Power Plant Electricians
Background
Each military base anywhere in the world must have its own electricity. Power plant electricians maintain and repair electricity generating equipment in mobile and stationary power plants.
What They Do
Power plant electricians perform some or all of the following duties:
- Detect and locate grounds, open circuits, and short circuits in power distribution cables
- Maintain and repair motors, generators, switchboards, and control equipment
- Maintain and repair power and lighting circuits, electrical fixtures, and other electrical equipment
- Read technical guides and diagrams to locate damaged parts of generators and control equipment
Physical Demands
Normal color vision is required to work with color-coded wiring.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to use hand and power tools
- Interest in electricity
- Interest in working with large machinery
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Electrical and electronic theory
- Math
- Technical drawing
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Power plant electricians work in repair shops on land, aboard ships, or wherever generating equipment needing repair is located.
Services offering this career:
- Army
- Navy
Hiring Practices
To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.
This position is for enlisted personnel.
Wages
The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.
Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.
Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.
There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.
Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.
Training Provided
Job training consists of four to 17 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in maintaining electrical power systems. Course length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Diesel generator operation, disassembly, inspection, and maintenance
- Electrical generation and distribution
- Generator and power plant operations
- Principles of electrical and electronic circuitry
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian power plant electricians often work for construction companies, manufacturers, and utility companies. They perform duties similar to military power plant electricians.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 3,000 power plant electricians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new electricians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, power plant electricians perform routine maintenance and repairs under supervision. In time, they perform more complex tasks and may help train others. Eventually, they may become supervisors of power plant operations.