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Short Description
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:
- Repair and maintain artillery, missile, multiple launch rocket systems, naval gun systems, and infantry weapons
- Clean and lubricate gyroscopes, sights, and other electro-optical fire control components
- Repair and maintain missile mounts, platforms, and launch mechanisms
- Perform field and sustainment level maintenance/repairs on the mechanisms/systems of tank turrets/weapons, fighting
vehicles, towed/self propelled artillery and electronic, electrical and cryogenic assemblies
- Maintain, operate, service, and repair weapons support systems such as
power generation and distribution systems, environmental control, loading equipment, and associated interfaces
- Operate and maintain automated data processing equipment to perform munitions accounting, computations, and research
- Coordinate calibration and maintenance of associated missile systems test measurement diagnostic equipment
- Repair unserviceable optical and infrared components by aligning, adjusting, removing and replacing defective modules
and assemblies
- Maintain and/or repairs laser range finders, ballistic computers, laser observation devices, laser designators, thermal imaging systems
Helpful Attributes
Helpful school subjects include science and math. 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 weapon systems
Training Provided
Job training consists of classroom instruction and practical experience. Training length varies depending on
specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:
- Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts
- Use of schematics, drawings, blueprints, and wiring diagrams
- Operation, testing, and maintenance of weapons systems and fire control systems
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.
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.
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