Description

The success of Army missions depends on keeping automotive and heavy equipment in top working condition. As an integral member of the Mechanical Maintenance team, the Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic handles the maintenance and repair of vehicles such as jeeps, cars and trucks.

The Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic is primarily responsible for supervising and performing maintenance and recovery operations on light-wheeled vehicles and associated items, as well as heavy-wheeled vehicles. Some of your duties as a Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic may include:

• Maintaining power-assisted brake systems, wheeled vehicle suspension systems, wheel/hub assemblies and wheeled vehicle hydraulic steering systems
• Troubleshooting problems in vehicle engines, electrical systems, steering, brakes and suspensions
• Tuning and repairing engines
• Replacing or repairing damaged body parts
• Establishing and following schedules for maintaining vehicles

Training

Job training for a Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you learn are:

• Engine repair and tune-up
• Troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems
• Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders and radiators

Skills

Helpful attributes include:

• An interest in auto mechanics and the industrial arts
• A preference for physical work
• An interest in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems
• An interest in automotive engines and how they work

Responsibilities

Advanced level Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanics supervise and train other Soldiers within the same discipline.

Civilian Related

The skills you learn as a Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic will help prepare you for a future with civilian service stations, auto dealers, farm equipment companies and state highway agencies. You'll be able to pursue a career as a garage mechanic, carburetor mechanic, transmission mechanic, radiator mechanic, construction equipment mechanic or endless track vehicle mechanic.