6 answers
Logan
Student
Locust Grove, Georgia
3
Questions
Asked
3143 views
Would you recommend going to the military and being a diesel mechanic?
I have been looking into joining the military ever since i was a little kid. I also found a new interest in diesel mechanics in high school. I am still interested in both and was wondering if its a good choice to make. #military # diesel mechanics
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6 answers
John Arnold
Metrology (Science of Weights and Measures) / Military Career Coach
12
Answers
Hampton, Virginia
Updated
John’s Answer
I'm going to second Brent's answer. I'm currently still serving in Active Duty Air Force and have seen what 3E0X2 Electrical Power Production folks do and it's amazing.
Also the Air Force's Technical Training is regionally college accredited and is degree awarding towards an associate of applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. We are the only branch that has our own community college for Enlisted Airmen. Not mention there are a wide variety of professional certificates made available to you as well. Here is some info about it
https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/
Also the Air Force's Technical Training is regionally college accredited and is degree awarding towards an associate of applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force. We are the only branch that has our own community college for Enlisted Airmen. Not mention there are a wide variety of professional certificates made available to you as well. Here is some info about it
https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/Barnes/CCAF/
Connor Gibson
Corrections
15
Answers
Okinawa, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
Updated
Connor’s Answer
Hello Logan!
I am currently serving in the military and also shared the same aspirations as you when considering joining. One of the beautiful things about today's military is having control of the job you choose before even joining! Although much of our lives are similar as we continue our journey through the military, they are also different in many ways depending on your job and location.
If you are interested in diesel mechanics I would advise you to talk to your local recruiter about the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)
91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. Wheeled vehicles make up a majority of the army's fleet, thus you would get a plethora of experience working on trucks and jeeps. A job like this can provide satisfaction as well as set yourself up for success in the future in case you decide to transition from the military.
Although the military can be tough and demanding at some points, I have never regretted my decision. Being able to see different parts of our country and even foreign countries while meeting great people has made it worthwhile. Best of luck on your endeavors and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
Respectfully,
Connor
I am currently serving in the military and also shared the same aspirations as you when considering joining. One of the beautiful things about today's military is having control of the job you choose before even joining! Although much of our lives are similar as we continue our journey through the military, they are also different in many ways depending on your job and location.
If you are interested in diesel mechanics I would advise you to talk to your local recruiter about the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty)
91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. Wheeled vehicles make up a majority of the army's fleet, thus you would get a plethora of experience working on trucks and jeeps. A job like this can provide satisfaction as well as set yourself up for success in the future in case you decide to transition from the military.
Although the military can be tough and demanding at some points, I have never regretted my decision. Being able to see different parts of our country and even foreign countries while meeting great people has made it worthwhile. Best of luck on your endeavors and if you have any questions please feel free to reach out!
Respectfully,
Connor
Joshua Dodds
Parts/Service
1
Answer
Birmingham, Alabama
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Greetings Logan,
I took a different path to become a Diesel Technician. I joined the Army National Guard as a, what became 91L, Construction Equipment Repairer. This focused on diagnostic and trouble shooting various systems. I learned about fuel systems, hydraulics, brakes, drive trains, and final drives.
After high school I pursued a 2 year Diesel Technology degree while serving as a 91L for a Combat Engineer company. The focus on hydraulics and electrical in both Military and Civilian education complemented my experience to become a better Diesel Technician.
The US Army has 4 levels of maintenance; 10 level, 20 level, 30 level, and 40 level. The first is minor tasks an operator can do, 20 level is where most unit level Technicians operate in. This is essentially repair tasks that generally are done in the field or in the Company’s Motorpool. 30 and 40 are the higher levels, the fun stuff, rebuilding engines, tearing apart rear ends, and are typically done in a shop with all special tooling.
Typically technicians at the 40 level are civilian contractors. So, the Military will give you a good knowledge base to become a Diesel Technician. However, obtaining civilian education and work experience is typically needed to perform outside the Military environment.
I took a different path to become a Diesel Technician. I joined the Army National Guard as a, what became 91L, Construction Equipment Repairer. This focused on diagnostic and trouble shooting various systems. I learned about fuel systems, hydraulics, brakes, drive trains, and final drives.
After high school I pursued a 2 year Diesel Technology degree while serving as a 91L for a Combat Engineer company. The focus on hydraulics and electrical in both Military and Civilian education complemented my experience to become a better Diesel Technician.
The US Army has 4 levels of maintenance; 10 level, 20 level, 30 level, and 40 level. The first is minor tasks an operator can do, 20 level is where most unit level Technicians operate in. This is essentially repair tasks that generally are done in the field or in the Company’s Motorpool. 30 and 40 are the higher levels, the fun stuff, rebuilding engines, tearing apart rear ends, and are typically done in a shop with all special tooling.
Typically technicians at the 40 level are civilian contractors. So, the Military will give you a good knowledge base to become a Diesel Technician. However, obtaining civilian education and work experience is typically needed to perform outside the Military environment.
Dr. James Zavala
Lieutenant Colonel
133
Answers
Lorton, Virginia
Updated
Dr. James’s Answer
Good evening. I have been in the Army for 28 years. I love it. Like any jobs it has its ups and downs but I would not trade it in for anything.
As for your question, the Army offers a variety of mechanic positions. I have known some light wheeled and heavy duty mechanics throughout my career. One of the best things about the Army is that you don't have to remain in that position your entire career. As your interests change, so can your job. Also, as you promote and advance, you start taking leadership positions. You can also become a Warrant Officer if you are interested in becoming an Officer.
Check out this site for a list of positions:https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/mechanics-engineering.html
Check out this site as a guide to how to join the Army and obtain a mechanics position: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/army-mechanic
Good luck.
https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/mechanics-engineering.html
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/army-mechanic
As for your question, the Army offers a variety of mechanic positions. I have known some light wheeled and heavy duty mechanics throughout my career. One of the best things about the Army is that you don't have to remain in that position your entire career. As your interests change, so can your job. Also, as you promote and advance, you start taking leadership positions. You can also become a Warrant Officer if you are interested in becoming an Officer.
Check out this site for a list of positions:https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/mechanics-engineering.html
Check out this site as a guide to how to join the Army and obtain a mechanics position: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/army-mechanic
Good luck.
Dr. James recommends the following next steps:
Michael Carroll
Field service representative
12
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hello Logan
I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years and my Military Occupation Skill was an amphibious assualt vehicle mechanic. During my time I was able to work on different systems of the vehicle to include: Engine repair( 8 cylinder diesel), Transmission (Allison) Hydrualics, vehicle electronics, and suspension. These skills lead me to the job I have now with government contracts. I do testing and devopment of military vehicles. The experiences of working with diesel engines have helped me with the maintainability of the new vehicles in testing. I would recommend that while in the service that you attend as many courses that you can to become profecent in the military vehicles. I enjoyed the work that I had did in the service and once my tour was over, I found a government contract that matched to my skill set. UsaJobs.com was the site I found my current job. The military also helped me to obtain great work ethics and communication skills.
I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years and my Military Occupation Skill was an amphibious assualt vehicle mechanic. During my time I was able to work on different systems of the vehicle to include: Engine repair( 8 cylinder diesel), Transmission (Allison) Hydrualics, vehicle electronics, and suspension. These skills lead me to the job I have now with government contracts. I do testing and devopment of military vehicles. The experiences of working with diesel engines have helped me with the maintainability of the new vehicles in testing. I would recommend that while in the service that you attend as many courses that you can to become profecent in the military vehicles. I enjoyed the work that I had did in the service and once my tour was over, I found a government contract that matched to my skill set. UsaJobs.com was the site I found my current job. The military also helped me to obtain great work ethics and communication skills.
Brent Kisling
Maintain power back up systems
3
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Brent’s Answer
Hello Logan
I am retired Enlisted Air Force of 24 years. I joined the Air Force as a 3E0X2 this job is called Electrical Power Production. You work on generators of all sizes and you are mostly a diesel mechanic. You will learn how to operate and and fix these units. It as a great career if you like to travel. The thing I loved about this job is that it had a lot to offer. You can work on all sizes of units and you also learn the electrical side of the generator. It is a career that is at almost all Air Force bases and can be very rewarding. I deployed to alot of areas to set up power plants and if you are a good mechanic that helps a lot. I currently work for Verizon and I operate and repiar the generators and back-up systems for them. You might aslo look into being a fleet mechanic. This field takes care of all the vehicals on base but not sure how much they get into the diesel engine side of things. Hope this helped.
I am retired Enlisted Air Force of 24 years. I joined the Air Force as a 3E0X2 this job is called Electrical Power Production. You work on generators of all sizes and you are mostly a diesel mechanic. You will learn how to operate and and fix these units. It as a great career if you like to travel. The thing I loved about this job is that it had a lot to offer. You can work on all sizes of units and you also learn the electrical side of the generator. It is a career that is at almost all Air Force bases and can be very rewarding. I deployed to alot of areas to set up power plants and if you are a good mechanic that helps a lot. I currently work for Verizon and I operate and repiar the generators and back-up systems for them. You might aslo look into being a fleet mechanic. This field takes care of all the vehicals on base but not sure how much they get into the diesel engine side of things. Hope this helped.