Advanced Shop Sets for Soldiers' Advanced Skill Sets

摘要

As a military occupational specialty (MOS) 91E (allied trades specialist), I fabricate, repair, and modify both metallic and nonmetallic parts. Nine years ago, I was trained to use manual lathes and milling machines to fabricate various parts and special tools. I was also trained to repair metal using various welding processes such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Despite this training, the outdated equipment available to me in the field throughout my career has prevented me from fully using my skills. And at each of my assignments, the unit's modified table of organization and equipment usually allowed for either welding equipment or machining equipment, not both. This structure limits the capabilities for allied trades specialists.