Military to Civilian Transition: Converting MOS Experience into FAA Certifications

Leaving the military often brings uncertainty, but if you’ve worked with aircraft during your service, you already have a strong foundation for a career in civil aviation. Many veterans don’t realize their Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) experience can directly map to FAA mechanic certifications. With the right training and a flexible path forward, your aviation knowledge doesn’t have to stay in the past, it can take flight in a new way.

Turning Experience into Opportunity

The FAA recognizes that many veterans already have extensive mechanical and systems experience. However, that experience needs to be translated into a format that meets civilian aviation standards. That’s where A&P mechanic training for beginners comes in. Whether you’ve worked on helicopters, fighter jets, or transport planes, you likely already meet much of the hands-on experience required for your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license.

Tools like the Veterans Affairs (VA) Military Skills Translator or the DoD COOL program help match your MOS to equivalent civilian roles. They can show you which areas you’re already qualified in and where you may need supplemental training to meet FAA standards.

Why Gen Fams Is Built for Veterans

Gen Fams understands that veterans need flexibility, clarity, and purpose-driven learning. Their online aviation courses are designed to complement prior experience and fill in the technical gaps that the FAA requires. You don’t need to return to a classroom. You don’t need to slow down your career momentum. Gen Fams offers online aviation training courses that are self-paced, visual, and directly relevant to aircraft systems you’ll encounter on the job.

These courses go beyond theory. They combine real-world maintenance knowledge with visual schematics and system walkthroughs. Whether you’re preparing for your oral and practical exam or just getting a refresher before a job interview, Gen Fams helps you bridge the knowledge gap quickly and effectively.

Which Courses Help Most?

If you’re planning to pursue your A&P license, start with familiarization training that mirrors aircraft you’ll encounter in commercial operations. Gen Fams offers an excellent lineup including:

• The B737 Gen Fam course– A great entry into high-demand aircraft systems knowledge, especially for veterans entering commercial or cargo aviation.
• The Airbus A320 general familiarization course– Ideal for those based near Airbus hubs like Tampa or Denver.
• The B777 Gen Fam course– Particularly useful if you’re eyeing a career with global cargo operators or MROs like Kalitta or MEC.

For veterans who worked on older aircraft, the B717 Gen Fam course can help align that legacy experience with current job roles in Las Vegas and other key hubs.

These courses are not just for study, they include downloadable reference materials and provide a serial-numbered certificate upon completion. It’s a tangible credential you can take into your next interview.

Flexible Learning for Every Schedule

Transitioning veterans often juggle family responsibilities, job hunting, and personal adjustment. That’s why Gen Fams offers fully online, self-paced options. You can complete your AMT certification course at your own speed, without sacrificing depth or quality.

The platform is designed to be inclusive, visual, and intuitive. Whether you’re a hands-on learner or someone who needs to refresh your theory, the courses accommodate different learning styles. And because Gen Fams’ courses are comparable to, or even more affordable than, traditional programs, they’re an ideal first step for career-changing veterans.

Ready to Shift Gears?

If you’re ready to turn your MOS into a career asset, don’t wait. Gen Fams offers the tools, structure, and certifications that make your military experience count in civilian aviation.

Explore A&P mechanic training for beginners and specialized courses like the general familiarization course for Boeing or Airbus aircraft today. With Gen Fams, you’re not starting over, you’re taking off.

Visit our course catalog to find your first training module. Learn more about us and how we support veterans in aviation. Still have questions? Contact us anytime, we’re ready to help you launch your next mission.