Airmen in the Air Force Nondestructive Inspection career field are responsible for keeping the branch’s aerospace weapons systems operating in an effective and safe manner.
These jobs are categorized as Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) 2A7X2, and 2A732 in particular.
Members of this AFSC are integral to mission success within the U.S. Air Force and Space Force.
Here is a look at Air Force Nondestructive Inspection careers (2A7X2 and 2A732).
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Table of Contents
2A7X2 & 2A732 Careers Overview
Airmen with careers in nondestructive inspection are in charge of implementing testing measures and inspecting aerospace weapons systems for structural integrity.
This job is critical to the safety and success of Air Force and Space Force service members.
The phrase “nondestructive inspection” refers to methods that don’t involve explosions or breakage of equipment.
A career as an Air Force Nondestructive Inspection specialist requires a great deal of knowledge.
This is especially true in terms of the characteristics of metals, including identification, content, discontinuity, and flaw detection.
These specialists also have expertise in the operation and maintenance of nondestructive test and oil analysis equipment, safety practices and codes, radiological safety, and radiation monitoring procedures.
Nondestructive inspection specialists are crucial in their roles, examining systems for imperfections at an almost invisible level to prevent terrible consequences if they are not otherwise identified and repaired.
Therefore, these airmen must rely on their skills in addition to equipment such as X-rays and ultrasound machines to inspect for tiny flaws and make recommendations for repair based on their findings.
Duties Of Nondestructive Inspection Careers
Airmen in the 2A7X2 and 2A732 career field are tasked with finding and assessing any problems or issues with Air Force aerospace weapons.
Their primary duties are to inspect the components of weapon systems.
This includes inspecting support equipment for structural integrity and performing fluid analysis as well.
Specific duties of nondestructive inspection specialists involve some or all of the following:
- Inspecting metal engine parts for wear and tear
- Checking lubricating oil or other fluids for leaking or seeping into cracks
- Radiation testing to ensure safety levels for personnel
- Computing and monitoring personal exposure areas for radiographic operations
Airmen in these careers use their inspection skills to find any imperfections such as cracks, voids, or processing defects.
In addition, they check for heat damage by using the following methods:
- Penetrant
- Eddy current
- Magnetic particles
- Radiographic equipment
- Optical devices
- Ultrasonic test equipment
Other duties include examining engines and other components for metallurgical properties such as alloy, conductivity, temper, and other factors.
Members of this career field are also integral in their roles of computing and monitoring personal exposure areas for radiographic operations and personnel exposure data.
Nondestructive inspection specialists also perform operator maintenance and service inspections on tools and equipment.
Part of their responsibility as well is handling and disposing of hazardous waste and materials.
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Qualifications For 2A7X2 And 2A732
A career in Air Force nondestructive inspection calls for many qualifications.
Some of the basic requirements for this field include:
- Minimum age of 18
- S. citizenship
- Normal color vision (no colorblindness)
- High school diploma
In addition to a high school diploma, candidates for 2A7X2 and 2A732 benefit in providing a transcript with proof of passing grades in the following courses and/or subjects:
- Math
- Chemistry
- Industrial technology
- Physics
- Shop
- Computer knowledge
Air Force recruits must also score a 44 in the Mechanical (M) section of the ASVAB test (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery).
Related Article – ASVAB Scores For Air Force Jobs
Training For Nondestructive Inspection Career
Air Force service members who wish to pursue a career in nondestructive inspection begin with basic training.
“Basic,” as it is often called, covers military skills, customs, and other training.
Those selected for AFSC 2A7X32 and 2A732 undergo training and skill development through study in a classroom setting as well as on-the-job experience.
Two courses in nondestructive inspections (basic and advanced) must be completed in addition to Air Force basic training and Airmen’s Week.
Airmen who meet all qualifications and requirements for this career field will receive formal technical training in Florida at Pensacola Naval Air Station.
This training lasts approximately seven weeks.
Conclusion
With time, even the most advanced and well-maintained military equipment suffers wear and tear.
This can cause potential defects in systems and equipment that must be identified and fixed to avoid problems and malfunctions that pose serious risks to units and personnel.
Nondestructive inspection specialists are responsible for identifying the smallest of imperfections in aerospace weapons systems.
This includes their components and structures.
To accomplish these inspections, they use equipment such as X-rays and ultrasound machines.
In addition to identifying problems in the structural integrity of such systems, these service members recommend and pursue corrective measures to keep the components working safely and effectively.
Of course, nondestructive inspection airmen are military professionals with expertise that is specific to the Air Force and its weapons systems.
However, such skills can prepare airmen for transitioning to careers in the civilian sector.
For example, 2A7X2 and 2A732 AFSC personnel would be qualified for a career as a civilian mechanic, especially in the field of vehicle inspection.
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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