Explore Careers

Survival Equipment Specialists

Explore Careers

Survival Equipment Specialists

Manufacturing
Enlisted Role

Service Branches with this Role

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What do Survival Equipment Specialists do in the Military?

Survival equipment specialists in the Military inspect, fit, maintain, and repair survival equipment, such as parachutes, aircraft life support equipment, search and rescue equipment, and air-sea rescue equipment, along with survival kits, medical kits, flight clothing, protective wear, night vision equipment, aircrew oxygen systems, liquid oxygen converters, anti-exposure suits, and G-suits.

Where do Survival Equipment Specialists work?

Survival equipment specialists in the Military work in repair shops on land or aboard ships.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$80,709

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$22,971 - $331,665

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Survival Equipment Specialists gain in the Military?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Survival equipment specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Length and type of training varies depending upon specialty. Job-specific training topics relate to practice in working with survival equipment, and may include:

  • Parachute rigging techniques
  • Repair of inflatable rafts and other survival equipment
  • Maintenance of oxygen equipment
  • Maintenance of air-sea rescue equipment
  • Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) fundamentals
  • Helicopter rescue swimmer procedures
  • Operational fitness training
  • Army Parachute Rigger Course

Military Training for Enlisted Service members

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.

What skills help Survival Equipment Specialists succeed?

  • Ability to do work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
  • Interest in working for the safety of others

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers and Repairers
  • Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts and Blasters
  • Medical Equipment Preparers
  • Emergency Management Directors

Interested? Take Your Next Step!