Welders and Metal Workers
Background
Sheet metal is used as a building material in many military construction projects. Ships, tanks, and aircraft are made of heavy metal armor. Welders and metal workers make custom parts to repair the structural parts of ships, submarines, landing craft, buildings, and equipment. Welders and metal workers make and install sheet metal products, such as roofs, air ducts, gutters, and vents.
What They Do
Welders and metal workers in the military perform some or all of the following duties:
- Measure work with calipers, micrometers, and rulers
- Repair automotive and ship parts using welding equipment
- Weld, braze, or solder metal parts together
Physical Demands
Welders and metal workers may have to lift heavy metal parts and work in crouching or kneeling positions. Good color vision is required for locating and marking reference points, setting and adjusting welding equipment, and matching paints.
Special Requirements
No information available.
Helpful Attributes
Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in working with repair tools
- Preference for physical work
Helpful School Subjects
Helpful school subjects include:
- Auto mechanics
- Industrial arts
Helpful Fields of Study
No information available.
Work Environment
Welders and metal workers work indoors in metalworking shops and aircraft hangars. They also work outdoors at construction sites, on ships, and in the field.
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 four to 15 weeks of classroom instruction. Training length varies depending on specialty.
Course content typically includes:
- Operation and care of welding, soldering, and brazing equipment
- Procedures for cutting, brazing, and heat treating
- Sheet metal layout and duct work
Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.
Civilian Counterparts
Civilian welders and metal workers may work for metal repair shops, auto repair shops, construction companies, pipeline companies, aircraft manufacturing plants, shipyards, and marine servicing companies. They perform duties similar to military welders and metal workers.
Related Civilian Careers
Employment and Outlook
In peace time the services have about 6,000 welders and metal workers. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new welders and metal workers due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, welders and metal workers begin to make and repair metal equipment under the direction of a supervisor. With experience, they may become managers of repair shops, maintenance depots, or shipyards.