Artillery Mechanic (63D)
- Enlisted
- Active Duty
- Army Reserve
- Closed to Women
Army forces use all different kinds of weapons, from small field artillery to large ballistic missiles. Most of these weapons have electronic components and systems that help locate targets, aim weapons and fire those weapons. It’s the Artillery Mechanic’s responsibility to keep these weapons operating properly.
The Artillery Mechanic is primarily responsible for supervising and performing maintenance and recovery operations of all self-propelled field artillery cannon weapon systems, including automotive, turret, fire control and chemical protection subsystems. Some of your duties as an Artillery Mechanic may include:
- Diagnosing equipment malfunctions
- Troubleshooting and performing unit maintenance
- Maintaining diesel power plants/packs, compression ignition engine fuel systems, compression ignition air induction systems and other associated system elements
- Cleaning and lubricating gyroscopes, sights and other electro-optical fire control components
- Repairing and maintaining missile mounts, platforms and launch mechanisms
- Testing and adjusting weapons firing, guidance and launch systems
Training:
Job training for an Artillery Mechanic consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Electronic and mechanical principles and concepts
- Use of electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipment
- Use of schematics, drawings, blueprints and wiring diagrams
- Operation, testing and maintenance of specific types of weapons systems
- Operation and maintenance of fire control systems on ships
Helpful Skills:
Helpful attributes include:
- An interest in science and math
- An interest in working with electronic or electrical equipment
- An ability to do work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
- An interest in working with weapons
Advanced Responsibilities:
Advanced level Artillery Mechanics supervise and train other Soldiers within their discipline. As an advanced level Artillery Mechanic, you may also be involved in:
- Troubleshooting, isolating and identifying the causes of system or component malfunction
- Inspecting electrical wiring and hydraulic lines
