Reporting for Duty as an Army Welder A long-time Soldier describes the journey of his welding career in the U.S. Army, including training, responsibilities, and opportunities Welding may not be the first job considered when a person intends to join the military, but for some, like me, welding in the military can become both a career and a passion. I have been in the welding field my entire military service, which spans 19 years. I have been stationed in Iraq, Korea, and Alaska, among other places — Fig. 1. Currently, I am a Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3), Active Duty Army 914A, Allied Trades Warrant Officer. The purpose of this article is to share my experience. In doing so, welding educators can become more informed about a welding career in the U.S. Army and pass on that knowledge to students who might be interested in a military career. It is based on the “Welding in the Military” lecture I delivered as part of the American Welding Society (AWS) Education Program at FABTECH 2015 in Chicago, Ill. — Fig. 2. Basic Entry Requirements In general, applicants to the Army are required to have strong moral character, be able to pass a thorough physical and mental examination, and pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.* The Army also has strict regulations on tattoos and piercings, as well as hair and beards, but this should not discourage an otherwise qualified applicant from visiting a recruiter. Only the local recruiter or other authorized personnel can determine whether or not a person is qualified. 74 WELDING JOURNAL / AUGUST 2016 BY CHARLES C. WHEELER THE AMERICAN WELDER *Information presented in this section should be verified with a recruiter. Fig. 1 — The author performing a fabrication near Tikrit, Iraq, in 2003.
Welding Journal | August 2016
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