Overview

As an essential member of the Army’s weapons maintenance team, the PATRIOT system repairer is primarily responsible for performing field level maintenance on the PATRIOT system, a combat missile system that features a phased array radar set and control station.

Job Duties

• Perform tests and adjust components to specific tolerances and determine shortcomings and malfunctions in electronic assemblies, subassemblies, modules and circuit elements
  
• Isolate malfunctions using automatic and semiautomatic program maintenance diagnostic software, unit self-test and built-in test equipment
  
• Repair unserviceable items by removing and replacing defective components
  
• Perform quality control measures

Requirements

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a PATRIOT system repairer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 53 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field with on-the-job instructions.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Principles and concepts of electronics and mechanics
  
• Use electronic, electrical and mechanical test equipment
  
• Understanding schematics, drawings, blueprints and wiring diagrams
  
• Operate, test and maintain weapons systems

Helpful Skills

• Interest in mathematics, science and electronic or electrical equipment
  
• High attention to detail
  
• Interest in working with weapons

Required ASVAB Score(s)

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help you progress at firms that design, build and test weapons systems for the military. The same skills may also prepare you for a future as an electronics  mechanic, avionics technician or missile facilities repairer.

Through your extensive Army training, experience and some additional study, you may be able to qualify for Electronics Technician Association certification.