Last Updated on November 16, 2023
This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as an Equipment Operator (EO) during the Fiscal Year 2024.
As an Equipment Operator, you will learn to operate Navy machinery as an Equipment Operator in the Seabees. This includes crane operation and road-building equipment.
In this job, you can contribute to successful Navy missions and earn operators’ licenses.
Take the keys and have the power to make a difference for yourself and the world.
Job Description
Equipment Operators (EO) are Navy enlisted Seabee Sailors who operate and maintain various types of Navy equipment, including automotive, material handling, weight handling, and construction equipment. They also oversee and coordinate the efforts of individuals and crews involved in construction projects, quality control inspections, earth-moving, road building, asphalt paving, soil stabilization, and other operations such as transportation, blasting, quarrying, mineral products, and water well maintenance.
These professionals handle administrative requirements related to mobile and fixed equipment, maintain their own combat readiness, and perform tasks necessary for combat and disaster preparedness and recovery operations.
Equipment Operators construct and repair various structures in diverse environments.
These Sailors may work at Navy bases or overseas stations worldwide and may be deployed to aid in the development or reconstruction of areas affected by natural disasters or to support combat operations.
Usually, Seabees primarily operate at land-based facilities and have limited exposure to maritime environments.
Approximately 1,400 individuals are employed as Equipment Operators in the Navy. EOs can work in various environments, either independently or as part of a larger team.
Specific Responsibilities
The responsibilities of Equipment Operators include operating various types of heavy transportation and construction equipment across a variety of projects.
The equipment used can include a diverse range of vehicles and machinery, such as trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, graders, forklifts, cranes, and asphalt equipment.
Job responsibilities can entail:
- Performing grading and excavation work.
- Using a diverse selection of robust, self-propelled equipment for purposes such as constructing buildings, roadways, piers.
- Carrying out routine equipment maintenance to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the machinery.
- Rigging cable assemblies and exchanging attachments for a diverse set of lifting and pile-driving operations.
- Compiling operational reports concerning equipment.
- Conducting operations using rock-crushing and well-drilling equipment.
- Engaging in the role of blasters for construction projects.
- Analyzing and interpreting blueprints while creating project sketches.
- Offering evaluations of material, labor, and equipment requirements through estimation.
- Executing duties essential for combat readiness and preparedness or recovery operations in the face of disasters.
- Providing support in disaster relief efforts and constructing improvised medical facilities.
Equipment Operator Roles
Equipment Operators operate and maintain automotive, material handling, weight handling, and construction equipment.
These professionals direct and coordinate crews in performing construction projects and doing quality control inspections.
Their tasks include earth-moving, road building, asphalt paving, soil stabilization, and various operations such as transportation, blasting, quarrying, mineral products, and water well.
They handle administrative requirements for mobile and fixed equipment and maintain combat readiness.
These Sailors assist in combat and disaster preparedness and recovery operations.
Project managers oversee and organize construction projects, ensuring they meet quality assurance standards.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
After Navy Boot Camp, individuals attend Class “A” Technical School for 14 weeks at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. This school teaches basic construction skills and theories.
After training, individuals are assigned to a Naval Mobile or Amphibious Construction Battalion. They may need to travel for further training.
Promotions are based on performance and are competitive. Advanced training may be available later in the career.
Post-Service Opportunities
Specialized training and work can provide valuable opportunities and credentials in the civilian construction fields.
Qualifications to Join
Individuals aiming to pursue a career as an Enlisted Sailor and become an Equipment Operator must possess a high-school diploma or an equivalent qualification. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for Seabee positions.
Equipment Operators must possess manual dexterity and proficiency in operating tools and machines.
These Sailors should also have knowledge of algebra and arithmetic, effective communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team.
A valid driver’s license is necessary. Important personal traits for Equipment Operators include resourcefulness and curiosity.
You should be in good physical condition and have normal color perception and hearing. General qualifications may vary depending on your current or past military service.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as an Equipment Operator.
Temporary ASVAB for EO:
AR + MC + AS = 136 (Expires 30th September 2024)
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2024, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.
So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Equipment Operator (EO), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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