Transport in the North Dakota Army National Guard

OVERVIEW
Watercraft Operators are primarily responsible for navigation, cargo operations and supervising other Soldiers on Army National Guard watercraft. They are part of a piloting team using electronic positioning systems, hand-held navigation tools and traditional watch-standing procedures aboard many of the Army National Guard’s 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 types of cargo using shipboard machinery such as capstans, winches, hoists and davits

TRAINING
Job training for a Watercraft Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Advanced Individual Training: 6 weeks at Fort Eustis, VA

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Boat-handling techniques
• Watch-standing 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 part of a team
• Basic understanding of maps and trip planning
• Understanding of mathematical formulas

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 99

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
880A Marine Deck Officer

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in shipping or on a cruise ship, tugboat or ferry operation. You’ll be able to consider a future as a pilot, harbormaster or marine resource enforcement officer.

OVERVIEW
Watercraft Engineers are primarily responsible for supervising or performing maintenance on Army National Guard watercraft and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.

JOB DUTIES

• Perform daily systems checks
• Repair and maintain gasoline and diesel engines
• Troubleshoot and repair watercraft propulsion machinery
• Repair and service hoisting and lift machinery and engine-related electrical systems

TRAINING
Job training for a Watercraft Engineer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and nine weeks and two days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, VA with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Internal combustion engine theory
• Repair of electronic and electrical machinery systems
• Service and repair of fuel-injection systems
• Welding and machine shop fabrication

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in shop mechanics, fixing engines and machinery
• Ability to use hand and power tools
• Preference for physical work

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 99

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
881A Marine Engineer Officer

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with marine transportation, commercial fishing, oil exploration, facility maintenance, heating and air conditioning, or diesel engine maintenance or repair. You’ll also be able to consider a future as a marine engine mechanic.

OVERVIEW
Motor Transport Operators are primarily responsible for supervising or operating wheel vehicles to transport personnel and cargo. They are the backbone of the Army National Guard’s support and sustainment structure, providing advanced mobility on and off the battlefield.

JOB DUTIES

• Operate all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways
• Manage load, unload and safety of personnel being transported
• Oversee and check proper loading and unloading of cargo on vehicles and trailers
• Employ convoy defense techniques
• Identify, correct or report all vehicle deficiencies
• Prepare vehicles for movement/shipment by air, rail or vessel.

TRAINING
Job training for a Motor Transport Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks and three days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in simulation; however, more than 200 training hours are spent in actual vehicles and field training environments.

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Experience in driver education
• Interest in driving and mechanics

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Operators & Food (OF): 85

Learn more about the ASVAB.

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with trucking, moving or bus companies, or with businesses that have their own delivery fleets. You’ll be able to consider a future as a tractor-trailer truck, tank truck, heavy truck or bus driver.

OVERVIEW
Transportation Management Coordinators are primarily responsible for scheduling and selecting the modes of transportation for personnel and equipment. They organize, plan and oversee the movement of those vehicles, personnel and cargo worldwide.

JOB DUTIES

• Mark and label cargo and freight shipments in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Document and inventory freight, cargo and material shipments of all types
• Perform system administrator duties such as installing software and uploading data to computer systems
• Prepare equipment, cargo and personnel for travel to airports, seaports and railways
• Request and coordinate transportation to meet a movement mission

TRAINING
Job training for a Transportation Management Coordinator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks and one day of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Gregg-Adams, VA with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in motor vehicles, aircraft and ocean liner vessels
• Experience in coordinating transportation
• Interest in planning events and working with people

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Clerical (CL): 95

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
882A Mobility Officer

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with transportation and logistics companies.

OVERVIEW
Railway Specialists are primarily responsible for supervising and operating diesel-electric locomotives and related equipment. They also serve as crewmembers or brakemen in the makeup and movement of railway cars and trains.

JOB DUTIES

• Execute instructions received from signal towers, switches, other trains and trainmen
• Signal with fuses, hands, flags, lamps and engine whistles
• Perform car coupling and uncoupling operations
• Check lashing and bracing to assure safe hauling of cargo
• Administer lubrication orders on railway cars and make minor running repairs
• Verify seals and seal numbers on freight cars

TRAINING
Job training for a Railway Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks and three days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Eustis, VA with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 92

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with privately owned national railway chains or government-operated railroad companies.