What’s it like being a mechanic in the Army?

2020-05-08T19:14:25-04:00

First of all, I’m currently a mortarman, and absolutely love it. But as my contract is creeping to an end, I’m thinking about other options. I love working on cars in my free time, and when I get out 100% plan on working in the automotive industry to some degree. Would being a mechanic further my knowledge for that, and how is it being a mechanic?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 4:21 AM

2020-05-09T04:21:20-04:00

Yes, you will learn a lot about the working on diesel engines and military vehicle repair. You may have the opportunity to gain certifications that will transfer to outside employment.

As a commander my Mechanics loved turning wrenches. What they hated was not turning wrenches, it seemed they didn't turn wrenches as often as they would like.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 9:37 AM

2020-05-09T09:37:54-04:00

At the MOS school you learn more about how to look up things and use the ETMs. Most of the hands on learning will (hopefully) happen when you get to the shop or motorpool. Depending on the type of soldier you are and your units need, you may get the opportunity to get certifications that will help you on the outside. Good luck!

Response by PFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 9:58 AM

2020-05-09T09:58:29-04:00

The amount of mechanic work that is done per day-by-day basis is rather constant and fun. Love conducting maintenance and keeping the vehicles FMC. You'll like being a mechanic.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 11:12 AM

2020-05-09T11:12:57-04:00

My little brother was a tank mechanic in the Army before getting out and becoming a diesel mechanic in the civilian side. He ended up rejoining the Army as a 91B wheel mechanic a few years later. He loves his job and he loves trouble shooting electrical issues in cars.
If you're going to switch, your MOS is under strength, I suggest you request 91A as opposed to 91B because you'll have a better chance of getting approved and the promotions are better

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made May 9 at 2020 11:44 AM

2020-05-09T11:44:50-04:00

I had a buddy in the NG that was a mechanic, too far in the past for me to tell you what Army or NG Mechanics do now though.........no clue. But I worked for General Motors for a stint as EDS Contractor working in the GM HQ building in Downtown Detroit for 3.5 years in the 1990's, then USAREC for 2 years, then Credit Unions for 2 years, then IBM....and so on. I will tell you this if you want to become a dealership mechanic your going to need more training post Army (probably attend a tech school that a specific brand prefers as a base). Don't expect you will walk from Army into car dealership maintenence department..........rare if it happens at all. On top of that the dealership will send you to various schools after hire to get certified in the cars they service, certification programs are taught by the Manufacturer in a lot of cases. Want my opinion there, happiest mechanics in a dealership I ever saw worked for Mercedes-Benz. Their technology more leading edge than GM or Ford and I would also expect more $$$ as well. BMW probably comparable to Mercedes. MB is doing better in my view than GM in the United States market as MB is growing sales....GM is treading water or slowly sinking. Don't discount your favorite brand either, if you think Ferrarri would be cool, start communicating with them now.

Also on the exotic brands. There is this You Tuber he is called ProducerMicheal (you can look him up....he is just starting out). He has a net worth north of $100 million and used to be an Exotic Car executive (I think it was Ferrari or Buggatti.....Google and find out). Don't be afraid to drop him a letter (he is a talent manager now and is used to getting letters). He started out working for the British Army as a civilian in Berlin as a dishwasher (he might relate to Vets)......he might have some really good advice for you if your into exotic brands and want to be an exotic car mechanic......he also has a few Rolls Royces and other exotic brands himself. I'm off topic but anyway......just a few tips and one potential lead. Look him up on You Tube under ProducerMicheal. BTW, never, never let someones wealth, or executive position intimidate you. They are all human and most are nice guys and can be approached for career questions and love to give advice to someone just starting out.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 12:28 PM

2020-05-09T12:28:38-04:00

Not a bad mos. Depending on the unit 90% of the time working is spent doing services. I am currently in a transportation unit and we have about 90 pieces of equipment. Services suck, but maintenance section is very tight group, because we are a small section. Drivers soak up the glory, we keep them on the road.
Get used to late nights.
As far as actually rebuilding anything, it is rare. Check and verify faults on 5988s, diag, get NSN to order parts and more services.
Not a bad gig, any mechanical training and skills transfer to civilian life.
And there is always temp tech and full time tech jobs possible

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2020 3:03 PM

2020-05-09T15:03:08-04:00

It really depends on the unit and if you will be actually doing your job or not. I'm sure that you've learned by now that you can be MOSQ in an MOS but not actually be doing that MOS as your actual job.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2020 4:44 PM

2020-05-18T16:44:06-04:00

I'm going to tell you this what you learn in the military will not apply to the civilian sector different specifications on how things are done different diagnostic systems they really won't recognize anything further than raw work time with a wrench