If you’re a hands-on learner who enjoys being in a fast-paced environment and desire a job that matters, you could consider training to become a military mechanic.

Mechanics are pivotal to the military, as each branch relies on a fleet of vehicles to complete daily operations. As a mechanic in the military, you would be responsible for maintaining, servicing and repairing the machines within these fleets.

Universal Technical Institute can help prepare you for some of these responsibilities. The Automotive and Diesel mechanic programs at UTI provide students a solid foundation of knowledge and technical skills they can build on in the military.

Not only can UTI help prepare aspiring mechanics, it can also assist veterans transitioning out of the role. If you’re retiring from the military as a mechanic, UTI can build on your current skill set through specialized training while offering various military and veterans services along the way.

Keep reading to learn more about what a military mechanic does, how to become a mechanic in the military, and the job outlook.

Military Mechanic Job Description

Military mechanics maintain, service and repair all vehicles, including their complementary components and systems.

Vehicle mechanics make repairs to various vehicles, from light tactical utility and patrol vehicles to Humvees and armored security vehicles.

As previously mentioned, military mechanics play a vital role in the armed services. They ensure all automotive machines can safely transport the materials and people necessary for operations. They also guarantee vehicles are prepared for combat.

Automotive technicians in the military accomplish this by:

• Performing preventive maintenance on gas and diesel-fueled vehicles and their subsystems, such as material handling equipment and associated trailers
• Maintaining and testing all vehicle components and systems
• Maintaining, diagnosing and repairing associated components like starter motors, fuel pumps, brake pads, drive shafts and more
• Maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing associated systems like fuel, transmission, electrical, steering, hydraulic, auxiliary-drive systems and weapons stations.
• Utilizing core hand, torque measurement, diagnostic, testing and power tools to perform responsibilities
• Recovering disabled or damaged vehicles from the field
• Adhering to safety compliance, production goal and operating standards

Military mechanics typically perform the above tasks in an auto garage or hangar.

However, they may also work in a combat field in the case of an emergency, such as a vehicle breakdown.

Military Mechanic Requirements

Each branch of the military requires at least a high school diploma or GED diploma. Interested individuals could also attend auto mechanic school before entering the armed services.

An automotive program like the one offered at UTI can train students with the basic skills needed to become military mechanics while offering additional options for their careers within and outside of the military.¹

Bear in mind that in some cases, mechanic roles for all military branches may not be available at the time of enlistment. Be sure to ask your military recruiter, who can help you through this process.

You will also be required to take the Armed Services Vocations Aptitude Test (ASVAB). The ASVAB gauges future occupational success in the military based on current knowledge and can help a recruiter point you toward a role that fits your abilities.

The test consists of 10 sections: general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, mathematics knowledge, electronics information, auto information, shop information, mechanical comprehension and assembling objects.

Many high schools offer the test to students 16 and older because they can enlist once they turn 17, with parental consent. The results are valid for two years after the test has been taken. If you didn’t complete the test in high school, a recruiter can refer you to a local testing site.

Each branch has designated a minimum score requirement on the mechanical maintenance portion of the ASVAB test. For instance, the Army mechanic requirements may differ from the Marine Corps, Navy or Air Force. To learn more about the score requirements, talk to a recruiter directly.

In addition to the above standards, a military mechanic also typically display the following traits:

• Enjoys problem-solving
• Does well in a fast-paced environment
• Thrives under pressure
• Has the ability to analyze, adjust and react quickly
• Is comfortable operating power tools
• Is comfortable with technology
• Enjoys hands-on learning and physical labor
• Can read, comprehend and adhere to complex manuals

How to Become a Military Mechanic

1. Complete the Education Requirements

To become an automotive technician in the military, you must currently have or obtain your high school diploma or GED.

However, training at a skills-based trade school can also be beneficial, as you will gain a mechanical aptitude that is valuable to the military.

Some military mechanics have found that attending a trade school after serving is beneficial, too.

UTI graduate Heath Smith served as a diesel mechanic for seven years. Upon exiting the military, he chose to sharpen his skills at UTI, where he learned new processes for the industry.

Heath says his instructors were at the top of their game and promoted the hands-on learning style. He says his favorite classes were the electrical ones. He also says the skills he learned at UTI helped him toward becoming one of the lead techs at a Freightliner dealership just two years out of school.⁶

While becoming a military mechanic does not require trade school, hands-on training from expert instructors can prepare you to succeed in the role. It may also provide further potential for advancement within the armed services.

As previously mentioned, it’s possible that all military mechanic roles could be filled for the year at the time of enlistment. To learn if a mechanic role is available to you, contact a recruiter.

2. Speak to a Recruiter

Once you’ve completed your desired level of education, contact a recruiter. Be prepared with questions and what you desire for your future. Consider presenting them to recruiters from each branch. Doing so can help ensure you find the best fit for you.

If you took the ASVAB test in high school, a recruiter would first pull your scores. If you haven’t, they may refer you to a local testing site. Once the ASVAB is complete, the recruiters will present you with a ship date and list of available roles.

If there are mechanic positions available, you can solidify this as your path. Once you and a recruiter decide on your path, you’ll be referred to the nearest Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) for screening.

3. Pass MEPS Screening

MEPS screening determines whether your physical ability, aptitude and morale is fit for the military. The screening includes a few different sections.

As previously mentioned, most candidates complete the ASVAB in high school or are referred to a local testing site prior to screening. However, if you haven’t taken the ASVAB test, this will be the first portion of your MEPS screening as it helps your recruiter determine the type of role, you’re best suited for.

While high schools can administer the ASVAB test to minors without parental consent, recruiters cannot. If you’re younger than 18, both parents will have to give their permission. This is because many high schools use the test as a counseling tool to help students identify their strengths, while recruiters use it as an enlistment tool.

Upon completing the ASVAB, you’ll undergo a physical examination to assess your health. A doctor will check your height, weight, hearing, vision, muscles and more. You will also undergo urine, blood, drug and alcohol tests.

After you’ve passed MEPS screening, you’ll be cleared to start the role you and your recruiter have discussed.

4. Graduate From Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training

Basic training, also known as combat training, basic military training, or recruit training, provides recruits with the physical, mental and emotional knowledge necessary to serve within a specific military branch.

During this time, you can expect a combination of field, physical and classroom training. Although you will not learn any special skills related to being a mechanic, it is necessary to reach advanced individual training, where you will learn more about being a mechanic in the branch you serve.

Basic training length varies by branch:

• Army: 10 weeks
• Marine Corps: 13 weeks
• Navy: 7 to 9 weeks
• Air Force: 7 weeks

Upon completing basic and advanced individual training, you will begin what you enlisted for — specialized training as a military mechanic.

Military Mechanic Career Outlook

Now that you know the process required to qualify to become a mechanic in the military, it’s time consider some of the paths you could take. Below are a few common options:

• Wheeled vehicle mechanic: A wheeled-vehicle mechanic is in the Army. They maintain, diagnose and repair all wheeled vehicles and their related components and systems.
• Track vehicle repairer: A track vehicle repairer is in the Army. They maintain and repair tracked vehicles, like tanks, and their systems.
• Motor transport mechanic: A motor transport mechanic is in the Marine Corps. They inspect, maintain, and repair all field vehicles. They also learn to operate multiple USMC vehicles.
• Construction mechanic: A construction mechanic is in the Navy. As engine and mechanical system experts, they maintain, diagnose and repair ships and other vehicles.
• Vehicle management mechanic: A vehicle management mechanic is in the Air Force. They maintain, diagnose, troubleshoot and repair specialty vehicles.

As previously mentioned, a military mechanic role can help supply you with in-demand skills that could translate to the civilian sector. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), total auto technician employment is expected to exceed 794,000 by 2032.⁴⁷

UTI helps to answer the demand for skilled mechanics and simultaneously assists transitioning military members by teaming up with BMW to offer a manufacturer-specific Military Service Technician Education Program (MSTEP) for men and women preparing to exit the military.

Taught by UTI instructors at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and Camp Pendleton in California, the manufacturer-paid BMW MSTEP provides students with industry-aligned, hands-on training. At the end of 16 weeks, program participants receive manufacturer-specific credentials, granting them a unique opportunity to secure employment while making their transition as seamless as possible.

UTI also teams up with Penske Premier Truck Group (PTG) to offer a Technical Skills Program (TSP) to soon-to-retire military members. UTI instructors hold the tuition-free 12-week TSP at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. At the end of 12 weeks, students receive Daimler Truck of North America (DTNA) Systems credentials and are offered employment with PTG.

If you’ve already left the military, UTI has multiple military and veteran services that can help with the transition.

In addition to military and veteran services, UTI offers specialized training through Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) programs. Upon completing a core Automotive or Diesel program, qualified students can apply to enroll in these programs, where they will gain knowledge and credentials specific to brands like Ford, Toyota, Cummins, Freightliner and more.¹⁵

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a military mechanic?

Pre-enlistment screening takes one to two days, basic training takes 7.5 to 13 weeks, and advanced individual training takes 12 to 16 weeks, depending on the branch. However, this can vary. For instance, some candidates’ physical health screening may take longer than others.

Can you join the Army to train to be a mechanic?

Yes, if there are mechanic jobs available for your ship date! Mechanics are crucial to the Army’s success, as they ensure the vehicles used for transport and combat are in working condition.

Does the military need mechanics?

Yes, the military counts on a variety of mechanics to maintain, service, repair, and troubleshoot their specialty vehicles.

Train to Become a Mechanic at UTI

The Automotive Technology and Diesel Technology programs offered at UTI can help prepare students for careers as mechanics, including in the military. You can graduate from the Automotive or Diesel programs in less than a year⁷ ready to serve in the military with in-demand skills.

If you’re interested in taking the next steps toward a career you’re excited about, don’t hesitate to request more information on our website today. We’re happy to help answer any questions you might have! You can also call 1-800-834-7308 to speak with an Admissions Representative.

UTI Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

• Austin, Texas
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Houston, Texas
• Miramar, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Long Beach, California
• Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Sacramento, California
• Avondale, Arizona
• Bloomfield, New Jersey
• Exton, Pennsylvania
• Lisle, Illinois
• Mooresville, North Carolina

NASCAR Technical Institute Campuses That Offer Automotive Technician Training

• Mooresville, North Carolina