The active duty Army is constantly remodeling, constructing and building. Without the services of their Masons and Carpenter specialists, they would not be able to complete their mission. Army Carpenters and Masons use a wide variety of tools, and an even wider variety of different skills sets. Masons and Carpenters work in both specialized and general construction, working with structural steel, wood, stone and masonry, and a variety of other building materials.
As a Mason and Carpenter in the Army you will be involved in:
-Performing basic masonry and Carpentry skills.
-Erect and fabricate trusses, rigging, and other structural assemblies.
-Work to layout, frame, sheath, build and roof existing structures.
-Construct formwork for concrete forms, walls, slabs and columns.
-Construct and repair all different types of buildings and structures.
As an enlisted Army Soldier you will first attend nine weeks of Basic Combat Training, just like any soldier. You will then progress to seven additional weeks of individual advanced training, where you will learn specific masonry and carpenter skills. You will receive instruction in:
-Use of finishing tools.
-How to perform and complete concrete control tests.
-Concrete construction and basic technology.
-Consolidation, finishing and placing of forms and Concrete assemblies.
If you have a ability to work with your hands, and have experience working with hand tools, and have experience working in the building trades, you may want to try and become a Army Carpenter and Mason. You should have an interest in math and science, and ability to do physically taxing work. If you like to work outdoors, and are in good physical shape, you may do well in this job specialty. As you rise in rank and rate, you can be assigned to supervise and oversee the work of younger less experiences soldiers. You can be responsible for training and supervising soldiers on a job site, or be the project manager for a larger job site.
Senior Carpenters and Masons are often responsible for:
-Erecting pre engineered metal and prefabricated structures.
-Using construction drawings and blueprints.
-Installing walls, flooring, roofing, and other building components.
The skills you learn in the Mason and Carpenter Army specialty will give you training that will serve you well after you leave the Army. Careers in the Civilian field in carpentry, masonry positions, as well as roles as project managers; supervisors and lead workers are also possible.
