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Military Heavy Equipment Mechanics

Military Career

General Information

Description

Heavy equipment mechanics specialize in the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment, such as tanks and other combat vehicles. They maintain and repair construction equipment, including equipment used for earthmoving, grading and compaction, lifting and loading, quarrying and rock crushing, asphalt/concrete mixing and surfacing, and water pumping, as well as special purpose equipment, including power generation equipment and air conditioning/refrigeration systems. They also supervise and perform diagnostic troubleshooting to determine maintenance repair criteria.

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Work Environment

Heavy equipment mechanics usually work inside large repair garages. They work outdoors when making emergency repairs in the field.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Heavy Equipment Mechanics in the Military

36,106

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Salary

Average Salary

$55,385

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Post-secondary certificate 54%
  • High school 29%
  • Some college 7%
  • Associate's degree 5%
  • Less than high school 2%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Bachelor's degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for heavy equipment mechanics consists of classroom and hands-on training. Training content may include: Repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and armament systemsRepairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiatorsEngine repair and tune-up or replacementElectronic and mechanical principles and conceptsUse of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipmentShop operations, such as inventory controlUse and care of hand and power toolsUse of automated information systems

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for heavy equipment mechanics consists of classroom and hands-on training. Training content may include:

  • Repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, and armament systems
  • Repairing and replacing body panels, fenders, and radiators
  • Engine repair and tune-up or replacement
  • Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts
  • Use of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipment
  • Shop operations, such as inventory control
  • Use and care of hand and power tools
  • Use of automated information systems

Related College Majors

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Knowledge

  • Mechanical
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.