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Navy Enlisted Rating (Job) Descriptions and Qualification Factors

Construction Mechanic (CM)

By Rod Powers, About.com

General Info:

Construction Mechanics repair and do maintenance on heavy construction and automotive equipment such as buses, dump trucks, bulldozers, rollers, cranes, backhoes, pile drivers and other heavy equipment and vehicles. CMs also prepare detailed maintenance records, acquire repair parts and maintain cost control data. This is a five year enlistment program.

What They Do:

The duties performed by CMs 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; lubricating equipment; maintaining and repairing tires, batteries, brakes and valves; performing shop management functions such as maintenance scheduling and spare parts inventory control.

Detailed List of Required Duties

ASVAB Score:

AR+MC+AS=162

Other Requirements:60 month obligation.

Technical Training Information: Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development.

    Port Hueneme, CA -- 89 calendar days
    Port Huenema, CA -- 68 caldendar days

Basic mechanics, familiarization with common types of auto and construction equipment and basic combat skills Group instruction After completion of "A" school, people in this rating can expect assignment to a Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) in Port Hueneme, CA or Gulfport, MS, or to an Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) in San Diego, CA or Little Creek, VA. NMCBs operate on a rotating basis, averaging seven months in home port and seven months deployed to overseas locations such as Spain, Puerto Rico or Guam. Seabees receive additional specialized combat and construction skills training during home port duty. Seabees construct buildings, roadways, pier facilities, utility systems and other shore facilities to support the Navy and Marines' operational forces.

Working Environment:

Many construction mechanics perform in an automotive garage environment, while some work in the field to maintain equipment. People in this rating usually work closely with others under close supervision and perform both physical and mental tasks. Throughout their careers, CMs may be assigned to work in climates that range from desert to arctic.

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