Navy Equipment Operator (EO)

Navy Equipment Operator (EO)Navy Equipment Operator (EO)Equipment Operators in the Navy operate heavy transportation and construction equipment including trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, forklifts, cranes, and asphalt equipment. Theyre like the construction foremen of the Navy, with duties similar to workers at quarries or construction sites. Duties for Navy Equipment Operators These sailors operate a wide variety of heavy-duty, self-propelled construction equipment for projects that include everything from building, roadway andpier construction to grading and excavation. That includes conducting maintenance and safety checks, and of course, preparing reports. Navy equipment operators (EOs) may also serve as members of a crane crew to rig cable assemblies and change attachments for various lifting and pile-driving operations, using and operating rock crushing and well-drilling equipment, reading and interpreting blueprints, and performing as blasters for construction projec ts. EOs are almost guaranteed towork in a variety of conditions, independently and as members of a large team. Their many different duties may be performed in climates ranging from tropical to arctic. Expect to spend a significant amount of time outdoors if you decide to enlist in this job. Training for Navy Equipment Operators After completing the requisite basic training (boot camp) at theRecruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, these sailors attend 92 days of technical school (known in the Navy as A-school) at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. During A-school theyll learn the necessary procedures and protocols for handling and operating the Navys heavy equipment, and get the permits they need to operate the equipment safely when in the field. Qualifying as a Navy Equipment Operator To be eligible for this rating (as the Navy calls its jobs), youll need a combined score of at least 140 on the arithmetic reasoning (AR), mechanical comprehension (MC), and auto and sho p information (AS) segments of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) tests. Theres no Department of Defense security clearance needed for this rating since there isnt a lot of sensitive information being handled. But it does carry a 60-month (five-year) enlistment obligation, so you should be prepared for this significant commitment. In addition, sailors need normal color perception to qualify for this rating, meaning you cant be color blind. Youll need a valid drivers license, and a driving record free of DUI offenses and major accidents. Advancement opportunities and career progression, like all Navy and U.S. military jobs, are directly linked to a ratings manning level. Navy personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings. Sea/Shore Rotation for Equipment Operators First Sea Tour 54 monthsFirst Shore Tour 36 monthsSecond Sea Tour 54 monthsSecond Shore Tour 36 monthsThird Sea Tour 48 monthsThird Shore Tour 3 6 monthsFourth Sea Tour 36 monthsForth Shore Tour 36 months Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement. Civilian Occupations Similar to Navy Equipment Operator Youll be qualified for a variety of civilian jobs on construction sites, and any company or agency that uses heavy equipment in its day-to-day operations.