Machinist (44E)
Mechanics Army MOS Information

Posted Friday, November 25, 2005

• Enlisted
• Active Duty
• Army Reserve

It's a simple fact that engines and machines sometimes break down; Army engines and machines aren't any different. Broken parts have to be repaired or new ones must be made and it's up to the Machinist to handle this.

The Machinist is primarily responsible for supervising and performing the fabrication, repair and modification of metallic and nonmetallic parts. They operate lathes, drill presses, grinders and other machine shop equipment. Some of your duties as a Machinist may include:

• Welding, brazing or soldering metal parts together
• Repairing automotive and shipping parts using welding equipment
• Measuring work with calipers, micrometers and rulers
• Studying blueprints or written plans of the parts to be made
• Setting up and operating lathes to make parts such as shafts and gears
• Cutting metal stock using power hacksaws and bandsaws
• Boring holes using drill presses
• Shaping and smoothing parts using grinders

Training:

Job training for a Machinist consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 14 weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice in machine operation. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you learn are:

• Machine types and uses
• Machine setup and operation
• Uses of different metals
• Safety procedures

Helpful Skills:

Helpful attributes include:

• An interest in math, general science, metal working and mechanical drawing
• A preference for working with the hands
• An interest in making things and finding solutions to mechanical problems
• An ability to apply mathematical formulas

Advanced Responsibilities:

Advanced level Machinists perform the same duties as other Machinists, but also manage other Soldiers in certain duties.