If you enjoy working on machinery and engines then the career field of Machinery Technician in the Coast Guard may be the path for you. Working as a Coast Guard Machinery Technician you will have the ability to literally access and work on every major machinery system that the Coast Guard has in its fleet. The MK Machinery Technician rating is one of the largest in the Coast Guard, and is present both in the Coast Guard Active Duty and also the Reserves.
There are different machinery related assignments on every single shore station, cutter, Coast Guard Air Station, and Icebreaker that is in the Coast Guard Fleet. You will receive training not only on machinery related issues but also as a leader and a manager. You will be given training in all different areas from internal combustion engines such as diesel and gasoline engines, to environmental systems of support such as air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems. You will be given training in electricity, basic hydraulics, and hazardous material support and control. You will also work with different IT and computer systems as part of the Coast Guard inventory and supply system. Many MK’s serve on small boat crews, and act as federal law enforcement officers while on such types of duty assignments.
Working as a Machinery Technician in the Coast Guard will require you to learn and master most of the machinery and mechanical systems that are present in the Coast Guard. As you rise in rank and rating you will have the opportunity to manage and direct a department that manages equipment and personnel for repair, or possibly directing the Engineering petty officer crew and be responsible for overall shop and shop repair operations.
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Basic Training starts off your Coast Guard Career at Cape May, New Jersey. After 9 weeks in Basic training where you learn how to be a enlisted Coast Guard member, you progress to Mechanics Technician school, MK School. MK School is held in Yorktown, Virginia, and lasts for 12 weeks. You have to possess normal color vision and normal hearing, and have average or better ability with math problems. If you possess experience working in a machine shop or auto repair facility then this may be the job for you. Civilian jobs that this will assist you in include auto and truck repair mechanic, and heavy-duty equipment repair, as well as shipyard civilian mechanical work positions.
