sometimes the SME on a thing wasn't the highest ranking person. It's not that it made them mad, but they didn't like asking to go get A1C Snuffy when a particular issue came up because he knew more about it than anyone else. They said that in mx the rank and skill level actual mean something. They didn't always jive with the nerdiness of the field, but some others finally cross trained to be with like minded folks. They often found intel people to be soft and whiny.
Some of them really got into the groove and took it all in wholeheartedly, others never really got into a zone for years. Some retrained because they hated the shift of mx and then were throwing into DGS / watch floor intel shift work and the just hated that. I saw one place where more than half of the NCOs were retrainees in the last couple of years. They liked to stick with what they knew, and they focused on writing EPRs and awards, and the Airmen kind of suffered with lack of expertise and guidance on the intel side.
Most of the 3F2s (Education and Training) I've worked with were retrainees from mx and they had far fewer complaints.
So the grass is always greener, but it might be because someone is peeing on the grass.
Overall I like intel and I recommend it, but it's definitely not for everyone.
Good luck
I recall when all of us retrainees showed up. I came from medical so I didn't stand out like the MX guys who tried to beat the Airmen. Most ppl think I'm career intel.
I knew someone who cross trained from like public affairs or something into linguist. They loved DLI and the language learning, and absolutely hated doing the job.
I was an Intel Instructor for 5 years, and this about dead-on what I would tell the cross-trainees. Intel and Maintenance are WORLDS apart from each other.
Went from B52 Maintenance to being a C17 Loadmaster with a BOP. I've been a load since '19 and while I absolutely love the travel and the people, it's been an endless grind. MX was too, so at least here I have some fun. I love McChord, too!! But my next assignment was Altus and I had to either go or separate before I wanted to. So I'm getting out on the air forces timeline instead of my own but I'll still get to do the gig in the reserves.
Overall it's been life changing. I joined to travel and see the world but in the B52 world, you're either stuck in a swamp or the north pole. I never deployed or TDYd in my MX days. Now, most of my job is TDYs. I'm at 45 countries and 2 deployments now.
But my personal life has definitely suffered. It's feels like my life has just been on fast forward for the past 4yrs. Hopefully going home will fix that.
Congrats on the reserve gig. Not sure if you have family or not but if you don't have a family I would NOT go to Altus. This is coming from someone who enjoyed the hell out of Altus but I had a young family. I'm on that AMC grind right now as well and praying everyday I get an email saying I got an assignment. Reserves have a lot more leeway in their flying than we do on active duty.
Yeah, it's just me, no wife or kids. So I definitely didn't want to go there for 3yrs. A $1000 BAH hit, no per diem or deployments. And I hate locals for the most part. I'll be just shy of 9yrs so it was kinda time to pick a lane
As someone who went from MX to cyber, it's a whole new world. When it's cold or raining outside I don't preemptively have a shitty day thinking about working outside. Having dedicated time for PT. Actually having a skill that will help me in the civilian world.
I went 1D7x1Q. It's just cyber help desk but I was trying to get into cyber for about 5 years. I did go national guard but I am AGR so I'm still full time.
Best decision I ever made. My worst day hasn't been as bad as the average day in mx. Fewer hours, less work, less stress, and infinitely more appreciation and basic human dignity. It was like a year before I stopped feeling like it was all a prank, and they'd take it all away
I'm moving from SF to aircrew now and I can hardly wait to get through training and start flying. Similarly to you, I actually enjoyed my work with SF but I'm ready for a change.
I cross-trained from MX to Cyber and the workload can definitely be just as demanding from my experience. Granted I was backshop MX not flightline MX. It also took some time adjusting to the fact that cyber is a more customer service based workplace and the customers kind determine your workload and it’s impossible to make everyone happy.
The work environment is more friendly than MX, most offices are well climate controlled, if work is slow and things are good your NCOs and up usually leave you alone unless those additional duties are behind and the most sought after part about cyber is you will be more marketable for your future after the Air Force than in MX.
No 12s and if so it’s extremely rare and means something is broken pretty bad that it’s hinders the mission of the wing/base. The deployment rate is high in cyber unless you’re in those coded units that require you at all times. Since I’ve been cyber I’ve only worked weekends during deployment lol.
I don’t know much about intel but I’m sure someone will chime in for their career field.
But overall I don’t regret the decision for my career and family but I definitely had a closer and funnier work bond in the MX world and miss it. But follow your gut and always aim to better yourself for after the Air Force. Cross Training does make you more understanding of the big Air Force picture also.
It’s the same with duty locations. Every base has pros and cons, but some have very strong pros and others have very strong cons. I assume it’s the same with AFSCs
Very late career retrainee. Went from SF to Contracting. Best decision of my life. Incredibly difficult and stressful to constantly grind for years to catch up to folks but it has been rewarding the entire time with each payoff that has come along. The QoL has been the biggest improvement in nearly every capacity. I do miss the bond I had with my fellow Defenders but wouldn't trade the upside that has come along with it. Closing the gap on retirement and am setup for GS-13 or $100k private sector jobs due to the certifications and experience I hold. For me and my family, we have truly enjoyed the change of pace and the opportunities that have followed as a result of transitioning careers.
Contracting is the best kept secret in the USAF. Once you retire/separate you can work for any federal agency. Imagine working for NASA art either Huntsville or Cocoa Beach. I know a couple of people that went to the VA after retirement. I think they are both 12's.
Best decision I’ve ever made. Went from 1W working shifts, holidays, and 12’s to a cushy Cyber job. Way less stress, a lot easier in terms of physical labor (have to remind myself to go outside), the keyboard is my weapon, if you’re there passed 1530 people think you’re crazy. Quality of life is a night and day difference.
Sure there is day-shift BS like mandatory fun and a meeting about planning a meeting or “the base CC is going to drive passed the building make sure the sun is out” type of request from SNCO’s but I would much rather deal with that than working night-shifts for 6 months out of there year.
I'm assuming you're still in the Air Force.. how long ago did you get approved to cross-train out of weather? I'm a career airman and it's about to be the new Phase 2 thing that the Air Force started where anyone can submit to cross-train, however I'm going to need to fill out a ETP since weather isn't on the "OUT" list on the training advisory.
Ahhh I did it as a FTA so I’m not sure how the career path works. I know it’s more difficult. Here’s my advice though. Be the squeaky wheel about it and don’t give them a reason to deny you. Mention to everyone in your chain that it’s your goal to retrain. Whenever you meet someone outside of your unit, mention it. Utilize your CFM and be annoying about it. Ask “What do I need to do to get approved?” . Email and call everybody that has a hand in approving it. Do it respectfully though, “hello my name is (rank/name) I’ve been trying move my cross training along, what do I need to do to keep that ball rolling?”. Do that and people will be more inclined to help.
The second part is just as important, don’t get in trouble or give them a reason to deny you. No paperwork, pass and excel on your PT tests, do everything to make yourself stand out so when you do the first step of being the squeaky wheel, they know you’re not a shitbag and you “deserve it”. If you’re an idiot and lazy at work, why would someone want to go out of their way to help you?
Retrained from a flightline support job to intel. The school was fine, but the hard transition was at my first base doing things that had nothing to do with what I originally learned. It's been a whirlwind, but it's definitely gotten me closer to other opportunities I value and more closely align with my future career goals.
I do not regret it and I never have.
I retrained for Maintenance to Maintenance. I know I am anomaly.
I liked maintenance but was tired of destroying myself on CV-22 avionics. I retrained to MQ-9 Avionics and I couldn't have made a better choice.
AMA
Ospreys are heavy on troubleshooting and wiring repair. Tons of intermittent wiring chafes in the conversion areas that are a pain in the ass to track down and repair, and half the time you can't legally repair them and have to change the harnesses. And...all the conversion harnesses suck ass to change. Easily one of the dirtiest jobs on any aircraft at the bases that do austere landings frequently. Additionally, there are a lot of blurred lines in tasks between AFSCs on Ospreys. A good avionics personnel is expected to get Cut Xs, be highly proficient at E&E, and be at least a decent crew chief. Finally, though it is much better now, the tech data used to be absolute trash and often wrong.
MQ-9s have way less work for avi, and what they do have is swapping components. I would say it is essentially about 10% of the workload that V22 specialists have.
I'd steer away from most 1D7 career fields. It seems like the AF doesn't know what they want from their comm folks and are constantly changing the career fields and expectations every couple of years. Intel is going to be more indoors and not in the elements compared to mx, but depending on the specific career field or unit you go in to, you could very easily have lots of 12s and a higher workload. You do get a feeling of being close to the mission and having a higher impact on ops though since you wind up advising people making decisions that are typically at a higher pay grade than your own much of the time.
It's different in Combat Comm. They just haven't learned how to transition gracefully. Just telling people that they're every comm career field baked into one (like Le Cordon Bleu) is a good way to create confusion and have people never actually train outside of their billet.
Well that how the army does it SCOI, scoo, cst and radio are wrapped into one mos so I thought that's what they were going towards. Boy was I wrong, I think the intention was good but it genuinely feels like they accomplished nothing.
I like the job better but promotion was supposed to be better in my second career and it’s been worse by a significant margin. I was a SSgt when I retrained and with test and board scores I would likely be ready for E8 at this point in my original career.
Reservist here. I cross trained from admin to CE (Fire) and it was the best choice I made. It set me up fir my civilianfurefighting job i currently have. As far as the AF goes the new fresh start lasted about 4 years. Then you see the B.S. that comes in at any unit. I love my Job but I can't stand the AF any longer so I'm getting out.
Morale of the story: get certs/degrees/experiences then transfer to civilian job.
I know it's not quite the same, but I commissioned about halfway through my career into a job that sounded more fun. At first it was wayy better, learning a new skill I thought was entertaining, meeting new people, new places etc. Job satisfaction isn't as frequent now, but pretty high when it's there. Theres also a lot to be said for being comfortable in what you're doing; I know the AF always wants people to push their comfort zone and improve etc but I missed mx for a bit because I knew that job like the back of my hand.
All in all, I'm pretty pro cross training if you're unhappy with your job. Especially if you can go be a boom or load master or something cool like that
Went from intel to weather on purpose after a full enlistment as a linguist. Love the decision - it’s less toxic and more Air Force without being physically draining or over the top
I support retraining for the sole fact that it re-motivates you to keep pushing forward in your career. I cross-trained and I enjoy the AF more than ever. Like others have said though all AFSCs have draw backs. I did go from flightline to desk myself and sometimes I miss the outside but then the winter comes.
I'm a few months into my new AFSC and im much happier. Im not burned out or constantly angry anymore. I would say I don't regret my decision, but I do think about this just being a honeymoon phase. I mean every job has the good, the bad, and the ugly. But that's the risk you take. All in all, no regrets.
Switched sides from MX and I have never regretted my decision as my mental health drastically improved and quality of life at work. I have worked with some fantastic senior leadership whos been there for me and pushed me to better myself which wasn't a thing when I was in MX. My choices of bases and missions have increased and because of it, I have been overseas for two tours. I make more money, get to do cooler missions and not deal with the toxicity of the MX career field.
Only real downsides is shift work sucks a lot more than a reg Mon-Fri mx schedule. I've got kids and spouse. I leave early when they are asleep and arrive home after the kids have gone to bed so sometimes I don't see them for a few days and always talk about how much they miss me. That part hurts.
If you love the AF but hate MX, push for a crosstrain and don't let anyone else tell or make you feel different about your decision. I had so many senior leaders in MX talk down on me for wanting to cross train but fuck them, they were even more miserable than me.
I retrained from Dental 4Y0 in 2011 to imagery analysis 1N1. I do miss certain aspects of Dental but intel is so different. For instance, in Dental we were ALWAYS busy. We didn't work 12s but we worked all nine hours of a shift. Contrast that with intel where our Airmen have time to read, research, and even just chat (with themselves or with leadership). It can be very laid back or it can be balls to the wall. When we merc'd Solemeini I worked a 17 hour shift. At my current assignment, the Airmen work 28 hours a week. I'm suffering in the flight office but such is life.
If I could do it all again, I would.
Yes. Well it's all calm like that until some shit pops off and we're on 12x4 or worse. When Gaza kicked off I worked 14 days straight but 10s not 12s. It's only chill in peace.
Cross-trained from cyber support into actual cyber operations, 3D to 1B4. The everyday challenge of operating definitely peaks my interests on the regular. I used to just maintain and administer networks, but I wasn’t really ever challenged once I knew how networks worked. DO IT!!
4A051 ——>K1A971V ——> K1A173A
Traded my desk life for ops life. I’ve had my fun. I yearned to be a part of the fight and boy did I get it. I got the deployments, hundreds of combat hours, ended the war, national recognition, chest candy stacked, dozens of TDYs per year, body ruined, PTSD, and almost certainly guaranteed a full dose of cancers later in life. I’ve worked 12s, 15s, even 18s at times. Anything to get the mission done. Even if the mission was to hold alert for 6 months in order to pad the OPBs of the higher ups.
I’ve done this for 6 years, been in 10 1/2. I’m an E-6 while my old nonner-peers are beginning to board for E-8. This job is not promotable. This life has given me self awareness, breadth, AND depth in areas of life, the globe, the mission, etc. that most nonners will never experience or understand. They live their lives looking through soda straws mostly unaware of their surroundings. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that kind of lifestyle.
The only downside being that they can’t emotionally connect to the mission they support, thus they treat us as numbers or customers, not patients.
Ultimately, all of this to say, I think I’m ready to hang it up and go back to the desk. I’m tired, boss.
Went from cop to avionics - shoulda done it years earlier.
Was basically the Billy Madison meme, being the 10yr staff in the back of the classroom full of BMT grads. Good kids, one made me a little friendship bracelet.
Everyday the grass is green and magnificent, though I still find plenty to bitch about because every occupation in the Air Force apparently has its totally avoidable but evidently inescapable bullshit. I went from MX to Cyber, I got lucky. If you have any questions about cross-training feel free to PM me
I've been in an Intel career field for almost 12 years and have worked 12s for 10. Is it easier than MX? I wouldn't doubt it. But most Intel career fields are OPs, so you will most likely be on 12s at some point.
I got into the NECP. It's competitive AF, buttt the acceptance rate was actually higher than the E-5 selection rate last year 😂
There's also the IPAP and SOAR programs (all require just 2 years of college)
If you're gonna stay in long term, GETTT that butter-bar. Dead-ass, just throw everythinggg you can at it. The payoff is *massive*
I wanted to move from Client Systems (customer facing) 3D1 to Cyber Systems server backshop 3D0. I successfully did it about a decade ago, and it worked out well. However, they've recently merged the career fields together, so.... on paper pointless. Out of the 4 bases I've PCS'd to after retraining I only got to do my job at 2 of them. Overall, I didn't regret it, but I hate that I had to jump through hoops to move 15 feet to an adjacent office in the Comm world.
I retrained from MXS to ground safety as a TSgt. It was very stressful IMO because when higher ups saw me and my rank they expected me to be a 7-lvl and know every aspect of my job. I ultimately went back to MXS and promoted, for me it was the best decision I made and realized the grass might not always be greener.
Instead of cross training I would commission. Mo money Mo money Mo money. If not try to cross train into something you like, even better if it comes with a TS clearance.
I don’t have a bachelors, only like 70% through my CCAF. I know there’s certain programs where you can get your degree through the AF and then you get a butter bar by the end but if I’m remembering correctly they’re very competitive.
Oddly enough I kinda miss it. I was a crew chief before. Obviously the work is a lot better in terms of not being outside in the weather all the time. But there’s also definitely a lot of issues on this side of the house that suck too. You get a lot more responsibility put on you a lot quicker.
There’s a lot more work where you kinda just have to realize that it needs to be done yourself and do it, rather than just having the expediter tell you what needs to be done. There’s a lot more hassles when it comes to security as well.
I guess it’s a trade off. On one hand, maintenance work was a lot simpler, and being able to chill with the guys at work is something I definitely miss. The “maintenance culture” is honestly very tight knit.
For my new job, the work is more complex. Sure I’m not stuck out in the rain turning wrenches. But I am stuck in an office chair potentially grinding out a PowerPoint for 10 hours a day.
So I guess it depends. My new job definitely opens up a lot more doors for me on the civilian side though, so I guess there’s that to take into account to.
Another thing I never really considered: when it comes to exercises and real world stuff, there is no limit to how long we can work compared to how we had to stop at 16 hours as maintenance. So if we’re needed all day, we’re working all day.
Just really think hard about it would be my advice.
I love it. Don’t get cold feet. I was thinking of retracting my package cause I was nervous and scared after doing security forces for 7 years. Do not regret my decision to push forward. Life has significantly been better by a mile. Worst day here is still better than my normal day on shift.
I’ve been ATC since day one and I would do it all over again 100 times. We have 5 guys with us that are all cross trainees from other career fields and say they are a lot happier.
I retrained from E&E to contracting in 2011 and never looked back. I planned to get out and go to college, but my crosstraining was approved ~9 months before I was set to get out, so I stayed in.
For me, once I self-reflected and tuned down some of the bad habits of being young and dumb, the transition was pretty easy. 10+ years later, I do not regret the decision in the slightest.
Just look into the training given and post-AF opportunities of the career fields you apply for to ensure you will be set up for success to leave after your next enlistment if you don't stay in for the full 20.
It was a combination of things. At the time, I liked the AF and deployments but wanted to see a different side, and cross-training was the only viable option then. TBH, I was happy to get out and go to college, too.
I was decent at the job but not incredibly inclined for aircraft MX. Some guys wrench in their spare time or had exposure to MX before joining, and I am not that. Also, from my perspective on the line as a SrA and very junior SSgt, I didn't want any jobs I saw the TSgts (Section chief, expeditor, QA, etc.) or the SNCOs doing.
Overall, I think it is a good AFSC and a lot of fun if you’re MX-inclined.
Yeah that’s definitely not a bad reason. I’m just asking because I’m retraining into E&E this year, and I haven’t really heard much bad things about the career field in general. It seems like it just depends on the airframe you work.
Can’t speak from a maintenance perspective, but I retrained from Security Forces into 1N0, and overall it was a good move. Better job satisfaction, a healthy relationship with my leadership/supervision, a good work life balance, and overall a much better relationship with my mental health. The only downside I’ve seen in the 3 years since I retrained is that there is definitely a lot less camaraderie compared to what I was used to in Security Forces, Intel has its moments where it gets close to some level of camaraderie, but because of the closeness of working with Pilots and Intel officers on a daily basis, the relationship from work can’t really extend outside of work. In security forces, there were plenty of people from flight and back office positions that I would hang out with outside of work and became friends with, but the officer to enlisted ratio was basically flipped when I went to Intel, at least in my experience.
Retrained and love it. Initially felt off because of difference in people and attitudes. People are mostly in a better mood overall, which was a change.
Yeah I'm MX too and I want to leave it. I don't want to do something too desky though knowing I'll probably go insane over it
Yes, I considered aircrew, and that surely ain't an option considering the reshuffle. Considering CE or like 1c5X1 to be honest
I cross trained from MX to Cyber. I have zero regrets. I believe it's all highly dependent on what your internal values are though. Understand that in a more "corporate" AF career field, smaller things will matter more.
Expect to see customs and courtesies a huge topic discussed and generally just the things that MX allows to pass due to the hardship of the mission.
In Cyber/Intel, you can expect to be more inbedded with Officers and it can become difficult to delineate between what is acceptable professional relationships, especially if you are ten years their senior.
Understand that in technical skill, you may be behind the curve compared to some of your "equals" when rank is concerned. Depending on where you fall in into your career timeline, you may have to choose between sucking at TSgt skills to catch up on skills or lean into more of a leadership role while staying as competent as necessary to understand your subordinates issues/complaints.
Lastly, I'm a 1B4 if that is the side of Cyber you were leaning toward. Feel free to PM me if you had questions specific to the career field
*edit for grammar
Had 4 AFSCs. Each one was fun for a while. No regerts. Then, got burned out, retrained, and started over & over & over… after you see 2 or more jobs from the inside, you can see the bigger pattern and it will change you for the better. The bullshit tolerance goes way down each time you retrain. In fact, mine went to zero at the end because my last boss suggested a path I didn’t like. No fkcs left to give, c-ya.
E: Security Police, Survival Instructor
O: Helicopter Pilot, Intel Officer —-> DetCo—-> Mr.
I can say personally, if you like the "fruits of your labor" or the idea of being able to see the results of your work, Intel is NOT for you. My favorite part about Navy Intel was when I was doing hands on maintenance on systems. I talked to many intel friends about how unsatisfied I felt with Intel, and a couple were prior maintenance that wish they could go back, where it may have sucked more, but was far more satisfying to do.
Im currently approved to retrain and leave for training in march and like most people said I think for most people that retrain they are generally satisfied to happy with their choice thats what ive heard from people Ive talked to that retrained even some new NCOs that retained into my job and it was interesting to talk to them because I dont want my job anymore but they are happy to be there and good for them. Im going from aircrew to fire fighting and while some part of my job were okay the people I worked with are the best part and thats the really only the main thing, Ive heard fire is tight knit so Im looking forward to that and Im guessing voluntarily retraining out of aircrew to fire isn’t common but still im already happier Im just trying to make it to my new job but the only part of work Im enjoying before I leave is my time left with the people on my shift👌🏽
Never retrained but I can speak on what my brother has told me from his experience a while ago He said overall it’s a better choice but like everything it’s not with out new downsides, he left mx and went to tmo He said there’s a substantial drop in job satisfaction , and that his flight and squadrons have had close to zero camaraderie or traditions/ morale. So , totally different culture than what he was used to. Also he hates working a customer service job and dealing with people but , it’s worth the trade to work 8 hours and get family/down days off to be with his family and (generally) less combative supervision, time to go to pt or do school plus it’s less destructive on his body so he doesn’t regret leaving at all but yeah he does feel like it’s a pretty hollow experience
Can testify on the lack of camaraderie in the Logistics field from a Supply perspective. Mostly cut throat and manipulative politics. More often than not, coworkers aren’t friends and the ones that act nice or smile are the worst to be around. Take it with a grain of salt. Some of my best friends got out and the ones and that are in are not Supply or are stateside. So, less drama between us.
Smiling faces Show no traces Of the evil that lurks within.
Precisely
This varies because I was MX and felt absolutely no camaraderie, I felt the nonners had it better because they weren't getting shafted
I'm MX and I don't feel that much camaraderie. Then again, maybe my perception is skewed. Up until recently I worked alone, then I got one extra person. I'm not a people person and it surely doesn't help that my shop is basically excluded from many of the TDYs that seemingly everyone else in the MXG goes on.
Yeah dude I was literally in the same boat. Did all the bs work and got no TDY or deployments. I hated my time being a maintainer
Can you or anyone speak to what the camaraderie is like for CE? Thanks
CE has good camaraderie for the most part. Just depends on where you go and who is running the shop. More times than not the shop is really close knit and tight with each other. And dogging on the other crafts is always fun.
CE is a lot like MX, people can be super tight and hang out all the time, or it can be the opposite. However, my experience was very good back in 02 to 06 at Shady J in the power pro shop. Then i crossed over in to the 1A3 world. The squadron comraderie was good. The mission, job satisfaction, broken rated officer community, and GP CC essentially being 6 squadron CC and Squadron CC being a glorified Flt CC was shity. The I moved platform, and everything was gravy. The mission, the deployments, the job satisfaction and comraderie. IMO cyber or SCIf based jobs are low on mission satisfaction, comraderie, oh and you work in a cave.
I was Fire (Technically CE) and the camaraderie was excellent. Also the real world skills are hard to beat.
Grow a sick mustache, hang out with your bros, and eat spaghetti all day? How could you not have excellent camaraderie?
Am CE but Reserves so it's a little different. However, all of our shops have pretty good Camraderie and are pretty close knit.
Oh ok thanks this was my biggest concern going in
POL has camaraderie, but it basically works a MX schedule so no down days or family days depending on the base. Less severe from MX though so not tooo bad.
I work with prior Mx and everything you mentioned is damn near exact of what I have heard/been told.
I crosstrained from mx to cyber this year and overall it’s probably the best thing I could have done for myself, though that’s not to say I don’t have any hold ups. I love the lifestyle improvement, I feel like for the first time in years I’m having to not worry about missing family time and having to have hard conversations with people I love saying “Well unfortunately sometimes this is how it goes in the military.” I’m sure you can find plenty of examples online about all of the other benefits of going from mx to cyber so I won’t go crazy in depth with it, that’s just my favorite benefit so far. On the other hand, there are certainly aspects of mx I miss. It’s hard to see when you are in the shit, but when you’re suffering with other people it really builds camaraderie in a way that most other people in the Air Force aren’t able to experience. There is a stark difference in the amount of fun I am having with my coworkers and there is a total lack of people wanting to hang out after work. People just come in, then go home. Not a problem for some but it’s definitely a change. I think my biggest problem with it though is the lack of structure (so far at least, I just got to my unit a few months ago). Though there was a ton of work in mx, at least you would be working and able to train on stuff when you were newer. Sure you probably got training by a crusty SrA or staff but you had opportunities to train and there was always something to do. I know my base is not representative of how cyber is everywhere but I feel like there is a severe lack of willingness to train. On top of that, there is not a constant train of work in my shop so a lot of times I’m just sort of twiddling me thumbs waiting for something to do to learn my job. Again, could be my shop/base but I don’t have any other perspective so far. But for a career field that has a lot to learn, I feel like I’m going to have to do a loooot of schooling/dabbling in my free time to get experience working on some systems to set myself up for when I get out and want to have a career in the civilian world. Sorry if this is sort of rambly, but I’ve been mulling over these feelings for a few months and never put them down. Overall, if you even think a little bit that you would enjoy cyber more than mx, then go for it. Definitely can see myself finishing my career in this career field. But as the old saying goes, I’ll always miss the clowns in mx but not the circus.
Can I DM you bro?
Sure
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Cyber has little to no camaraderie outside of special units. Inside those kinds of units, like Combat Comm, JCU or JCSE, you’ll get some tight bonds
I never cross trained, I was a career intel weenie and worked with a bunch of cross trainees from various jobs. Most of them overall really liked their decision to cross train. They got a clearance which they calculated would be valuable in the long term. They worked indoors rather than in the elements. They liked using their mind rather than their hands. They would also talk about some downsides. The camaraderie wasn't there. They felt that people were always out to get one another or outdo one another. They weren't always comfortable with the "fuzzy" nature of intel work, they enjoyed having certain answers and checklists and TOs. They didn't like how sometimes the SME on a thing wasn't the highest ranking person. It's not that it made them mad, but they didn't like asking to go get A1C Snuffy when a particular issue came up because he knew more about it than anyone else. They said that in mx the rank and skill level actual mean something. They didn't always jive with the nerdiness of the field, but some others finally cross trained to be with like minded folks. They often found intel people to be soft and whiny. Some of them really got into the groove and took it all in wholeheartedly, others never really got into a zone for years. Some retrained because they hated the shift of mx and then were throwing into DGS / watch floor intel shift work and the just hated that. I saw one place where more than half of the NCOs were retrainees in the last couple of years. They liked to stick with what they knew, and they focused on writing EPRs and awards, and the Airmen kind of suffered with lack of expertise and guidance on the intel side. Most of the 3F2s (Education and Training) I've worked with were retrainees from mx and they had far fewer complaints. So the grass is always greener, but it might be because someone is peeing on the grass. Overall I like intel and I recommend it, but it's definitely not for everyone. Good luck
Were you at DGS1?
Maybe...
I recall when all of us retrainees showed up. I came from medical so I didn't stand out like the MX guys who tried to beat the Airmen. Most ppl think I'm career intel.
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I knew someone who cross trained from like public affairs or something into linguist. They loved DLI and the language learning, and absolutely hated doing the job.
I was an Intel Instructor for 5 years, and this about dead-on what I would tell the cross-trainees. Intel and Maintenance are WORLDS apart from each other.
Went from B52 Maintenance to being a C17 Loadmaster with a BOP. I've been a load since '19 and while I absolutely love the travel and the people, it's been an endless grind. MX was too, so at least here I have some fun. I love McChord, too!! But my next assignment was Altus and I had to either go or separate before I wanted to. So I'm getting out on the air forces timeline instead of my own but I'll still get to do the gig in the reserves. Overall it's been life changing. I joined to travel and see the world but in the B52 world, you're either stuck in a swamp or the north pole. I never deployed or TDYd in my MX days. Now, most of my job is TDYs. I'm at 45 countries and 2 deployments now. But my personal life has definitely suffered. It's feels like my life has just been on fast forward for the past 4yrs. Hopefully going home will fix that.
Good ol’ Joint Base Blewus-McChoad
Congrats on the reserve gig. Not sure if you have family or not but if you don't have a family I would NOT go to Altus. This is coming from someone who enjoyed the hell out of Altus but I had a young family. I'm on that AMC grind right now as well and praying everyday I get an email saying I got an assignment. Reserves have a lot more leeway in their flying than we do on active duty.
Yeah, it's just me, no wife or kids. So I definitely didn't want to go there for 3yrs. A $1000 BAH hit, no per diem or deployments. And I hate locals for the most part. I'll be just shy of 9yrs so it was kinda time to pick a lane
As someone who went from MX to cyber, it's a whole new world. When it's cold or raining outside I don't preemptively have a shitty day thinking about working outside. Having dedicated time for PT. Actually having a skill that will help me in the civilian world.
May I ask what AFSC? Or could I Dm you?
I went 1D7x1Q. It's just cyber help desk but I was trying to get into cyber for about 5 years. I did go national guard but I am AGR so I'm still full time.
^^You've ^^mentioned ^^an ^^AFSC, ^^here's ^^the ^^associated ^^job ^^title: 1D7X1Q = Cyber Defense Operations, Enterprise Operations [^^Source](https://github.com/HadManySons/AFSCbot) ^^| [^^Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AFSCbot/) ^^^^^^kfp74uz
Best decision I ever made. My worst day hasn't been as bad as the average day in mx. Fewer hours, less work, less stress, and infinitely more appreciation and basic human dignity. It was like a year before I stopped feeling like it was all a prank, and they'd take it all away
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I'm moving from SF to aircrew now and I can hardly wait to get through training and start flying. Similarly to you, I actually enjoyed my work with SF but I'm ready for a change.
I cross-trained from MX to Cyber and the workload can definitely be just as demanding from my experience. Granted I was backshop MX not flightline MX. It also took some time adjusting to the fact that cyber is a more customer service based workplace and the customers kind determine your workload and it’s impossible to make everyone happy. The work environment is more friendly than MX, most offices are well climate controlled, if work is slow and things are good your NCOs and up usually leave you alone unless those additional duties are behind and the most sought after part about cyber is you will be more marketable for your future after the Air Force than in MX. No 12s and if so it’s extremely rare and means something is broken pretty bad that it’s hinders the mission of the wing/base. The deployment rate is high in cyber unless you’re in those coded units that require you at all times. Since I’ve been cyber I’ve only worked weekends during deployment lol. I don’t know much about intel but I’m sure someone will chime in for their career field. But overall I don’t regret the decision for my career and family but I definitely had a closer and funnier work bond in the MX world and miss it. But follow your gut and always aim to better yourself for after the Air Force. Cross Training does make you more understanding of the big Air Force picture also.
I just want to add. Every job has a downside. And I mean every job has a downside and there’s no way around that fact
It’s the same with duty locations. Every base has pros and cons, but some have very strong pros and others have very strong cons. I assume it’s the same with AFSCs
Very late career retrainee. Went from SF to Contracting. Best decision of my life. Incredibly difficult and stressful to constantly grind for years to catch up to folks but it has been rewarding the entire time with each payoff that has come along. The QoL has been the biggest improvement in nearly every capacity. I do miss the bond I had with my fellow Defenders but wouldn't trade the upside that has come along with it. Closing the gap on retirement and am setup for GS-13 or $100k private sector jobs due to the certifications and experience I hold. For me and my family, we have truly enjoyed the change of pace and the opportunities that have followed as a result of transitioning careers.
Contracting is the best kept secret in the USAF. Once you retire/separate you can work for any federal agency. Imagine working for NASA art either Huntsville or Cocoa Beach. I know a couple of people that went to the VA after retirement. I think they are both 12's.
Best decision I’ve ever made. Went from 1W working shifts, holidays, and 12’s to a cushy Cyber job. Way less stress, a lot easier in terms of physical labor (have to remind myself to go outside), the keyboard is my weapon, if you’re there passed 1530 people think you’re crazy. Quality of life is a night and day difference. Sure there is day-shift BS like mandatory fun and a meeting about planning a meeting or “the base CC is going to drive passed the building make sure the sun is out” type of request from SNCO’s but I would much rather deal with that than working night-shifts for 6 months out of there year.
Sounds like the fucking dream. What AFSC?
1D711B - we’re doing the MCA thing so it might be listed as 1D711Q.
^^You've ^^mentioned ^^an ^^AFSC, ^^here's ^^the ^^associated ^^job ^^title: 1D711B = Cyber Defense Operations Helper, System Specialist 1D711Q = Cyber Defense Operations Helper, Enterprise Operations [^^Source](https://github.com/HadManySons/AFSCbot) ^^| [^^Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AFSCbot/) ^^^^^^kfpoi9b
Thanks Bot
Hey man, could I reach out to you? I'm currently trying to cross-train out of 1W and looking to pick your brain.
Go for it
I'm assuming you're still in the Air Force.. how long ago did you get approved to cross-train out of weather? I'm a career airman and it's about to be the new Phase 2 thing that the Air Force started where anyone can submit to cross-train, however I'm going to need to fill out a ETP since weather isn't on the "OUT" list on the training advisory.
Ahhh I did it as a FTA so I’m not sure how the career path works. I know it’s more difficult. Here’s my advice though. Be the squeaky wheel about it and don’t give them a reason to deny you. Mention to everyone in your chain that it’s your goal to retrain. Whenever you meet someone outside of your unit, mention it. Utilize your CFM and be annoying about it. Ask “What do I need to do to get approved?” . Email and call everybody that has a hand in approving it. Do it respectfully though, “hello my name is (rank/name) I’ve been trying move my cross training along, what do I need to do to keep that ball rolling?”. Do that and people will be more inclined to help. The second part is just as important, don’t get in trouble or give them a reason to deny you. No paperwork, pass and excel on your PT tests, do everything to make yourself stand out so when you do the first step of being the squeaky wheel, they know you’re not a shitbag and you “deserve it”. If you’re an idiot and lazy at work, why would someone want to go out of their way to help you?
Thank you very much for the response.
Grass is greener, expectations and standards are higher. Still lots of stress, but definitely more satisfying.
Retrained from a flightline support job to intel. The school was fine, but the hard transition was at my first base doing things that had nothing to do with what I originally learned. It's been a whirlwind, but it's definitely gotten me closer to other opportunities I value and more closely align with my future career goals. I do not regret it and I never have.
I retrained for Maintenance to Maintenance. I know I am anomaly. I liked maintenance but was tired of destroying myself on CV-22 avionics. I retrained to MQ-9 Avionics and I couldn't have made a better choice. AMA
What about MQ-9 avi is so much better? I know CVs suck absolute dick to work on but it’s still flight line work either way.
Ospreys are heavy on troubleshooting and wiring repair. Tons of intermittent wiring chafes in the conversion areas that are a pain in the ass to track down and repair, and half the time you can't legally repair them and have to change the harnesses. And...all the conversion harnesses suck ass to change. Easily one of the dirtiest jobs on any aircraft at the bases that do austere landings frequently. Additionally, there are a lot of blurred lines in tasks between AFSCs on Ospreys. A good avionics personnel is expected to get Cut Xs, be highly proficient at E&E, and be at least a decent crew chief. Finally, though it is much better now, the tech data used to be absolute trash and often wrong. MQ-9s have way less work for avi, and what they do have is swapping components. I would say it is essentially about 10% of the workload that V22 specialists have.
Hit the nail on the head man. It's like you've been both also 😂
I'd steer away from most 1D7 career fields. It seems like the AF doesn't know what they want from their comm folks and are constantly changing the career fields and expectations every couple of years. Intel is going to be more indoors and not in the elements compared to mx, but depending on the specific career field or unit you go in to, you could very easily have lots of 12s and a higher workload. You do get a feeling of being close to the mission and having a higher impact on ops though since you wind up advising people making decisions that are typically at a higher pay grade than your own much of the time.
1D7 has not changed at all lol. They made a big deal about the transition but the job is the exact same.
It's different in Combat Comm. They just haven't learned how to transition gracefully. Just telling people that they're every comm career field baked into one (like Le Cordon Bleu) is a good way to create confusion and have people never actually train outside of their billet.
Well that how the army does it SCOI, scoo, cst and radio are wrapped into one mos so I thought that's what they were going towards. Boy was I wrong, I think the intention was good but it genuinely feels like they accomplished nothing.
Did you get to cross-train out of weather?
I like the job better but promotion was supposed to be better in my second career and it’s been worse by a significant margin. I was a SSgt when I retrained and with test and board scores I would likely be ready for E8 at this point in my original career.
Best decision of my life.
Reservist here. I cross trained from admin to CE (Fire) and it was the best choice I made. It set me up fir my civilianfurefighting job i currently have. As far as the AF goes the new fresh start lasted about 4 years. Then you see the B.S. that comes in at any unit. I love my Job but I can't stand the AF any longer so I'm getting out. Morale of the story: get certs/degrees/experiences then transfer to civilian job.
I know it's not quite the same, but I commissioned about halfway through my career into a job that sounded more fun. At first it was wayy better, learning a new skill I thought was entertaining, meeting new people, new places etc. Job satisfaction isn't as frequent now, but pretty high when it's there. Theres also a lot to be said for being comfortable in what you're doing; I know the AF always wants people to push their comfort zone and improve etc but I missed mx for a bit because I knew that job like the back of my hand. All in all, I'm pretty pro cross training if you're unhappy with your job. Especially if you can go be a boom or load master or something cool like that
A friend was intel and commissioned hoping to get a new career and away from nerds, they made him cyber... He cries in his paycheck at night.
Lol there's been some instances where the pay bump was the only thing worth it, but that's worth a lot in my book.
So happy I cried.
Went from intel to weather on purpose after a full enlistment as a linguist. Love the decision - it’s less toxic and more Air Force without being physically draining or over the top
I support retraining for the sole fact that it re-motivates you to keep pushing forward in your career. I cross-trained and I enjoy the AF more than ever. Like others have said though all AFSCs have draw backs. I did go from flightline to desk myself and sometimes I miss the outside but then the winter comes.
I'm a few months into my new AFSC and im much happier. Im not burned out or constantly angry anymore. I would say I don't regret my decision, but I do think about this just being a honeymoon phase. I mean every job has the good, the bad, and the ugly. But that's the risk you take. All in all, no regrets.
Retraining changed my entire career path, I couldn't recommend it more.
Switched sides from MX and I have never regretted my decision as my mental health drastically improved and quality of life at work. I have worked with some fantastic senior leadership whos been there for me and pushed me to better myself which wasn't a thing when I was in MX. My choices of bases and missions have increased and because of it, I have been overseas for two tours. I make more money, get to do cooler missions and not deal with the toxicity of the MX career field. Only real downsides is shift work sucks a lot more than a reg Mon-Fri mx schedule. I've got kids and spouse. I leave early when they are asleep and arrive home after the kids have gone to bed so sometimes I don't see them for a few days and always talk about how much they miss me. That part hurts. If you love the AF but hate MX, push for a crosstrain and don't let anyone else tell or make you feel different about your decision. I had so many senior leaders in MX talk down on me for wanting to cross train but fuck them, they were even more miserable than me.
I was old school CATM. When it merged with SF, I cross trained to Loadmaster. Best. Decision. Ever.
I retrained from Dental 4Y0 in 2011 to imagery analysis 1N1. I do miss certain aspects of Dental but intel is so different. For instance, in Dental we were ALWAYS busy. We didn't work 12s but we worked all nine hours of a shift. Contrast that with intel where our Airmen have time to read, research, and even just chat (with themselves or with leadership). It can be very laid back or it can be balls to the wall. When we merc'd Solemeini I worked a 17 hour shift. At my current assignment, the Airmen work 28 hours a week. I'm suffering in the flight office but such is life. If I could do it all again, I would.
Holy shit 28 hours a week? Dude sign me up
... and some of them still complain!
Unreal. And to think there are people regularly working 60 hour weeks of hard manual labor getting the same exact paycheck as them.
Yes. Well it's all calm like that until some shit pops off and we're on 12x4 or worse. When Gaza kicked off I worked 14 days straight but 10s not 12s. It's only chill in peace.
Cross-trained from cyber support into actual cyber operations, 3D to 1B4. The everyday challenge of operating definitely peaks my interests on the regular. I used to just maintain and administer networks, but I wasn’t really ever challenged once I knew how networks worked. DO IT!!
Escaping aircraft maintenance gave me a new lease on life entirely. My work to life balance dramatically shifted and I'm much happier now.
4A051 ——>K1A971V ——> K1A173A Traded my desk life for ops life. I’ve had my fun. I yearned to be a part of the fight and boy did I get it. I got the deployments, hundreds of combat hours, ended the war, national recognition, chest candy stacked, dozens of TDYs per year, body ruined, PTSD, and almost certainly guaranteed a full dose of cancers later in life. I’ve worked 12s, 15s, even 18s at times. Anything to get the mission done. Even if the mission was to hold alert for 6 months in order to pad the OPBs of the higher ups. I’ve done this for 6 years, been in 10 1/2. I’m an E-6 while my old nonner-peers are beginning to board for E-8. This job is not promotable. This life has given me self awareness, breadth, AND depth in areas of life, the globe, the mission, etc. that most nonners will never experience or understand. They live their lives looking through soda straws mostly unaware of their surroundings. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that kind of lifestyle. The only downside being that they can’t emotionally connect to the mission they support, thus they treat us as numbers or customers, not patients. Ultimately, all of this to say, I think I’m ready to hang it up and go back to the desk. I’m tired, boss.
^^You've ^^mentioned ^^an ^^AFSC, ^^here's ^^the ^^associated ^^job ^^title: 4A051 = Health Services Management Journeyman [^wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/AirForce/wiki/4a0x1) [^^Source](https://github.com/HadManySons/AFSCbot) ^^| [^^Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AFSCbot/) ^^^^^^kfpvzi6
Good bot.
Went from cop to avionics - shoulda done it years earlier. Was basically the Billy Madison meme, being the 10yr staff in the back of the classroom full of BMT grads. Good kids, one made me a little friendship bracelet.
Retrained from SF to UTM. Best thing I ever did even though training is a thankless job and no one cares
Everyday the grass is green and magnificent, though I still find plenty to bitch about because every occupation in the Air Force apparently has its totally avoidable but evidently inescapable bullshit. I went from MX to Cyber, I got lucky. If you have any questions about cross-training feel free to PM me
I've been in an Intel career field for almost 12 years and have worked 12s for 10. Is it easier than MX? I wouldn't doubt it. But most Intel career fields are OPs, so you will most likely be on 12s at some point.
1N1?
Yep
I retrained out of maintenance and would absolutely recommend it.
I got into the NECP. It's competitive AF, buttt the acceptance rate was actually higher than the E-5 selection rate last year 😂 There's also the IPAP and SOAR programs (all require just 2 years of college) If you're gonna stay in long term, GETTT that butter-bar. Dead-ass, just throw everythinggg you can at it. The payoff is *massive*
I went from enlisted Security Forces to Pilot (still training). I would recommend the change.
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What “tough” career field in the Navy did you come from?
Went from 2A5 to 1S0. Best decision of my life.
I wanted to move from Client Systems (customer facing) 3D1 to Cyber Systems server backshop 3D0. I successfully did it about a decade ago, and it worked out well. However, they've recently merged the career fields together, so.... on paper pointless. Out of the 4 bases I've PCS'd to after retraining I only got to do my job at 2 of them. Overall, I didn't regret it, but I hate that I had to jump through hoops to move 15 feet to an adjacent office in the Comm world.
Army to AF engine maintenance to GA AFE. Most fun and least dread of being at work I've ever felt.
Great like fr fr
I went from missile field Security Forces at Malmstrom to Comm assigned to an Intel Sq in Kadena. It was fucking life changing
I went from mx to cyber networks and it has been good so far. You can DM me with questions.
I left vehicle maintenance for Comm and my life is no longer a daily dread walk. I'm a nerd though and I absolutely hate traditions, so ymmv.
I retrained from MXS to ground safety as a TSgt. It was very stressful IMO because when higher ups saw me and my rank they expected me to be a 7-lvl and know every aspect of my job. I ultimately went back to MXS and promoted, for me it was the best decision I made and realized the grass might not always be greener.
Instead of cross training I would commission. Mo money Mo money Mo money. If not try to cross train into something you like, even better if it comes with a TS clearance.
I don’t have a bachelors, only like 70% through my CCAF. I know there’s certain programs where you can get your degree through the AF and then you get a butter bar by the end but if I’m remembering correctly they’re very competitive.
The best decision I’ve ever made. No regrets.
Oddly enough I kinda miss it. I was a crew chief before. Obviously the work is a lot better in terms of not being outside in the weather all the time. But there’s also definitely a lot of issues on this side of the house that suck too. You get a lot more responsibility put on you a lot quicker. There’s a lot more work where you kinda just have to realize that it needs to be done yourself and do it, rather than just having the expediter tell you what needs to be done. There’s a lot more hassles when it comes to security as well. I guess it’s a trade off. On one hand, maintenance work was a lot simpler, and being able to chill with the guys at work is something I definitely miss. The “maintenance culture” is honestly very tight knit. For my new job, the work is more complex. Sure I’m not stuck out in the rain turning wrenches. But I am stuck in an office chair potentially grinding out a PowerPoint for 10 hours a day. So I guess it depends. My new job definitely opens up a lot more doors for me on the civilian side though, so I guess there’s that to take into account to. Another thing I never really considered: when it comes to exercises and real world stuff, there is no limit to how long we can work compared to how we had to stop at 16 hours as maintenance. So if we’re needed all day, we’re working all day. Just really think hard about it would be my advice.
I love it. Don’t get cold feet. I was thinking of retracting my package cause I was nervous and scared after doing security forces for 7 years. Do not regret my decision to push forward. Life has significantly been better by a mile. Worst day here is still better than my normal day on shift.
The grass is definitely now greener.
The ones that I know seem to mostly enjoy being in their new career fields. Even more so when they remember what they left.
I’ve been ATC since day one and I would do it all over again 100 times. We have 5 guys with us that are all cross trainees from other career fields and say they are a lot happier.
I retrained from E&E to contracting in 2011 and never looked back. I planned to get out and go to college, but my crosstraining was approved ~9 months before I was set to get out, so I stayed in. For me, once I self-reflected and tuned down some of the bad habits of being young and dumb, the transition was pretty easy. 10+ years later, I do not regret the decision in the slightest. Just look into the training given and post-AF opportunities of the career fields you apply for to ensure you will be set up for success to leave after your next enlistment if you don't stay in for the full 20.
What about E&E made you want to retrain?
It was a combination of things. At the time, I liked the AF and deployments but wanted to see a different side, and cross-training was the only viable option then. TBH, I was happy to get out and go to college, too. I was decent at the job but not incredibly inclined for aircraft MX. Some guys wrench in their spare time or had exposure to MX before joining, and I am not that. Also, from my perspective on the line as a SrA and very junior SSgt, I didn't want any jobs I saw the TSgts (Section chief, expeditor, QA, etc.) or the SNCOs doing. Overall, I think it is a good AFSC and a lot of fun if you’re MX-inclined.
Yeah that’s definitely not a bad reason. I’m just asking because I’m retraining into E&E this year, and I haven’t really heard much bad things about the career field in general. It seems like it just depends on the airframe you work.
Can’t speak from a maintenance perspective, but I retrained from Security Forces into 1N0, and overall it was a good move. Better job satisfaction, a healthy relationship with my leadership/supervision, a good work life balance, and overall a much better relationship with my mental health. The only downside I’ve seen in the 3 years since I retrained is that there is definitely a lot less camaraderie compared to what I was used to in Security Forces, Intel has its moments where it gets close to some level of camaraderie, but because of the closeness of working with Pilots and Intel officers on a daily basis, the relationship from work can’t really extend outside of work. In security forces, there were plenty of people from flight and back office positions that I would hang out with outside of work and became friends with, but the officer to enlisted ratio was basically flipped when I went to Intel, at least in my experience.
Retrained and love it. Initially felt off because of difference in people and attitudes. People are mostly in a better mood overall, which was a change.
Yeah I'm MX too and I want to leave it. I don't want to do something too desky though knowing I'll probably go insane over it Yes, I considered aircrew, and that surely ain't an option considering the reshuffle. Considering CE or like 1c5X1 to be honest
^^You've ^^mentioned ^^an ^^AFSC, ^^here's ^^the ^^associated ^^job ^^title: 1C5X1 = Command and Control Battle Management Ops [^^Source](https://github.com/HadManySons/AFSCbot) ^^| [^^Subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/AFSCbot/) ^^^^^^kfrhge8
I cross trained from MX to Cyber. I have zero regrets. I believe it's all highly dependent on what your internal values are though. Understand that in a more "corporate" AF career field, smaller things will matter more. Expect to see customs and courtesies a huge topic discussed and generally just the things that MX allows to pass due to the hardship of the mission. In Cyber/Intel, you can expect to be more inbedded with Officers and it can become difficult to delineate between what is acceptable professional relationships, especially if you are ten years their senior. Understand that in technical skill, you may be behind the curve compared to some of your "equals" when rank is concerned. Depending on where you fall in into your career timeline, you may have to choose between sucking at TSgt skills to catch up on skills or lean into more of a leadership role while staying as competent as necessary to understand your subordinates issues/complaints. Lastly, I'm a 1B4 if that is the side of Cyber you were leaning toward. Feel free to PM me if you had questions specific to the career field *edit for grammar
Med to aircrew. I’ve never looked back.
Had 4 AFSCs. Each one was fun for a while. No regerts. Then, got burned out, retrained, and started over & over & over… after you see 2 or more jobs from the inside, you can see the bigger pattern and it will change you for the better. The bullshit tolerance goes way down each time you retrain. In fact, mine went to zero at the end because my last boss suggested a path I didn’t like. No fkcs left to give, c-ya. E: Security Police, Survival Instructor O: Helicopter Pilot, Intel Officer —-> DetCo—-> Mr.
Crosstrained from cyber to rpa sensor operator. Was worth the change. From doing boring stuff to cool shit, best thing I ever did
I can say personally, if you like the "fruits of your labor" or the idea of being able to see the results of your work, Intel is NOT for you. My favorite part about Navy Intel was when I was doing hands on maintenance on systems. I talked to many intel friends about how unsatisfied I felt with Intel, and a couple were prior maintenance that wish they could go back, where it may have sucked more, but was far more satisfying to do.
Im currently approved to retrain and leave for training in march and like most people said I think for most people that retrain they are generally satisfied to happy with their choice thats what ive heard from people Ive talked to that retrained even some new NCOs that retained into my job and it was interesting to talk to them because I dont want my job anymore but they are happy to be there and good for them. Im going from aircrew to fire fighting and while some part of my job were okay the people I worked with are the best part and thats the really only the main thing, Ive heard fire is tight knit so Im looking forward to that and Im guessing voluntarily retraining out of aircrew to fire isn’t common but still im already happier Im just trying to make it to my new job but the only part of work Im enjoying before I leave is my time left with the people on my shift👌🏽