Keeping automotive and heavy equipment in good working condition is vital to the success of military missions. Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics maintain and repair vehicles such as jeeps, cars, trucks, tanks, and other combat vehicles. They also repair bulldozers, power shovels, and other construction equipment.
What They Do
Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Troubleshoot problems in vehicle engines, electrical systems, steering, brakes, and suspensions
- Tune and repair engines
- Replace or repair damaged body parts, hydraulic arms or shovels, and grader blades
- Establish and follow schedules for maintaining vehicles
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include auto mechanics and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in automotive engines and how they work
- Interest in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems
- Preference for physical work
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Engine repair and tune-up
- Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems
- Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators
Work Environment
Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may work for service stations, auto and construction equipment dealers, farm equipment companies, and state highway agencies. They perform duties similar to military automotive and heavy equipment mechanics. They may also be called garage mechanics, transmission mechanics, radiator mechanics, or construction equipment mechanics.
