How to Become a Navy Construction Mechanic
Within the Navy, construction mechanics play a significant role. They guarantee that everyday activities operate smoothly besides working on a range of machinery, systems, and vehicles and assuring that all equipment is secure and functional at all times. These trained professionals often have a core set of skills and education to execute these tasks.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about working as a Navy construction mechanic, including the duties, training and education requirements, salaries, and benefits.
Steps to Become a Navy Construction Mechanic
To become a Navy construction mechanic, you must be a citizen and 17-39 years of age. You will require the approval of your parents if you are 17 years old. Enlisting as an officer needs to be between 19-42.
Following are the 6 steps you can follow if you want to become a construction mechanic in the Navy:
- Get High School Education
- Get a Bachelor’s Degree
- Enlist in the Navy
- Become Qualified
- Get a Basic Training
- Attend Technical School & Learn Special Skills
1. Get High School Education
Finishing high school is the first step to getting your foot in the navy construction. This step is extremely crucial as you will need a high school diploma or GED equivalent to join the Navy as an enlisted sailor in the mechanical sector.
2. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Earning an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a construction or machinery-related domain can help kick-start your career as a navy construction mechanic; however, this is an optional step. If you have some basic understanding of these concepts before starting your employment, you will be far more able to grasp technical terms rapidly.
3. Enlist in the Navy
You can join the Navy by communicating with a local recruiter, who will guide you through the process, including reporting to a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) as the first step for additional processing.
4. Become Qualified
In addition to meeting the physical and mental requirements expected of military personnel, you will need to pass a medical test and attain a passing score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination. The passing score involves a combined score of 158 on the arithmetic (AR), mechanical comprehension (MC), and auto and shop information (AS) sections.
5. Get a Basic Training
After being officially selected for the Navy, you’ll go through an eight-week basic training course, also known as boot camp, at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, north of Chicago. This introductory training course includes a formal introduction to the Navy and recruitment training.
6. Attend Technical School & Learn Special Skills
Attending a technical school is the final stage of becoming a Navy construction mechanic. This school will be located in Port Hueneme, California, commonly known as “A” school, where you will attend 16 weeks of technical training. Through this training, you will be able to receive all of the necessary skills and knowledge required to flourish in your career as a naval mechanic. As the Navy has various jobs to choose from, these courses will be more job-specific than basic training.
Responsibilities of a Navy Construction Mechanic
A naval mechanic oversees the fixes and maintains heavy construction and automotive equipment, including cranes, dump trucks, rollers, buses, bulldozers, backhoes, and tactical vehicles.
The duties of a Navy construction mechanic vary based on a variety of conditions; however, the following are some of the most typical responsibilities:
- Recognizing and resolving equipment failures
- Maintaining and repairing gear
- Fine-tuning and mending fuel, ignition, electrical, hydraulic, and steering systems
- Estimating the amount of material and labor that will be required
- Finding spare parts
- Appointing and overseeing assistants
- Keeping track of maintenance
- Maintaining willingness to combat
- Executing tasks that are needed in the event of a disaster
- Repairing tires, brakes, batteries, and valves
- Dealing with lubrication equipment, lifting and jacking equipment, power tools, measuring instruments, gauges, and meters
Average Salary of a Construction Mechanic in the Navy
The average salary of a Navy construction mechanic in the United States is $37,400 per year.
Entry-level positions in navy construction start from $30,000 per year, while the most experienced workers earn up to $45,990 per year in the United States.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the job forecast for this field is optimistic for all military branches through 2028. As members advance through the ranks, quit the service, or retire, all units require filling entry-level and professional posts.
Benefits of Being a Navy Construction Mechanic
A career as a naval mechanic can take you all over the world, so if you enjoy traveling, this job could be the perfect fit for you.
Other benefits of becoming a construction mechanic in the Navy include:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Top-notch training
- A plan for retirement
- Health and dental insurance
- Tax incentives
Conclusion
Joining the Navy, which guards the country’s oceans and performs combat operations from the sea, can be a beneficial move in your career.
If you opt for becoming a construction mechanic in the Navy, it will provide you with a tonne of benefits, including top-class training, health and dental concessions, and tax incentives, to name a few.
To become a Navy construction mechanic, you need to complete high school education, earn an associate or bachelor’s degree, pass the ASVAB test, get basic training of eight weeks, and attend a technical school to learn special skills.
Moreover, you must possess physical skills to run equipment and machines. Besides that, you will also need communication as well as problem-solving skills.
The Primus Workforce team is proudly built on hands-on industry knowledge and experience.