An Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15R) is responsible for the maintenance of the AH-64.
The AH-64 is one of the more advanced helicopters for the Army.
AH-64 helicopter is also known as the Apache.
Qualifications, Training and Duty Stations
To be eligible for this position, an individual must receive a score of 99 on the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) ASVAB test.
Once all medical, physical and other required entrance testing is complete, a recruit will attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks.
After Basic Combat Training, recruits will attend 17 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
The 17 weeks will consist of both hands-on and classroom training.
Helpful skills related to this position include:
- Having the ability to use both hand and power tools
- An interest in aircraft and engine mechanics
- Desire to work with mathematics and shop mechanics
Related Article – Joining The Military After College: How To Do It The “Right” Way
Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army as an MOS 15Q can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Bliss, TX
- Ft. Bragg, NC
- Ft. Campbell, KY
- Ft. Carson, CO
- Ft. Drum, NY
- Ft. Hood, TX
- Ft. Hunter, CA
- Ft. Lewis, WA
- Ft. Riley, KS
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- Ft. Wainwright, AK
- Katterbach, Germany
- Wheeler, HI
- Humphreys, South Korea
- Seoul, South Korea
What Does an AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer Do?
Being an AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer means that you will be ensuring the AH-64 is safe and ready to fly for whatever mission it may be on.
About the Apache AH-64
The Apache attack helicopter is used by both the Active Army and Army National Guard armed reconnaissance battalions and cavalry units.
It is a helicopter that has tandem seats and two engines.
The Apache can destroy armor and targets using:
- M230 300 mm cannon
- Hydra-70 2.75 rockets
- Laser-guided and radio frequency missiles
This advanced helicopter has the latest communications, sensors, weapons, and navigation systems.
It has infrared lasers, updated radio capabilities, Fire Control Radar and provides security to ground forces.
Related Article – Air Force Pararescue (PJ’s): Career Details
Repairer Job Duties
This position requires individuals to work all around the world, day or night.
These professionals must be skilled in engine disassembly and repair.
They must know how to repair steel, fiberglass and aluminum airframes and coverings.
Part of the position includes fixing hydraulic, fuel and electrical systems.
The AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer will be required to prepare the aircraft for inspections and maintenance checks.
As part of the maintenance procedures, these specialists must document all maintenance activities.
A wide variety of tools such as wrenches and ratchets will be used.
They are required to be familiar with all tool types, document all tools and inventory all tools and components.
A combination of physical and technical maintenance is performed.
The specialist uses interactive electronic technical manuals to perform and schedule maintenance.
Performing malfunction repair on the onboard systems, such as flight control, is also a task of the Repairer.
Physical components that the specialist may replace include removing and installing main turbine engines, rotors, transmissions, generators, horizontal stabilator, and gearboxes.
The Apache aviation ground power unit will be operated by the Repairer.
The specialist will be required to provide periodic maintenance, servicing and lubricating the aircraft and all of its subsystems.
Related Article – Army Avionic Mechanic (MOS 15N): Career Details
This task could include changing the oil, replacing brake linings, checking lines for wear, adjusting the rotor blades, cleaning the aircraft/components or inspecting chemical levels (nitrogen) for the correct levels.
When the Apache aircraft has been in storage it is up to the Repairer to remove it from storage and complete pre-flight preparations including removing debris from the airfield.
You can view the Army video below for more details on the Apache and the AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer.
What Does an MOS 15R get Paid?
This is an entry-level Army position that would allow for both basic pay and benefits.
With no prior Military experience, fresh recruits can expect to be paid around $20,000.
Like all of the other Army MOS’s, soldiers will be paid slightly lower during the first four months but can expect their pay to follow the standard Army base pay below.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
In addition to the base pay above, the Army also offers compensation, benefits, and allowances.
Army soldiers are compensated with free housing and food while living on-base.
There are also opportunities for special pay or bonuses, depending on the situation and the current job outlook.
The Army offers free to low-cost medical and dental plus paid sick time, vacation and low-cost life insurance.
There are opportunities to support continued education while in the Army.
These opportunities include tuition assistance, scholarships, and allowances for books and fees.
Most individuals pay very little to nothing to get a college degree.
Related Article – Air Force Aviation Resource Management (1C0X2): Career Profile
Job Reviews
Reviews related to this position discuss the position as being both stressful and exciting.
Previous Apache repairers discuss the long hours and amount of physical labor involved in the position.
They also discuss that working on the Apache can be exciting and traveling to different locations as being an experience you cannot get as a civilian.
Advancement in the position is based on how much effort you put into the position and your out-view of your situation.
You can find a few reviews from AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairers below.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Besides learning employable skills such as discipline and work ethic while in the Army, this position provides skills directly related to aircraft maintenance.
This position has skills related to the airframe or general aircraft maintenance and inspection.
Job duties such as fiberglass repairing and experience with the tools used provide civilian opportunities in other maintenance areas outside of aviation, too.
Civilian job titles related to the MOS 15R position:
- Aircraft Service Technician
- Electric Motor Repairer
- Fabricator
- Machinery Worker
- Equipment and Systems Inspector
Civilian aircraft maintenance tends to pay very similar to the Army, however, jobs in aviation are not available in all locations.
Maintenance in other areas such as motor repair is more readily available but tends to average slightly less pay.
This position is eligible for the PAYS program that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that may or not be in aviation or related to this position.
Related Article – Navy Aircrewman Career Details
Summary
The Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15R) is responsible for the maintenance on the Apache helicopter.
The Apache helicopter is one of the Army’s most advanced attack helicopters capable of providing security to ground forces, foxed base operations, aerial escorts, conducting reconnaissance and engaging single or multiple enemies.
This is a position that can require long hours but can be exciting and rewarding.
The Army offers both base pay and benefits as MOS 15R.
Civilian Career Opportunities are related to aviation mechanics and mechanics in other career fields.
References
Apache Attack Helicopter Details
Zach currently resides in Syracuse, New York, and is very active in politics and local news media.
- 68 Series MOS: A List of Medical Field Jobs in the Army - June 19, 2024
- 15 Series MOS: US Army Aviation Jobs - June 19, 2024
- 11 General Orders For Each Military Branch - June 19, 2024
General FAQ
What is a 15R in the Army?
An Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15R) is primarily responsible for maintaining and repairing the Army Apache helicopter (AH-64 attack helicopter).
What ASVAB score do you need to work on Army helicopters?
An Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15R) needs a minimum score of 99 on the Mechanical Maintenance portion of the ASVAB test.
How long is Army AIT for AH-64 helicopter repair?
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for An Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15R) is 17 weeks and takes place at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
Where do An Army AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer (MOS 15R) get stationed?
Most MOS 15R personnel are stationed in the United States in Alaska, Hawaii, Kentucky, Georgia, Kansas, Texas, and Washington. Overseas, they may be stationed in South Korea or Germany.
How much do Apache helicopter mechanics make?
Like all Army personnel, Apache (AH-64 Attack Helicoptter) mechanics are paid according to rank and time in service. A new recruit with less than two years in service can expect a base pay of about $1,733 per month.
