How to stay knowledgeable with my MOS, without being able to do it?

2016-07-31T02:53:57-04:00

I graduated 91C AIT in March and was assigned to a brand new unit soon after. After in-processing, I learned that the motorpool that I'll be working at has absolutely no HVAC tools. This means that I'm slowly but surely turning into a 91B and a 91D. I don't want to lose everything I was taught in AIT, however, because I really like my MOS. How can I retain my knowledge without being able to use it?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 31 at 2016 9:58 AM

2016-07-31T09:58:55-04:00

Read on your own. Do your assignments that you do get given well. Let your chain of command know that you would like to keep your MOS proficiency, and take advantage of any opportunities offered to do so.

Response by SFC Richard Giles made Jul 31 at 2016 5:41 PM

2016-07-31T17:41:26-04:00

If your unit supports other companies get with the Motor SGT and see if those units have equipment you can work on. Also most military vehicles have AC in them today so don't sell yourself short quite yet. If there becomes a demand for your services let COC know that if you're going to do your job properly you're going to need the proper tools to do the job right.
If your unit or the other units have tents some of them come with Heating and Air units.
I went through the same thing as a 52D back in the day so I know what your going thru but understand that most units that have a maintenance section also have 91D's, 91C's and 63W's. I had a H8 identifier, so I was the Battalion Wrecker Operator. So you get to do a lot of cross training, which is good I think.

Response by CW2 Stephen Pate made Jul 31 at 2016 8:35 PM

2016-07-31T20:35:19-04:00

Your supporting battalion (ASB/BSB, etc) probably has an A/C shop of some sort as that is who your broken stuff would get sent to since ya'll don't have the proper equipment to fix it yourself. Try to go there as often as possible and work with them if you have the opportunity.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 1 at 2016 10:30 AM

2016-08-01T10:30:32-04:00

I was in your shoes as a PVT-SGT. I probably did two weeks of 91C duties in my 7.5 years as a 91C, while being in four different assignments. Remember that 91C merges with 91B, 91D and other MOS's at SFC. Unfortunately, if you stay in the Army you will need to get used to being a 91B and 91D. To stay proficient, you will have to read TM's and look for work outside your unit.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Aug 1 at 2016 1:37 PM

2016-08-01T13:37:32-04:00

The biggest way to stay knowledgeable is to be well versed in the references. Everything has a reference. Military loves to document everything. I didn't even get access to a computer my first 3 months into the fleet, but I kept myself up to speed by reading the references and staying in the loop on any MOS related discussions. You might not understand everything now, but it will become more familiar over time.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 9:14 PM

2016-08-02T21:14:22-04:00

I'm a former 91c and what I did was constantly study my notes from AIT. I have NSN for equipment you can have your platoon order for your work.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2016 9:16 PM

2016-08-02T21:16:20-04:00

I was fortunate enough to have been sent to classes on post in regards to my mos and was able to perform my mos as my primary job. Take civilian courses at the local technical schools because I used my knowledge to become an HVAC TECH

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 10 at 2016 10:17 PM

2016-08-10T22:17:29-04:00

i had a equal concern to when i came to my unit. in reality you have o fight for it. be the squeaky wheel. make that all you talk about and make your MOS known to your platoon and motor sgt. as a 91C myself,these are the things i did and now i am doing nothing but MTRCS crap lol

Response by PFC Cedric Powell made Sep 26 at 2016 5:30 PM

2016-09-26T17:30:04-04:00

If you can go to school to further your knowledge, do so, study up on what you have, also keep in mind those in your unit may have AC issues in vehicles, or whatever, just a thought.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2016 4:41 PM

2016-12-15T16:41:29-05:00

To stay knowledgeable in your MOS when you are off from the army look to try and find jobs on the civilian side that do hvac

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2017 4:50 AM

2017-08-24T04:50:29-04:00

I went through the same struggles of not being able to do my job. The reality is your job doesn't show itself valuable until your unit is faced with extreme conditions whether it be extreme heat or cold. The best practice is to get deep into your TM. Actually read the book and go through the work packets. Once you've done that do it again. Just because nothing is broken doesn't mean you can't train. As 91c's we are expected to troubleshoot and fix issues within moments because often times the equipment we work on is for life support. The downside is in garrison we cross train excessively to our detriment on other mos'. While it's beneficial for the motor pool that you help them get ahead on services or troubleshoot equipment, they have failed you if you have limited information about your own. I recommend the first step is that you order everything that you need and think you'll need. Then I'd start training.