Army National Guard Soldiers use all kinds of devices to test and measure the accuracy of equipment and weapon system components to help diagnose problems. These devices need to be maintained in order to provide accurate readings, and it’s the role of the Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist to make sure that happens.
As a member of the precision instruments maintenance team, the TMDE Maintenance Support Specialist calibrates and repairs test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment, such as weapon-aiming devices, weather instruments, gyrocompasses, radiation-detecting equipment, and instruments used in aircraft.
Job Duties
• Adjust and repair weapon-aiming devices, such as range finders, telescopes, and ballistic computers
• Repair and calibrate engineering instruments, such as transits, levels, telemeters, and stereoscopes
• Repair gyrocompasses, watches, clocks, and timers
Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Use of blueprints and schematics
Helpful Skills
• Interest in mathematics, science, electronics, and shop mechanics
• Ability to solve mechanical problems and work with tools
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with civilian firms that manufacture or use precision instruments. You'll be able to pursue a career as an instrument mechanic or a calibration specialist. With additional study, you may be able to qualify for Electronics Technician Association certification.
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 TMDE Maintenance Support Specialists consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 34 weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction, including practice in repairing precision instruments. Training consists of both classroom and field work.
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.
