3E5X1 Engineering

The 3E5X1 AFSC, known as Engineering, involves Air Force personnel who direct and perform tasks related to civil engineering design, drafting, surveying, and contract surveillance to support the construction and maintenance of Air Force facilities. These professionals are vital in creating, maintaining, and operating the infrastructure that supports Air Force operations both domestically and overseas.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Drafting and Design: Utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to create architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical drawings for construction projects.
  • Surveying: Conducting various types of surveys such as reconnaissance, site location, construction, and mapping using modern technology including auto-levels, electronic total stations, and GPS equipment.
  • GIS Operations: Producing and maintaining installation maps and managing spatial, tabular, and metadata according to national standards through a Geographic Information System (GIS).
  • Contract Management: Managing and inspecting construction and maintenance contracts to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, and other contractual obligations.
  • Preliminary Engineering Design: Developing preliminary designs, cost estimates, and specifications for facilities, and acting as a liaison between design, review, construction, and using agencies.
  • Material Testing: Performing standardized tests on soils, asphalt, and concrete to collect data for engineering evaluation.
  • Contingency Operations Support: Supporting bed-down plans, evaluating airfield pavements, and participating in recovery operations during contingency operations.

Training and Qualifications:

  • Tech School: A 71-day course at Ft Leonard Wood, MO, provides foundational skills in engineering principles, drafting, surveying, and material testing.
  • Education: High school completion with courses in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and computer operations is required. Courses in drafting and software applications are desirable.
  • Experience: Progression within the AFSC involves gaining experience in CAD, GIS, surveying, material testing, and contract inspection, with leadership roles focusing on supervising these areas.

Specialty Qualifications:

  • Knowledge: Proficiency in computer operations, mathematics, CAD, BIM, GIS, surveying techniques, and material testing is essential.
  • Skills: Ability to interpret engineering drawings, manage construction contracts, conduct field surveys, and apply mathematical principles in problem-solving.

Engineers in the Air Force play a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of Air Force facilities worldwide. Their expertise in design, surveying, and material testing ensures that installations are safe, sustainable, and capable of supporting mission requirements.

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