Weapons Maintenance Technicians
Background
Combat forces use many different types of weapons from small field artillery to large ballistic missiles. Weapons may be fired from ships, planes, and ground stations. Most modern weapons have electronic components and systems that assist in locating targets, aiming weapons, and firing them. Weapons maintenance technicians maintain and repair weapons used by combat forces.
What They Do
Weapons maintenance technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Clean and lubricate gyroscopes, sights, and other electro-optical fire control components
- Repair and maintain artillery, naval gun systems, and infantry weapons
- Repair and maintain missile mounts, platforms, and launch mechanisms
- Test and adjust weapons firing, guidance, and launch systems
Physical Demands
Some specialties involve moderate to heavy lifting. Normal color vision is required to read color-coded charts and diagrams.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Ability to do work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
- Interest in working with electronic or electrical equipment
- Interest in working with weapons
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Math
- Science
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Weapons maintenance technicians work in workshops when testing and repairing electronic components. They may work outdoors while inspecting and repairing combat vehicles, ships, artillery, aircraft, and missile silos.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- Army
- Marine Corps
- 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 15 to 30 weeks of classroom instruction and practical experience. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts
- Operation, testing, and maintenance of weapons systems and fire control systems
- Use of schematics, drawings, blueprints, and wiring diagrams
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian weapons maintenance technicians work for firms that design, build, and test weapons systems for the military. They perform duties similar to military weapons maintenance technicians. They may also be called avionics technicians, electronic mechanics, or missile facilities repairers.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 34,000 weapons maintenance technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, they are assigned to weapons operations or maintenance units. They perform routine maintenance and work under close supervision. With experience, they may work more independently and train new personnel. Eventually, they may become managers of missile facilities, avionics, or electronics maintenance units or shops.