PMEL Experience

[Hawaii596]

I guess that's one good thing about already being broke.  To (probably mis-)quote the old Stevie Wonder song, "...nothing from nothing leaves nothing."

[Hawaii596]

The individual told me he went to PMEL school in 1968.  So that makes 40 years experience for him.

[pmel68]

The individual told me he went to PMEL school in 1968.   So that makes 40 years experience for him.

If he's 70+ and went to school in '68 he must have been one of the last (for a while) cross trainees.  When in '68 did he graduate?

[beercan]

1968, hmmm?  One of the first first-termers.   How do I know.   I was already in school there in '67 and there when "it" happened, Jan 68.   I remember two instructors in the hall, one saying increduously to the other, "He ASKED me, "What's a resistor?"!"  Until then, everyone had 4+ years service, came from an electronics career field, passed an entrance exam and was an E4+.   They weren't prepared for extreme novices.

[pmel68]

I graduated about 6 months behind the first class of 3ABR324X0's and have worked with a few of 'em over the years.  My first assignment was Elmendorf where they were extremely top heavy (any wonder why???) so I worked on the bench with MSgts, Techs, Staffs, Bucks and. . . . . . . .  us know nothings  :-D

[Sarge]

I went through Lowry in '82.   Then six and half years in various Marine Corps labs.   Since then I, have been doing maintainence (electrical, electronic, mechanical, and hydraulic) with some calibrations on the side.   I am now working in the product test lab for a medium sized manufacturing concern.   All in all, my PMEL experience has served me well.

[metrologygeek]

I went through Lowry in '80, and spent the rest of my Air Force career at Elmendorf.  Four and out for me, and have been working in metrology ever since.  Next June it'll be 30 years.  Former NCSL committee chairman, current ASTM E20 Temperature Measurement committee member.  Calibration has been very very good for me. 

[ZZ]

I cross-trained into PMEL Apr 89 (Lowry) and retired from active duty in 2008.  I went through Phys-D in 91.  I've been in a commercial lab since 08 .  Including tech school, I've been at it for 20 years.  Between Feltwell and Bitburg, I spent 8 of those years in a type 2A lab. 

[mrrob007]

I'm almost at 20 yrs..... (Where did the time go???)

[beadwork]

I went thru PMEL at Lowery in 1976 and was in for 4 and out of the Marine Air Wing.   I've worked in Calibration since then and PMEL training has served me well.

[_Adam_]

I was at Lowry in '93 and spent 8 years in the lab until I exited the AF.  I earned my 7 level before I got out.   I was strongest in K3/4.   I also did 18 months as QA.

I can say that at one time, my official AFSC was 32430.  That should give me some credibility, right?

[Jay70]

Graduated Lowry in Feb 90
Left Charleston in Feb 95
Left Kunsan Mar 96
Left Holloman Apr 99
Left Feltwell (Kicking and Screaming) 02
Retired from Shaw 09. 

18 years PMEL 32430, 32450, 2P051, 2P071

I call it 20 years and 1 Day active duty, the Air Force calls it 20 years and 1 month.  

[HalAC]

Wow, there's a lot of experienced people on this board. I'm impressed that anyone can stay in the career field for many years.

Yeah, I've been in the metrology field since 1984 working in commercial labs in central Florida. Been working at a PMEL in Tennessee since 02/2007.

One occupational hazard is this makes you OCD. 

[Nuss]

Just hit my one year mark on Dec 05, 2009, and loving the job.   I love working in K3/K4, been grabbing everything that I can learn.   Even if I don't stay in for 20 years of service, I'm pretty sure I'll do more then 20 years of PMEL.

[cobychuck]

    I have to say, that after some years of trouble in the career field and being shuffled around a lot, resulting in holes in training, that I may be starting to enjoy (kind of) this job.  I've found quite the niche in K1/8 after floundering in K3/4 for years.  As long as I can keep my head on straight, I'll be in this job until I retire.  I do have to say, I will not be continuing in this job after I retire.  I will be moving on to Dental Hygenist, which I plan to start working on next summer.