Samples pages of a title that I performed the layout on from a series published by ReferencePoint Press. Contact me through my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeparenteau1

2. 11
What Does an Avionics Technician Do?
The Marine Corps is a combined arms force that includes coverage
of air, land, and sea. It was the introduction of air transportation that
allowed the Marines to become a swift reaction force, able to arrive in
a combat situation very quickly. Marine aviation makes it possible for
troops to get right into battle, as well as provide support for ground
and naval forces.
The Marine Corps main-
tains its strong air power by op-
erating one of the largest avia-
tion fleets in the world.This fleet
includes a variety of aircraft, in-
cluding jets, helicopters, cargo
planes,anddrones.EachMarine
squadron typically includes four
to twenty-four aircraft. Since
the corps includes more than
eighty squadrons, that means
there are hundreds of Marine
Corps aircraft in service. These
aircraft have been proven time
and time again in warfare. In his
book Coalition Air Warfare in the
Korean War, 1950–1953, author
Jacob Neufeld quotes Colonel
Paul L. Freeman, a US Army
commander, who registered his
awe at the Marine Corps’ air
defense system during that con-
flict. “The Marines on our left
At a Glance:
Avionics
Technician
Minimum Educational
Requirements
High school diploma or the
equivalent
Personal Qualities
Detail oriented, good problem
solver, able to work in a team
Certification and Licensing
FAA airframe and powerplant
license
Working Conditions
In airplane hangars or repair
stations
Salary Range
Monthly salary depends on pay
grade and years of service
Future Job Outlook
Average growth rate through 2022
Avionics Technician

3. 12
were a sight to behold,” Freeman wrote. “They had squadrons of air
in direct support. They used it like artillery. We just have to have air
support like that or we might as well disband and join the Marines.”
All of these aircraft require careful maintenance to stay in top con-
dition. That’s where avionics technicians enter the picture. Avionics
technicians are responsible for all the electronic parts of an aircraft.
Marines in the avionics field install, remove, inspect, test, maintain,
and repair all aviation weapons and electrical systems. They also in-
spect and maintain communications, radar, and navigation systems.
Avionicstechniciansdevelop,install,repair,test,andserviceelectronic
equipment for airplanes. They may work on devices such as radios,
transmitters, autopilot technology, navigation equipment, weather
detection equipment, flight recorders, and flight control equipment.
Avionics technicians have a wide variety of responsibilities. They
perform preflight checks and maintenance, and all inspections and
A Marine Corps avionics technician checks wiring on a Huey helicopter aboard
the aircraft carrier USS Iwo Jima. Avionics technicians routinely conduct flight
maintenance on aircraft electronic systems.

4. 16
On the Job
Working Conditions
Avionics technicians may work in a hangar or a repair station shop.
Technicians may also work with engineers to inspect or repair electri-
cal equipment. Sometimes they work at tool benches, but often they
must get inside aircraft to wire systems or fit parts. These places are
often small and confining, so technicians must be nimble to do their
jobs. Avionics technicians may also be called on to work on ladders or
scaffolds, standing for long periods, to reach parts of larger aircraft.
The job can be fatiguing, but most technicians enjoy working on the
unique, high-tech aircraft.
Earnings
As of June 2015, the average salary for an avionics technician in the
Marine Corps was $44,394 per year. Avionics technicians in the mili-
tary also receive other benefits such as health insurance for themselves
and their family and paid leave and time off. Marines also receive free
housing on base or a housing allowance if they live off base.
Opportunities for Advancement
As with the other armed services, advancement in the Marines de-
pends on an individual’s performance and time served. As individu-
als gain more experience, they may go up in rank and receive greater
opportunities.
As a Marine avionics technician is promoted, he or she will take
on additional responsibility for repair and administrative require-
ments for multiple systems. An individual can advance to a super-
visory position or choose to become an officer if he or she meets the
educational and aptitude qualifications.
Even as they advance, it is important for avionics technicians to
stay up-to-date in their field. Electronic equipment is constantly be-
ing upgraded and improved, and avionics technicians must keep up
with these changes. Technicians need to read technical articles and
are required to take refresher courses to stay current.

5. 70
Corporal Michael Simpson is a field artillery cannoneer in the US
Marine Corps. He is currently stationed at Camp Pendleton in
California. Simpson answered questions about his career by e-mail.
Q: Why did you join the Marine Corps?
A: I joined the Marine Corps because of the history and traditions
and the way I saw Marines hold themselves. I grew up always want-
ing to join the military—especially since 9/11—and thought it was
the right time in my life after I finished at the local community col-
lege.The Marines are the toughest out of any branch and have hands
down the hardest boot camp of any of the services, so I wanted that
challenge of earning the title Marine. Basically I joined to give back
to my country and to look back when I’m sixty and be content and say,
“Yeah, I did my time.”
Q: Why did you become a field artillery cannoneer? Did
you choose this career, or did the Marines choose it for
you?
A: I originally signed a combat support contract with the hopes of
being a tanker, but it came down to the needs of the Marine Corps.
You don’t get to pick your exact job in the Marines since the motto is,
“Every Marine is a rifleman.”You can only pick a general field. I was
bummed out when I found out I didn’t get tanks but couldn’t be too
mad, since I knew it was a possibility.
Interview with
a Field Artillery
Cannoneer

6. 73
Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.bls.gov/ooh/military/military-careers.htm
This website provides information on a variety of military careers, as well
as statistics related to salaries and job opportunities.
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) Civilian Careers
www.usmc-mccs.org/careers/#.VdDekJd8vwY
The MCCS serves military communities all over the world, providing job
information and benefits to military personnel and their families.
Marine Corps Jobs at a Glance
www.military.com/join-armed-forces/Marine-corps-jobs.html
This military-oriented website provides general information on all spe-
cialties in the Marines.
Official Website of the US Marine Corps
www.marines.mil
This site features news stories about Marines and their experiences and
achievements, along with videos, photos, and other information.
Today’s Military
www.todaysmilitary.com
This US Department of Defense site includes information about all
branches of the military and provides targeted information for parents,
educators, and potential military personnel.
US Marine Corps
www.marines.com
This website includes videos, articles, and much more information about
all aspects of life in the corps, from enlistment to becoming an officer and
beyond.
Find Out More