I'm interested in pursuing a welding career within the military. Does anyone know which branches or positions offer the best opportunities for welders? Any advice on how to get started and what qualifications are needed?
Each branch of the military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Space Force—offers welding opportunities. However, the Navy and the Coast Guard might offer more consistent opportunities due to their sea-based operations requiring regular maintenance of ships and submarines.
In the Navy, you would be looking at roles such as Hull Maintenance Technician (HT), who handles welding, metalworking, and ship fitting tasks. The Coast Guard also has roles such as Damage Controlman (DC), who carries out welding among other tasks related to maintenance and emergency repairs.
In general, you'll need a high school diploma or the equivalent to join the military. While having prior welding experience or relevant technical training can be beneficial, in many cases, the military provides the necessary training for roles involving welding. You'll usually have to go through Basic Military Training (also known as boot camp), followed by specific training for your military occupational specialty (MOS).
To get started, you might consider reaching out to a recruiter for the branch you're interested in. They can provide detailed information about various roles, training, qualifications, and application processes. Also, make sure you are physically fit and mentally prepared as the military will require you to meet certain standards in these areas as well.
Pro tip: While the military can provide excellent training and experience, you should also think about your long-term career goals. For example, after you leave the military, certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) can be beneficial if you continue a welding career in civilian life. Some military jobs may give you the training and experience needed to earn these certifications.
Overall, each branch has unique welding opportunities, so it would be beneficial for you to research each one to see which aligns best with your interests and career goals.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.