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I'm not making a negative comment here just asking if my assumptions are correct.

In the military my understanding is there are SOPs for all repairs. Most electronics / mechanical components are segmented. Meaning if a device fails the SOP says test here, here and here, then replace this board or that component.

Is that a correct assumption on my part?

Reason I ask is way back I was in an electronics class in college and a veteran with electronics training ( he serviced all kinds of electronics in his service) was in the class and he struggled to understand things to the point of almost failing.

So basically he could repair a radar unit but not understand how electronic circuits worked.

My question is not a slam on our military in any way. In fact it's a great way to insure that a device can be repaired by almost anyone should the people tasked with it are unable to perform their duties.
Not only the military. I have training in both military and commercial/general aviation component repair, and the civilian maintenance manuals are the same way. Test here, should do this, replace this, etc. If you can troubleshoot electronics without the manuals you were always in demand. One reason I always had a job.