Artillery Mechanic

The Army National Guard relies on Soldiers to test and maintain electrical systems for its ground weapons systems. As an Artillery Mechanic in the Army National Guard, you will supervise and perform maintenance on all self-propelled field artillery cannon weapon systems, including automotive, turret, fire control, and chemical protection subsystems.

You will learn how to maintain these systems; troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions; and repair, test, and adjust damaged equipment.

• Maintain diesel power plants/packs, compression ignition engines and engine fuel systems, air induction systems, exhaust systems, cooling systems, engine starting and charging systems, and track hull electrical.
• Diagnose malfunctions, troubleshoot and perform other unit maintenance on carriage-mounted armament, associated fire control and related systems, and components on all self-propelled field artillery weapon systems.

• Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts.
• Use of electronic, electrical, and mechanical test equipment.
• Operation, testing, and maintenance of specific types of weapons systems.
• Understanding schematics, drawings, blueprints, and wiring diagrams.

• Preference for working with electronic or electrical equipment.
• Ability to do work requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Interest in working with weapons.

In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance. Job training for an Artillery Mechanic consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 15 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.

• Paid training.
• A monthly paycheck.
• Montgomery GI Bill.
• Federal and State tuition assistance.
• Retirement benefits for part-time service.
• Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage).
• 401(k)-type savings plan.
• Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans).
• Health care benefits available.
• VA home loans.
• Bonuses, if applicable.
• Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change.

• Military enlistment in the Army National Guard.
• Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate.
• Must be between the ages of 17 and 35.
• Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards.
• Must meet citizenship requirements.