Plumber (21K)
Construction and Engineering Army MOS Information

Posted Friday, November 25, 2005

• Enlisted
• Active Duty
• Army Reserve

Army buildings and equipment all require pipe systems for water, steam, gas and waste. Army plumbers and pipe fitters are responsible for installing and repairing plumbing and pipe systems.

Some of your duties as an Army Plumber may include:

• Reading and interpreting drawings, plans and specifications
• Planning layouts of pipe systems using blueprints and drawings
• Bending, cutting and threading pipes made of lead, copper and plastic
• Installing connectors, fittings and joints
• Soldering or brazing pipe and tubing to join them
• Installing sinks, toilets and other plumbing fixtures
• Troubleshooting, testing and calibrating hydraulic and pneumatic systems
• Keeping accurate records of tasks completed and materials used

Training:

Job training for a Plumber consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and five weeks, one day of Advanced Individual Training, including practice with carpentry and masonry tools. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you learn are:

• Installation, operation, and repair of pipe systems
• Installation and repair of plumbing fixtures and boiler controls
• Installation and repair of water purification and distillation systems
• Maintenance and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems

Helpful Skills:

Helpful atrributes include:

• An interest in math and shop mechanics
• A preference for physical work
• An ability to work with detailed plans

Advanced Responsibilities:

Advanced level Plumbers supervise and train other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Plumber, you may be involved in:

• Reading and interpreting drawings, plans and specifications to determine layout and identify types and quantities of materials required
• Installing and repairing pipe systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment
• Conducting the inspection of plumbing facilities and ensuring employment of proper safety procedures