Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels (88K)

Enlist as a Soldier into the United States Army and as a Watercraft Operator (88K), you’ll be responsible for navigation, cargo operations, and supervising other Soldiers on Army watercraft. As part of the piloting team, you’ll train in the basics of seamanship and vessel operations, using electronic positioning systems, handheld navigation devices, and traditional watch standing procedures. You’ll learn boat handling techniques, how to dock and undock vessels, drop and weigh anchor, interpret code signal flags, and send and receive messages via radio, beacon, and signal flag. Since safety is such an important part of this job, you’ll also learn emergency water survival, how to operate lifeboats, shipboard firefighting, and other emergency procedures. This is not a civilian contractor position.

No experience necessary. Position is entry level.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a valid Green Card.
• 17 to 34 Years Old.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Meet Tattoo Guidelines.
• No Major Law Violations.
• No Medical Concerns.

TESTING & CERTIFICATIONS:

• 42 Nationally Recognized Certifications Available.
• 10 weeks of Basic Training.
• 6 weeks of Advanced Individual Training.
• 99 ASVAB Score: Mechanical Maintenance (MM).

SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN:

• Seamanship & Vessel Operations.
• Electronics & Navigational Systems.
• Maintenance & Repairs.

BENEFITS:

Financial Benefits:

• Salary and Bonuses: Competitive base pay with potential for bonuses, including enlistment bonuses and re-enlistment bonuses.
• Retirement Plan: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) similar to a 401(k), and a pension plan for those who serve 20 years or more.
• Special Pays: Extra pay for hazardous duty, special skills, and deployment.

Healthcare:

• Medical Coverage: Comprehensive medical care for soldiers and their families through TRICARE.
• Dental and Vision: Access to dental and vision care services.

Education:

• Tuition Assistance: Financial support for college courses while on active duty.
• GI Bill: Benefits for education and training programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
• Student Loan Repayment: Assistance in repaying student loans.

Housing and Living:

• Housing Allowance: Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to cover the cost of housing.
• On-Base Housing: Access to housing on military installations.
• Commissary and Exchange: Discounts on groceries and goods at military stores.

Career and Training:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for leadership training and career advancement.
• Skill Training: Technical and tactical training in various fields.

Family Support:

• Family Programs: Support services for families, including counseling and childcare.
• Relocation Assistance: Help with moving costs and finding housing.

Retirement and Veterans Benefits:

• Pension: Lifetime monthly pension after 20 years of service.
• VA Benefits: Access to Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, including healthcare and home loans.

Recreation and Leisure:

• Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR): Access to recreational facilities, sports programs, and leisure activities.