Posted on Aug 11, 2020
PV2 Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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I love engines and working on vehicles but I also want to be at the front. I would like to be able to go out on raids and patrols and get as much combat training as I can. How do I accomplish these goals. What steps would I take?
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CW5 Jack Cardwell
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You can forget that as a 91B. In country you might be assigned convoy escort or maybe become part of a security team. Your primary mission is to keep equipment rolling so others can do their mission.
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SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz
SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz
>1 y
Also if you happen to be part of a convoy or support and there was any need for you to stop to do any type of work during the mission, you have to leave your rifle inside the vehicle, because it would keep you from completing your task properly, for example, like repairing a vehicle.
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SGT Allen Treviranus
SGT Allen Treviranus
>1 y
This is false. I spent multiple months outside the wire as a mechanic in a SOF unit. The infantry stayed behind to guard the COP.
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SFC Michael Hasbun
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Better question to ask:
How do you, a 91B, get more 91B training to be a better 91B, which is the purpose to your existence in the military. No one needs you to know how to kick in doors. They need you to be a good 91B.
When vehicles start getting deadlined for electrical system issues, "but I know how to do a patrol" is going to be the most meaningless set of words to ever leave your mouth.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
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I was a Sailor, and an officer at that... pretty much the LAST guy one would expect to be convoying though the KG Pass behind a 240G... yet there I was, for nearly a year. Some things come down to fate... a lot comes down to choices. In the Navy, we say, "choose your rate, choose your fate". I'm sure if they let everyone have exactly the MOS they wanted, most people would want to be some kind of Infantry... the Army does a lot more than Infantry. If that's your passion, I'd suggest that you seek every opportunity to get into a combat arms MOS and excel there-it's not easy, but certainly "easier" for you than many. I knew a guy who gave up his commission in the Guard to get the MOS he wanted on AD as an enlisted man. I've heard of people going back through Basic after having earned significant rank during prior enlistments. Where there's a will... there's often a way.
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CWO3 Us Marine
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Our MEU Dental Officer earned the nickname 50 Cal Doc on float, as he loved to train and shoot.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
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CWO3 (Join to see) Dental people do know how to inflict pain!
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CWO3 Us Marine
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 - He did a temp. emergency root canal on me while the big deck was moored in Jebel Ali nearby. It was invigorating but helped out.
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CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025
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CWO3 (Join to see) “Invigorating” might’ve one way to describe a few of my experiences with dentists. Like the ones where I can barely exit his office after a long session.
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As a 91B how do I go on patrols and get extra combat training?
SSG Benjamin C.
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The best way to get out and do combat oriented missions while also being a mechanic is the be on a recovery team with a H8 Wheeled Vehicle Recovery ASI or to be on the contact team in your unit.
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PV2 Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
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>1 y
How would I go about doing this? For example would I ask for it at AIT or do they recommend me?
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SSG Benjamin C.
SSG Benjamin C.
>1 y
When I went through AIT, the honor grads were given the option of going to H8 school. Also, when you arrive to your unit you can ask your NCO’s about going to H8 school.
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SFC Maintenance Control Nco
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I agree with this. I see a lot of comments stating that you will not get this as a mechanic. However, QRF, route clearance, and most convoys will take a wrecker with them. Having a H8 identifier will definitely help your chances of getting some time outside the wire. Wrecker operators are always in high demand and I can speak from personal experience, with H8, you’ll go with the grunts on their missions.
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SSG Benjamin C.
SSG Benjamin C.
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SFC (Join to see) exactly my point. Thanks SSG
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SGT Carl Blas
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Edited >1 y ago
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1975, 2nd 505th Inf 82nd ABN out of Fort Bragg

Don't know how you'll be able to do it now a days, but, here is a picture of two MP's attached with us in the jungles of Panama.
Their mission was to support us 11B, with the securing of hostels that were captured. We did take care of them very good, and had them carry some of our ammo, for M-60 and M-79, and they were 82nd MP's at Bragg. They also, jumped with us into Panama.

In picture, are the two MP's standing at left. By the way, there were no captured hostels while in Panama for 3 mouths, 2nd 505th Inf didn't take captives.
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SFC Retention Operations Nco
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As a 91B the only way that is happening is if you pass RASP and join the 75th. But if you’re high speed the Ranger Regiment is always looking for volunteers
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1px xxx
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Disagree. I’m a commo guy and went out all the damn time. The truck is to get all of your assigned duties done and find stuff to do after that.
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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SFC Thomas Foreman commo guys work in combat arms companies and get to work alongside their counterparts. Mechanics work in the motor pool and no mechanic is being pulled from the MP to kick down doors.
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SFC Ordnance Sarc
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SFC (Join to see) I am a 91 and all my deployments I never worked in a motor pool. I was attached to a ODA team.
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LTC Program Manager
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Be in a unit that would do those tasks.
I used to take a mechanic on every mission if they were available.
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PV2 Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
PV2 (Join to see)
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I've heard of this happening a few times before. In this scenario would I volunteer? How would I go about doing this?
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LTC Program Manager
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PV2 (Join to see) let it be known that you're interested but it will be completely up to the command.
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SFC Maintenance Control Nco
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Show that you are competent in your mechanic abilities and ensure you are a squared away soldier. Commanders will notice and may even request you by name. PV2 (Join to see)
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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If you, as a mechanic get pulled to go on a raid and kick in doors.....man, some serious issues with manning took place. You want to kick in doors and go on combat patrols, then you need to switch to a combat MOS that does those things. Or go SF. The odds of you going and kicking in a door are probably about the same as winning the Powerball lottery. Well, maybe a tad better than the Powerball odds.
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1SG Edward Cullen
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I would say ask your COC first to see if there would be an opportunity for you to cross train.
Also, as others have stated look for a change in MOS or ASI, I had the opportunity to pick up 38B Civil Affairs. It was certainly would fit your wants. However, I must tell you, Be Careful What You Ask For!!! It is not fun and games outside the wire.
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SPC Kyle Olson
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Join the Infantry
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