What's involved in being an Allied Trades Specialist?

I'm curious about the role of an Allied Trades Specialist. What kind of tasks and responsibilities do they typically have? I'm thinking of exploring career options in this area, so any insights would help!

An Allied Trades Specialist is a military occupational specialty in the US Army (MOS 91E). Essentially, these individuals function much like a machinist or a metal worker in a civilian setting. They're responsible for maintaining and repairing military equipment, which often requires fabrication of metal parts and body repair.

Common tasks include:

- Fabricating, repairing, and modifying metallic and nonmetallic parts, utilizing such machines as engine lathes, utility grinders, power cutoff saws, hydraulic presses, drill presses, oxyacetylene, electric arc, inert gas welding machines, and other machine tools.

- Making repairs to various types of equipment, ranging from wheeled vehicles to power generation equipment, by welding or riveting new parts.

- Performing duties that are equivalent to civilian trades like a plumber, carpenter, and mason.

- Using basic concepts of the electrical trade to perform maintenance work. This might include working on generators or other equipment that includes an electrical system.

As for responsibilities, the Allied Trades Specialist would be tasked to maintain shop equipment, perform metal working tasks, undertake repair tasks, and perform routine maintenance. In some cases, they could lead and train other lower-grade soldiers too.

It can be a very rewarding and versatile role that enables you to develop a wide range of skills, valuable not only in the military but also in the civilian workforce. This role can prepare you for careers in construction, manufacturing, or any field requiring equipment repair and maintenance. Essentially, it's a stepping stone to becoming a master tradesperson in whatever discipline you choose to focus on.