THE AMERICAN WELDER Currently, in the initial entry phase, Soldiers learn machining on manual lathes and mills. The Army does use computer numerical control technology, but the initial entry course is not long enough to accommodate that type of training. It is taught later in a Soldier’s career. The Army welding school at Fort Lee is an AWS SENSE accredited facility. During the course’s welding phases, Soldiers weld in all positions, normally on steel, standard weldable grades of aluminum, and stainless steel. The course is designed for those who have never welded. The students start on a Lincoln Electric VRTEX® 360 virtual reality arc welding training simulator before performing actual welds in the booth. The Marine Corps uses the same school; therefore, the course’s portion called Army Unique is training unique to the Army. This is where the Soldiers learn how to set up and use our welding trailer, plus other Army-specific equipment — Fig. 3. Ability to Earn Credentials For those who come to the school as trained welders, there are opportunities to advance through the course faster than their peers. In addition to moving ahead and getting out of training quicker, another advantage is the Army has recently begun credentialing welders and machinists at the school. This is an area I am especially proud of as it brings even more validity to our training. From AWS, this consists of achieving credentials in SMAW, GMAW, flux cored arc welding, GTAW, and oxyfuel cutting/plasma cutting. Also, from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), this includes the following: Measurement, Materials, and Safety; Job Planning, Benchwork, and Layout; Drill Press Skills I; Manual Milling Skills I; and Lathe Turning Skills I. Credentials are becoming more and more important as technology and the need for greater skill increases. These are free of charge to the individual. With further experience and maintenance of earned credentials, the opportunities are further increased when the person leaves the service. Not everyone can leave the school with a folder full of certificates. Each 76 WELDING JOURNAL / AUGUST 2016 Fig. 4 — Two Warrant Officers train on a computer numerical control mill at Fort Lee. person is evaluated throughout the duration of the course and only individuals with demonstrated ability are allowed to take credentialing tests, but the opportunity for a person who already has demonstrated welding skills Fig. 5 — A Soldier makes a weld on a fabrication in South Korea in 2008.
Welding Journal | August 2016
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