Non-Destructive Testers
Background
Military equipment is often placed under heavy stress. An airplane's landing gear absorbs heavy runway impact. Submarine hulls withstand tremendous pressure in the ocean depths. In time, stress may cause structural weakening or damage. Non-destructive testers examine metal parts for stress damage by using x-rays, ultrasonics, and other testing methods that do not damage (are non-destructive to) the parts tested.
What They Do
Non-destructive testers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Conduct oil analysis and heat damage tests to detect engine wear
- Examine x-ray film to detect cracks and flaws in metal parts and welds
- Inspect metal parts and joints for wear and damage
- Operate ultrasonic, atomic absorption, and other kinds of test equipment
- Prepare inspection reports
- Take x-rays of aircraft and ship parts
Physical Demands
Normal color vision is required to read color-coded diagrams.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in machines and how they work
- Interest in operating test equipment
- Thoroughness and dependability
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Math
- Metal shop
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Non-destructive testers work indoors in laboratories and aircraft hangars. They also work outdoors in shipyards and in the field.
Services offering this career:
- Air Force
- 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 nine to 13 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in testing metal parts.
Course content typically includes:
- Methods for inspecting parts and welds
- Operation of ultrasonic test equipment
- Operation of x-ray and film processing equipment
- Preparation of test reports
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian non-destructive testers work for commercial testing laboratories, airlines, aircraft maintenance companies, and industrial plants. They perform duties similar to military non-destructive testers and may be called radiographers.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 1,500 non-destructive testers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new testers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, testers are assigned to testing units, where they perform tests under supervision. With experience, they work more independently. In time, non-destructive testers may become supervisors of testing laboratories or maintenance units.