Most people think about being in the Army as being solely a land based activity. There are other operations that the Army is a part of, including watercraft activity. The Army uses watercraft and vessels of various sizes to support their operations, both in the continental U.S.A. and overseas. The Army trains and staffs personnel to pilot, maintain, navigate and operate this watercraft in support of the Army Mission.
Army watercraft operators have special skills and ability to be aboard the different types of water vessels. They use hand held and stationary navigation devices, operate and maintain global positioning electronics, and function as crew members on different types of craft. As an Army watercraft operator you may work on a barge, be a member of a tugboat, or assist in loading or unloading heavy equipment and Army gear on and off of vessels.
The job of Army Watercraft operator can vary and is very interesting. The primary job or responsibility is for cargo operations, piloting, navigation, and the supervision of activity in and around Army watercraft. Army Watercraft operators may be tasked to supervise and direct other Army personnel as part of watercraft missions.
Some of the primary duties of a Army Watercraft operator includeâ€:
-Operating and using amphibious craft for operations and troop landings.
-Providing navigation and operating Army Watercraft.
-Directing and participation in docking, and undocking of Army and military watercraft.
-Communicating with other Army watercraft, military elements and others using beacons, radios, and signal flags.
-Maintaining and operating lifeboats, emergency equipment, and fire equipment.
-Using hoists, block and tackle, davits, winches and capstans to secure and stow cargo.
-Weighing and dropping anchor, and securing anchor about vessels.
-Keeping detailed records, ships logs, and other documentation.
-Maintaining various deck equipment and boat equipment.
-Interpreting and displaying international single letter code flags.
-Communicating and reporting hazards to navigation to vessel master while underway.
Job and skills training starts as with all Army jobs, with Basic Combat Training. After Basic training, you will progress to individual advanced training. This will consist of both classroom and in the field training. You will learn watch standing procedures, ship structure, boat handling, usage of charts, radio, compass and other navigational aids.
As a member of an Army Watercraft team you will learn to work as part of a team. If you have the ability to work well with others, have an interest in navigation or sailing, or if you are interested in the ocean, then this may be the ideal job in the Army enlisted ranks for you.
