What to Expect
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Responsibilities
Construction Mechanics keep the Navy’s fleet of boats, vehicles and other equipment running with their expertise in engine and mechanical systems. As a Construction Mechanic, your responsibilities could include:
- Diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment failures
- Repairing and maintaining diesel and gasoline engines
- Adjusting and repairing ignition, fuel, electrical, hydraulic and steering systems
- Maintaining and repairing chassis, frames and bodies
- Working with hoisting and jacking equipment, power tools, measuring instruments, gauges and meters
- Maintaining and repairing tires, batteries, brakes and valves
- Performing shop management functions such as maintenance scheduling
- Performing tasks required in combat and disaster preparedness or recovery operations
Work Environment
As a Construction Mechanic, you’ll construct and repair a variety of equipment in just about every environment imaginable. You may work at Navy bases or ports of call around the globe, and you may be deployed to help develop or rebuild areas affected by natural disasters. Seabees primarily serve at shore-based commands—you will likely not spend time at sea.
Training & Advancement
Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Construction Mechanic role report to Class “A” Technical School in Port Hueneme, CA, for 16 weeks. Here, you will develop a working knowledge of basic construction skills and theories required for work as a Construction Mechanic.
After you’ve completed your schooling, you’ll be assigned to a Naval Mobile (NMCB) or Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB), and may rotate between homeport and overseas locations, where additional training may be provided.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. Advanced technical and operational training in the construction field may also be available during later stages of your career.
Post-Service Opportunities
Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian world.
Education Opportunities
Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training in the field of construction can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education.
You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Qualifications & Requirements
A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and a Navy Construction Mechanic. Those seeking a position with the Seabees must be U.S. citizens.
Construction Mechanics must be able to use tools, equipment and machines and have good use of your hands. Other important qualifications include knowledge of arithmetic, good speaking and writing skills and the ability to keep records while doing detailed work.
Important personal traits for Construction Mechanics include resourcefulness, curiosity and an interest in ideas and information. You should also possess a cooperative attitude and be in good physical condition.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
Part-Time Opportunities
Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Construction Mechanics in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
For annual training, you may serve anywhere in the world, including locations in the U.S., at bases overseas, or in areas where humanitarian needs are great.
Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.
Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.
Seabees in the Navy Reserve serve in an Enlisted role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met.
For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers, prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement, so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again.
For those without prior military experience, you will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.