SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT

1. Specialty Summary. Disassembles, assembles, inspects, fabricates, cleans, repairs, and packs aerospace weapon system components such as protective clothing, upholstery, thermal radiation barriers, protective covers, flotation equipment, emergency evacuation systems, and parachutes. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 760.

2. Duties and Responsibilities:

2.1. Plans and schedules parachute and fabric activities. Establishes performance standards, improves work methods, and advises on inspection, repair, and repack of aircrew survival equipment. Checks repaired and repacked survival equipment and determines serviceability based on required specifications and technical publications. Evaluates problems and determines feasibility of repair or replacement related to inspecting and repairing fabric, rubber equipment, and parachutes. Evaluates work orders for local manufacturing, plans layout, and fabrication of new items.

2.2. Disassembles, assembles, inspects, cleans, fabricates, repairs, and packs fabric and rubber components, including protective clothing, upholstery, thermal radiation barriers, protective covers, flotation equipment, emergency evacuation systems, and parachutes such as deceleration, cargo, and personnel. Installs, removes, inspects, tests, and sets manual and automatic rip cord release opening devices. Stores, handles, and inspects pyrotechnic items.

2.3. Operates, maintains, and inspects survival equipment machinery, test equipment, and tools. Performs operator maintenance and service inspections on shop equipment. Stores, handles, uses, and disposes of hazardous waste and materials based on environmental standards.

3. Specialty Qualifications:

3.1. Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: parachute construction; temperature and humidity affects on parachutes and other fabrics; characteristics of rubberized items; solvent, heat, and pressure affects on rubber; and proper handling, use, and disposal of hazardous waste, materials, and pyrotechnics.

3.2. Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in shop mechanics is desirable.

3.3. Training. The following training is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: 3.3.1. 2A734. Completion of a basic fabrication and parachute course.

3.3.2. 2A774. Completion of the advanced fabrication and parachute course.

3.4. Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

3.4.1. 2A754. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A734. Also, experience maintaining fabric and rubber items, flotation equipment, protective clothing, aircraft upholstery, and parachutes.

3.4.2. 2A774. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2A754. Also, experience performing or supervising functions such as maintaining fabric and rubber items, flotation devices, protective clothing, aircraft upholstery, and parachutes.