A-PACT

[Temen]

Originally Posted by MickeyMcD

You'll be doing all of the nitty, gritty work in squadrons (ex: chip paint, paint over chipped spot, etc). If you're going in as an E-1, it'll be two years before you're even eligible to get a rating. An E-3 could potentially get one in six months (how often this occurs, I can't say) On the flip side, however, you do get to see what all the different aviation ratings actually do so that you know what you might want to try and strike for. There are several other threads on this forum that cover the PACT programs in a bit more detail.

As an Undesignated Airman, you will be going to the Line Shack right away. Guess what though? 90% of E-3 and below go to the Line Shack right away.
In the Aviation community (at least in every F-18 squadron I have worked with) they send their Airman to the Line Shack to learn the aircraft before they are expected to start fixing it. This will hopefully teach you basic skills like running support equipment (mobile generators, hydraulic pumps, jacks, tractors), tow aircraft and equipment, all required hand signals (we do work in very noisy places), confidence and responsibility (you will be in charge of ensuring a pilot's safe and successful launch and recovery, also every day you must inspect the whole jet for any issues that need reported).
So for dirty work, yes there will be plenty; but almost airman does it. At least you won't be painting jets or boats! The only real concern is how long you will be "stuck" in the line shack until you are able to get a rating. This will mostly depend on how long it will take until you are eligible to take the advancement exam and which ratings are open at the time.