Meet Future Soldier Douglas Tony Soon to be an Army Allied Trade Specialist

Future Soldier Douglas Tony (beard) answers a question about the Army from a veteran at the American Legion World Series Event.

Douglas Tony, 19, from Shelby, N.C., joined the Army this Feb. before graduating from Crest High School. He will attend basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C. in Sept. and then advanced individual training at Ft. Lee, Va. He is ready to travel.

Overview

His Army job is Allied Trade Specialist and he will be responsible for supervising and performing the fabrication, repair and modification of metallic and nonmetallic parts. He will operate lathes, drill presses, grinders and other machine shop equipment.

Job Duties

·        Fabricate, repair, and modify metallic and nonmetallic parts

·        Utilize such machines as engine lathes, utility grinders, power cutoff saws, hydraulic presses, drill presses, oxyacetylene, electric arc, inert gas welding machines and their associated attachments, accessories and tools

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 an allied trade specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 13 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field, including practice in machine operation.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

·        Machine types, setup and operation

·        Use of different metals

·        Safety procedures

If you are interested in pursuing this job or another in the U.S. Army, call Sgt. 1^st Class Michael Tyo at 828-449-9458. Or stop by the Army Recruiting Center at 2001 East Dixon Boulevard in the Cleveland Mall, Shelby, N.C.