General Construction Equipment Operator (21J)
- Enlisted
- Active Duty
- Army Reserve
The Army is always completing hundreds of construction projects and General Construction Equipment Operators are integral to that process. Airfields, roads, dams and buildings can’t be created without moving tons of earth and building materials. Construction equipment operators use bulldozers, cranes, graders and other heavy equipment to complete these kinds of projects.
General Construction Equipment Operators are responsible for operating air compressors and special purpose construction machines engaged in compaction, ditching, pumping and auguring.
Some of your duties as a General Construction Equipment Operator may include:
- Operating air compressors and related pneumatic tools
- Operating SEE and attachments
- Performing, digging, backfilling and loading operations
- Operates self-propelled compaction rollers during construction operations
- Operating water distributor during compaction and dust control operations
- Operating earth auger, rotary sweeper and tiller
- Assisting in performance of combat engineer missions
Training:
Job training for a General Construction Equipment Operator consists of nine weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic soldiering skills, and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including practice operating construction equipment. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. You’ll learn:
- Operation of different types of construction equipment
- Maintenance and repair of equipment
- General construction principles and information
Helpful Skills:
Helpful attributes include:
- An interest in operating heavy construction equipment
- A preference for working outdoors
Advanced Responsibilities:
Advanced level General Construction Equipment Operators supervise and train other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level General Construction Equipment Operator, you may also be involved in operating all general construction equipment and directing operational maintenance on assigned equipment.
