AMTs inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, propellers, rotor systems, power train systems, and associated airframe and systems-specific electrical components. They service, maintain and repair aircraft fuselages; wings; rotor blades; fixed and movable flight control surfaces; and also bleed aircraft air, hydraulic and fuel systems. AMTs also fill aircrew positions such as flight engineer, flight mechanic, loadmaster, dropmaster, sensor-systems operator and basic aircrewman.

Types of Duty:

AMTs are stationed at large and small Coast Guard air stations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and can be assigned to the Polar Operations Division in Mobile, Ala., in support of ice-breaking operations. AMTs maintain HC-130H (Hercules), HU-25A (Falcon), HH-60J (Jayhawk) and HH-65A (Dolphin) aircraft.

Training Available:

The initial five-month course covers basic aircraft-maintenance fundamentals. Other advanced courses cover specific aircraft systems and provide troubleshooting skills. The courses are taught at the Aviation Technical Training Center for all but the HC-130 aircraft. The Coast Guard also utilizes commercial training for advanced courses. An AMT may apply for the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, which provides personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to fill billets requiring a high level of technical expertise. This program provides up to two years of full-time college attendance to achieve a minimum of an associate degree in aeronautical technology.

Qualifications:

You must have an aptitude for mechanics. School courses in algebra, geometry, electronics and machine shop are very helpful. Candidates must pass an aircrew-candidate physical and qualify for a "Secret" security clearance.

Related Civilian Jobs:

• Flight Engineer

• Airline Maintenance Supervisor

• General/Commercial Aviation Mechanic

• General/Commercial Aircraft Inspector

• Aviation-Maintenance Instructor

• Aircraft Ground Handler

ASTs function operationally as helicopter rescue swimmers and emergency medical technicians basic. ASTs may find themselves being deployed into a myriad of challenging rescues ranging from hurricanes and cliff rescues, to emergency medical evacuations from ships at sea. ASTs also provide all survival training to aviators such as swim tests, survival lectures and shallow-water egress training. Other aircrew positions include HC-130H dropmaster, loadmaster, sensor systems operator, HU-25A dropmaster, and basic aircrewman.

In addition, ASTs perform ground handling and servicing of aircraft, and conduct routine aircraft inspections, and aviation administrative duties. ASTs inspect, service, maintain, troubleshoot and repair cargo aerial delivery systems; and drag parachute systems, aircraft oxygen systems, helicopter flotation systems, dewatering pumps, survival equipment for air-sea rescue kits, and special-purpose protective clothing. ASTs also store aviation ordnance and pyrotechnic devices.

Types of Duty:

ASTs are stationed at Coast Guard air stations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. ASTs also are assigned to the Polar Operations Division in Mobile, Ala., in support of ice-breaking operations. ASTs may serve at large or small air stations servicing HC-130H (Hercules), HH-60J (Jayhawk), and HH-65A (Dolphin) aircraft.

Training Available:

The 16-week AST 'A' School is followed by three weeks of emergency medical technician training at a training center in Petaluma, Calif.

Qualifications:

An AST must be in superior physical shape with no chronic orthopedic problems, and must possess a high level of mental acuity and outstanding military bearing. Training is extremely stressful and is designed to identify those candidates who possess the physical and mental skills to handle the rigors of being a rescue swimmer. The member must pass an aircrew-candidate physical and qualify for a "secret" security clearance.

Related Civilian Jobs:

• Emergency Medical Technician

• Aircraft Ground Handler

• Land & Water Survival Instructor

• Parachute Rigging and Repair

• Life Support Equipment Technician

• Commercial Aircraft Life Support Technician

• Paramedic

PILOT PROGRAMS FOR OFFICERS

BLUE 21 FLIGHT INITIATIVE

You'll get the opportunity to become a Coast Guard Aviator through completion of Officer Candidate School and the guarantee of an assignment to flight training.

Qualify for the The BLUE 21 Flight Initiative, and you'll get the opportunity to become a Coast Guard Aviator through completion of Officer Candidate School and the guarantee of an assignment to flight training.

In the exciting and challenging world of Coast Guard Aviation, you will have the opportunity to save lives, enforce laws, respond to natural disasters and conduct Homeland Security Operations, in addition to providing airborne support for all of the missions of the United States Coast Guard. Coast Guard Aviators are assigned to Air Stations all along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Great Lakes, where they fly one of five high-tech aircraft.

The goal of the BLUE 21 Flight Initiative is to build greater diversity in the aviation community through targeted recruitment at colleges and universities with strong minority populations.

To be eligible for BLUE 21, applicants must have graduated from a college or university with a minimum 25% minority population of U.S. citizens in addition to the academic and physical requirements listed below.

Upon completion of OCS, you will receive a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and be assigned immediately to flight training in Pensacola, FL. After earning your "Wings of Gold," you will be assigned to an Air Station and begin your career as Coast Guard aviator.

Those who successfully complete OCS and flight training will incur an active duty obligation of 11 years. Those who complete OCS but are unable to complete flight training will be reassigned to another Coast Guard unit where they will continue their career as a commissioned officer and complete three years of obligated service in addition to any obligated service incurred during advanced training.

To find out if your school qualifies for BLUE 21, call your local recruiter or click here. Enter your school's name in the search window and click "results." Follow the link to your school and click on "college overview." Read through the stats on college enrollment to see if your school has at least 25% minority enrollment (not including international students).

Your college or university not eligible for BLUE 21? You may be eligible for some of the Coast Guard's other commissioning programs, including Officer Candidate School. Attending OCS may even lead to a flight training assignment. Talk to your recruiter or check out all of our Officer Programs.

BLUE 21 Eligibility Requirements:

Reached 21st but not 31st birthday as of 30 September of the year in which the panel convenes
Must be a U.S. citizen

Education

To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and meet one of the following degree requirements:

Additionally, applicants must meet minimum scores on one of the following standardized tests:

• SAT --- Combined score of 1000 or greater

• SAT I --- Combined score of 1100 or greater

• ACT --- Composite score of 23 or greater

• ASVAB --- GT score of 109 (110 prior to 1 July 2004)

Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)

Physical Qualifications
BLUE 21 applicants will be required to pass both MEPS physical as well as a Class I Flight Physical conducted by a military flight surgeon. Physicals can be scheduled through a local Coast Guard recruiter.

Security Clearance
BLUE 21 applicants must be eligible for a security clearance.

Waivers
No waivers will be granted for age, degree requirements or flight physicals. Medical waivers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.