• Ratings Average Rating:
  • Required Test Average Duration: 4.1
  • Desinnation Designation: 2161
  • Number Employed Number Employed: 166
  • Category Category: Ground Ordnance Maintenance
  • Age Average Age: 25
Machinists perform various duties incident to fabrication, repair or modification of engineer, motor transport, weapons, and accessories. Duties include selection of proper stock and set up of work on lathes, shapes, milling machines, internal and external grinders, drill presses, saws and cylinder, or line-boring machines. Machinists work from sketches, diagrams, blueprints, written specifications, or oral instructions. The control of quality and accuracy is met by the machinists' use of precision measuring devices to include micrometers, Vernier gauges, and various other gauges and the subsequent adjustment of machine tool controls. Fabrication of metals is also followed by welding with all standard welding equipment. 
Category Requirements
Age17-28
Citizenship RequiredCitizen or Green Card
Minimum Duration4 years
High School DiplomaPreferred
GED AcceptedYes (limited)
Minimum ASVAB (AFQT)~31
Waivers AvailableModerate
Drug History WaiversPossible
Tattoo PolicyStrict
Face/Neck TattoosNo
Hand TattoosLimited
Height Requirement~58–78 in
Weight StandardsYes
Medical Exam (MEPS)Required
Vision StandardsModerate
Security Clearance JobsSome
Physical Fitness TestPFT/CFT
Basic Training Length~13 weeks
Basic Training DifficultyVery High
Deployment FrequencyHigh
Combat Job AvailabilityHigh
Technical JobsMedium
Overseas BasesMany
Signing BonusesModerate
Women in Combat RolesYes
Job Selection ProcessOften assigned
Promotion SpeedFast
Branch CultureWarrior Culture
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