>>1433140At least out here, Honolulu Community College offers an A&P program that will also earn you an associates degree.
I was in from 08-17 but ground side, and from what I understood, being an air winger in the Marine Corps has its benefits and draw backs. I think at the end of the day, no matter the branch, the flight line never sleeps. Think at times twelve on twelve off at times. At the end of the day though, if you exit with an honorable discharge, you get that post 9/11 GI bill which can be used in many ways. The GI bill is the one thing the recruiters give to you absolutely straight.
As far as being right out of the military there is plenty of work out there for maintainers. The DOD and many of their contractors would be happy to higher you back on as a civilian. The guy I work with pretty much documented his time and simply took the practical test for the A&P before he retired.
https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/The long story short, if you want to become an A&P go through on the job training and take the tests, or go through a community college.