5 Most Common Air Force Jobs (Mechanical Aptitude)

If you’re exploring a future in the Air Force, one of the first questions you probably have is:

What jobs are the most common, and which ones am I most likely to get?

While everyone knows about pilots, the majority of Airmen serve in enlisted roles. Within the Mechanical Aptitude area of the ASVAB, there are several career fields that thousands of recruits are assigned to every year. These jobs form the backbone of the Air Force, supporting daily operations across bases worldwide.

Understanding which jobs are most common can help you set realistic expectations as you prepare your job list with a recruiter. But beyond knowing the names, it’s also important to understand your actual odds of getting them.

That’s why we created the Airman Vision Job Odds Calculator — a free tool that helps you see your odds of landing certain jobs based on the preferences you submit to your recruiter.

In this post, we’ll count down the 5 most common Air Force jobs in the Mechanical Aptitude category, starting with #5 and ending with #1.

5. Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance (2A5X4)

These Airmen maintain and repair the Air Force’s refueling and bomber aircraft, including the KC-135, KC-10, KC-46, B-52, B-1, and B-2. They ensure these massive aircraft are ready for long-range missions that provide fuel, firepower, and global reach.

4. Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (2A3X3)

Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Airmen, often called crew chiefs, are responsible for the fighters that define the Air Force — including the F-15, F-16, and A-10. They inspect, repair, and prepare these jets for flight, ensuring they’re mission-ready at a moment’s notice.

3. Aircraft Armament Systems (2W1X1)

These Airmen handle and maintain the weapons systems on aircraft. From loading bombs and missiles to troubleshooting complex firing systems, Armament Systems specialists ensure each weapon functions flawlessly when it matters most.

2. Munitions Systems (2W0X1)

Nicknamed “Ammo,” Munitions Systems Airmen manage, inspect, and assemble the Air Force’s stockpile of bombs, missiles, and explosives. They make sure every piece of ordnance is safe, secure, and ready to support missions around the world.

1. Airlift/Special Mission Aircraft Maintenance (2A5X1)

These Airmen maintain transport and special mission aircraft like the C-130, C-17, and C-5. Their work keeps critical cargo, personnel, and humanitarian supplies moving across the globe — providing the lift and logistics power that keeps the Air Force operational anywhere, anytime.

Final Thoughts

These are the 5 most common Air Force jobs in the Mechanical Aptitude category. Each one plays a vital role in mission success—whether it’s defending installations, providing medical care, managing supplies, guiding aircraft, or supporting quality of life on base. With so many positions available, these careers represent some of the most likely opportunities new recruits may receive when joining the Air Force.

If you’re preparing to join, make sure you check out the Airman Vision Job Odds Calculator. It’s designed to help you better understand your chances of landing the jobs you want, so you can make smarter choices before submitting your list to a recruiter.

At Airman Vision, we’ve created a streamlined solution for modern-day Air Force recruiting—bridging the gap between future recruits and the Air Force. Our resources will help you prepare for Basic Training, Technical Training, and your Air Force career.

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