Take control of the seas as a Watercraft Operator for the Army National Guard. Using the Guard’s large fleet of ocean vessels, you will be responsible for navigating open waters and performing sea cargo operations.
The Army National Guard uses ocean-going and harbor craft to support operations throughout the continental United States and overseas. As members of a team, Watercraft Operators are responsible for piloting, navigating, and performing cargo operations on Guard watercraft. In this role, you will use electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation tools, and traditional watch-standing procedures aboard many of the Guard's specialized watercraft.
Job Duties
• Dock and undock vessels
• Send and receive messages with radios, beacons, and signal flags
• Operate and maintain lifeboats and vessel firefighting equipment
• Secure all type of cargo using shipboard machinery such as capstans, winches, hoists, and davits
Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Boat handling techniques
• Standing-watch procedures
• Use of communications, electronics, and navigational systems
• Ship structure
• Log and message-handling procedures
• Navigational mathematics
Helpful Skills
• Interest in the ocean, sailing, and navigation
• Ability to work as a team member
• Basic understanding of maps and trip planning
• Understanding of mathematical formulas
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career in shipping, cruise, tugboat, or ferry operation as a pilot, harbormaster, longshoreman, or marine resource enforcement officer.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for a Watercraft Operator consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field.
Benefits
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in the Army National Guard.