Military Support Welder is a skilled professional who performs various welding/metal fabrication tasks for supporting military maintenance, operations, and infrastructure needs. Military support welders are similar to other welders working outside of military service. Military welders work on a wide range of metal projects critical to military activities. They perform functions ranging from fixing critical machinery to constructing sturdy bridges and barriers. The profession requires expertise in welding techniques such as Mig, Tig, and Arc welding. Their work directly impacts the success of military missions and the safety of the troops. So. let us dive into the details of this rewarding career by reading the military support welder job description.
Post Highlights:
- Position Levels
- Educational Qualifications
- Course Types
- Certification/License
- Work Experience
- Duties/Responsibilities
- Equipment Types
- Abilities/Skills
- Work Environment
- Physical Requirements
- Top Industries
- Job Types
- Salary Information
- Benefits/Perks
Position Levels
Some general job levels include-
- Entry-Level Welder
- Journeyman Welder
- Senior Welder
- Welding Specialist/Chief Welder
- Welding Supervisor
- Welding Inspector/Quality Assurance
Educational Qualifications
Typical education levels include-
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Vocational or Technical Training Program
- Apprenticeship program
- AWS Welding Certifications
Course Types
Some common course types include-
- Advanced Welding Course
- Basic Welding Course
- Blueprint Reading Course
- Leadership/Supervisory Training Course
- Metallurgy Course
- Safety/Hazardous Material Handling Course
- Specialized Military Training
- Welding Certification Preparation Course
- Welding for Military Applications Course
- Welding Inspector Course
Certification/License
Some common certification types include-
- AWS Certified Welder (CW) certification – by AWS
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification – by AWS
- AWS Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) certification – by AWS
- International Welding Engineer Certification – by IIW
- NCCER Certifications (Welding Levels) – by NCCER
- Military-Specific Certifications
Work Experience
Some common experience types include-
- Aircraft Welding Experience
- Equipment Repair/Maintenance Experience
- Field Support Welding Experience
- Military Construction Projects Welding Experience
- Military Vehicles Welding Experience
- Quality Assurance/Inspection Experience
- Specialized Equipment Repairing Experience
- Structural Fabrication Experience
- Submarine/Ship Repairs Experience
- Training/Mentoring Experience
Duties/Responsibilities
Some common duties include-
- Assist appropriate metals and alloys
- Comply with all military regulations
- Conduct welding repairs on military Equipment
- Coordinate with military personnel
- Fabricate and construct metal structures
- Follow strict safety protocols/guidelines
- Inspect welded components
- Maintain accurate records of welding activities
- Maintain welding equipment/tools
- Perform various welding techniques
- Provide on-site welding support
- Provide Training/Mentoring services
- Respond to urgent emergency situations/repair needs
- Stay updated on the latest welding trends
- Work strictly based on Blueprint Interpretation
Equipment Types
Some common equipment types include-
- Metal Cutting Equipment
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Equipment
- Portable Welding Units
- Safety Gears (PPE)
- Welding Cables/Leads
- Welding Consumables
- Welding Electrode Holders/Ground Clamps
- Welding Fixtures/Jigs
- Welding Machines
- Welding Positioning Equipment
- Welding Tools
Abilities/Skills
Some essential skills include-
- Adaptability to work conditions
- Attention to Detail
- Blueprint Reading skills
- Communication Skills
- Continuous Learning temperament
- Excellent hand-eye coordination
- Knowledge of Safety Protocols
- Leadership skills (for senior positions)
- Metallurgical Knowledge
- Problem-Solving skills
- Proficiency in various welding techniques
- Quality Control knowledge/ability
- Teamwork skills
- Time Management skills
Work Environment
Some common working conditions include-
- Expose to noise/vibration
- May be deployed to various locations (domestic/international)
- May be involved in diverse projects
- May face extreme weather conditions
- May face limited facilities in field operations
- May face tight project deadlines
- May need to travel frequently
- May need to work irregular hours
- May work in hazardous environments
- Must meet stringent military standards
- Must strictly adhere to safety protocols
- Often work as part of a team
Physical Requirements
Some physical demands include-
- Able to handle respiratory hazards
- Face tiring noise/vibrations
- May need to lift heavy welding equipment
- May need to work in confined spaces
- May work outdoors in various weather conditions
- Must work near the heat source
- Often spend long periods standing
- Often works in awkward positions
- Repetitive movements of the hands and arms
- Wear proper protective gear (PPE)
Top Industries
Some common military job areas include-
- Aircraft Maintenance Facilities
- Combat Engineering Units
- Construction/Infrastructure Facilities
- Disaster Relief/Humanitarian Missions
- Fabrication Shops
- Field Operations
- Maintenance Depots
- Quality Control/Inspection Settings
- Ship/Submarine Repairs
- Specialized Repairs
- Training/Instruction Work
- Vehicle Maintenance Facilities
Job Types
Some common job types include-
- Aircraft Structural Repairer
- Combat Engineer
- Construction Equipment Operator
- Emergency Repair Team Member
- Maintenance Planner/Scheduler
- Marine Welder
- Shop Foreman/Supervisor
- Specialized Welding Technician
- Welding Inspector
- Vehicle Maintenance Technician
- Welder/Fabricator
- Welding Instructor/Trainer
Salary Information
The average hourly wage for a military support welder in the United States is $21.40. But this can vary depending on various factors like a military branch, pay grade, individual rank, level of experience, and country of service. Besides this, military compensation structures can differ from civilian pay scales. In the U.S. military, these personnel are typically enlisted with various pay grades.
However, the approximate salary ranges include-
Enlisted Personnel (E1-E9)
- Hourly Wage – $9 to $25
- Monthly Salary – $1,500 to $5,000
- Yearly Salary – $18,000 to $60,000
These figures are just approximate ranges and are based on the pay scales. There are many military compensations that include various benefits, allowances, and additional pay (e.g., housing allowance, food allowance, hazardous duty pays). These factors significantly impact the overall compensation package.
Benefits/Perks
Some common benefits include-
- Access to Military Facilities
- Camaraderie/Support
- Career Advancement
- Commissary/Exchange Privileges
- Education Benefits (GI Bill)
- Healthcare Coverages
- Housing Allowances
- Life Insurances
- Paid Leaves (vacation days, holidays)
- Retirement Benefits (pension plan)
- Subsistence Allowances
- Tax Benefits
- Training/Professional Development Programs
- Travel Opportunities
Summary
Military support welders play a crucial role in supporting military infrastructure and operations both in the United States and overseas. They employ their specialized welding and metal fabrication skills to contribute to the repair, maintenance, and construction of military vehicles, equipment, and structures. These professionals can be deployed to various locations including field operations and combat zones. Overall, military support welders contribute to the overall effectiveness and readiness of military operations and support the defense and security of the nation.
