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Automotive / Heavy Equipment Mechanics

 

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About Us

The National Guard has been a part of U.S. history since the Revolutionary War. The Air National Guard is a reserve component of the United States Air Force. Air National Guard members take pride in being active role models for their communities. During times of celebration or disaster, the Air National Guard provides resources and support needed to get the job done. We share in the success of our nation, and we are ready, willing and able to guard America's freedom. We take great pride in being "Your Hometown Air Force"- the Air National Guard.

Automotive / Heavy Equipment Mechanics Summary

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, self-propelled missile launchers, and other combat vehicles. They also repair bulldozers, power shovels, and other construction equipment.

Performs vehicle maintenance activities on military and commercial design special purpose or base maintenance vehicles and equipment. Activities include inspection, diagnostics, repair, and rebuild of components and assemblies.

Responsibilities Automotive / Heavy Equipment Mechanics

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

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Automotive / Heavy Equipment Mechanics

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Requirements for Automotive / Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Please be aware this is a Part Time position and requires Military enlistment.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include auto mechanics and industrial arts. Helpful attributes include

• Preference for physical work
• Interest in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems
• Interest in automotive engines and how they work

Special Requirements

Although some women are automotive and heavy equipment mechanics, some specialties in this occupation are open only to men.

• Enlistment in the Air National Guard

• Normal color vision

• US citizen / Naturalized
• 17-40 years old

• Minimum of High School Diploma or G.E.D.

• Good Physical Condition / Health
• Additionally, you can only have limited law violations and must pass a background check. All of this is performed as part of the screening process before you can actually join the Air Guard.

Work Environment

Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 8 to 29 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty. Course content typically includes

• Engine repair and tune-up
• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems
• Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators
• Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer certified apprenticeship programs for some specialties in this occupation.

Physical Demands

• Automotive and heavy equipment mechanics may have to lift heavy parts and tools.
• They sometimes have to work in cramped positions. Normal color vision is required for some specialties to work with color-coded wiring and to read diagrams.

Benefits include

The Air National Guard offers many benefits to their unit members and their families such as

• Base Exchange
• Commissary
• Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facilities
• Up to $400,000 Life Insurance
• Retirement

Incentives may include

• Enlistment Bonus up to $20,000

• College Tuition in the form of the Montgomery GI Bill up to $24,000

• Student Loan Repayment up to $20,000

• Increased Rank for Non-Prior Service up to E-3