Air Force Air Transportation (2T2X1) specialist provide the U.S. Department of Defense with the ability to move cargo and passengers around the world.
These individuals are in charge of managing all cargo and passenger transport via air.
They ensure that all air transports happen quickly and safely.
Education, Qualifications and Training
This entry level position has a few different qualifications that are outside of the standard specifications.
Education
Individuals must have a High School Diploma or GED to join into this position.
They must take and pass the Mechanical ASVAB requirements for the Air Force.
Qualifications
The qualifications for this position include:
- Thorough understanding of passenger and cargo movement functions
- Possession of a valid state driver’s license to operate government motor vehicles
- Completion of basic air transportation course
- Experience processing cargo and loading and unloading an aircraft
- 17 to 39 years old
Training
After passing all medical and physical tests, recruits will attend Basic Military Training for 8.5 weeks.
Recruits will then attend Technical School at Fort Lee in Virginia for 29 days.
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What are the Job Duties of Air Force Air Transportation?
Overall, Air Transportation specialist are in charge of performing and managing air transportation activities.
The types of cargo that Air Transportation specialist can manage include food, medical supplies, helicopters, ground vehicles, people and more.
Specialist are responsible for the coordination of people and supplies that go all over the world.
Air Transportation specialist load and unload the aircraft using specialized equipment.
They plan, schedule and process any eligible passengers and cargo.
Planning includes determining the personnel, equipment and facilities needed for each task.
Individuals will load and unload the products/people moved on both military and commercial-contract aircraft.
Forklifts and other aircraft loading/unloading equipment will be used by specialist.
These individuals implement safety and security precautions for handling and storing dangerous materials.
They are responsible for enforcing the safety, quality and security measures for each flight.
Specialist will inspect the aircraft cargo to determine the quantity and type of cargo that should be loaded according to the manifest and weight/space specifications.
They will inspect the aircraft cargo to ensure it has proper documentation, packaging and markings.
Air movement records and reports are managed by the Air Transportation team.
Computer systems providing in-transit visibility on passenger and cargo movement will be managed by the Air Transportation specialist, too.
Airmen inspect airlift activities, make recommendations and provide technical assistance when required.
Air Transportation specialist will create separate procedures for loading passengers and cargo.
Establishing and implementing safety precaution procedures for handling dangerous materials, mail, baggage and special cargo is included in Air Transport job functions.
Airmen will establish procedures for any international aircraft or passenger clearance needed.
Supplies or other items may be airdropped and it is the task of the Air Transportation team to coordinate, direct and unload all of the airdrop transportation activities.
Air Transportation specialist may be responsible for performing aircraft cleaning service.
They may also prepare and deliver meals and other comfort items to an aircraft.
Any customer information regarding flight schedules, routes, baggage limitations, air movement requirements and local facilities specifications will be provided from Air Transportation.
Specialist check in, process, transport, and escort passengers both to and from the aircraft.
Any baggage that passengers bring will be ran through terminal security equipment and physically inspected for security issues by Air Transportation specialist.
They collect the fares, apply tariff rates and complete inventory accounting for all documents and money collected.
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What does an Air Force Air Transportation Specialist get Paid?
All individuals in the Air Force will receive the same base pay depending on their rank and time in service.
Some positions or locations allow for bonuses outside of the basic table.
There are ways to enter into a position as a higher rank with Military experience or an education.
The pay table for the Air Force is below.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | 2023 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Airman Basic | AB | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Airman | Amn | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Airman First Class | A1C | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Senior Airman | SrA | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Staff Sergeant | SSgt | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Technical Sergeant | TSgt | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Master Sergeant | MSgt | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Senior Master Sergeant | SMSgt | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Chief Master Sergeant | CMSgt | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Chief Master Sergeant | CCM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Chief Master Sergeant Of The Air Force | CMSAF | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
All individuals in the Air Force qualify for the same benefits.
Airmen receive free to low cost medical and dental with paid sick time and low-cost life insurance choices.
They also receive housing allowances that cover utilities and maintenance.
Food allowances for the on-base dining hall and access to tax-free department and grocery stores are available.
Both the housing and food allowance are dependent on location, family status and rank.
The Air Force offers retirement to individuals after 20 years of service.
The retirement benefits are available day one of retirement with zero payroll deductions during the 20 years.
Airmen can attend college and receive tuition assistance through the Air Force Tuition Assistance Program, the Post 9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery Bill.
The Air Force offers 30 days of paid vacation a year.
They also offer recreational activities on-base, for the whole family.
Job Reviews
The majority of people who have held the Air Transportation position recommend both the Air Force and the specific position.
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The positive aspects from reviews include:
- Travel
- Benefits
- Growth Opportunities
- Fast-Paced
- Gain meaningful Relationships
Negative aspects from reviews include:
- Long Hours
- Large amount of time away from family
- Remote Assignments
You can view a few job reviews from Air Transportation specialist below.
Civilian Job Opportunities
This position allows individuals to gain skills logistics and airport travel.
There are many opportunities in both large and small cities across the U.S. that this position would directly relate to.
Some titles include:
- Airport Customer ticketing/gate
- Cargo Operations
- Flight Ops/Operations Customer Center
- Flight Superintendent
This pay for positions similar to Air Transportation will vary widely depending on the company and position you choose.
On the lower end individuals can expect to make around $50,000 annually and on the higher end closer to $80,000 depending on the situations explained above.
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Summary
Air Force Air Transportation specialist are in charge of ensuring all cargo and passengers get to a destination as safe and as quick as possible.
These individuals handle everything from coordination to guest satisfaction.
To enlist in this position, an individual must meet basic requirements, including completing a basic air transportation course.
The pay for this position will follow the basic non-officer enlisted base pay table with benefits offered.
Airmen who have previously held the position are satisfied with their work and recommend it to others.
Civilian career opportunities that relate to this position include career paths in logistics and aviation.
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Reference
- 5 Worst Jobs in the Air Force - June 20, 2024
- 4 Steps For Visiting An Air Force Recruiter Near You - June 19, 2024
- Air Force Safety Specialist (1S0X1) - June 19, 2024
