GUEST POST by Ty Ross
The Corps of Engineers dates back to President Thomas Jefferson and has provided specialists in various areas of engineering that have been a backbone of this country and its growth. I’m sure you may have heard of the popular TV Show Gold Rush? Taking place in the Klondike, those seeking fortune come from all over to mine for gold. In 1942, the Army Corps of Engineers built the roads and thoroughfares leading to the Klondike, allowing direct access between the lower 48 states and this mineral rich area of the country.
This field is home to 18 different Military Occupational Specialties, including the Army 12G Quarry Specialist, whose highly trained individuals provided the foundation for getting the roads built to the Klondike. In this article I will provide you an overview of the occupation and the qualifications, training and benefits of choosing the 12G MOS.
What is a Quarry Specialist?
Quarrying Specialists are the rock crushers. They are trained to operate heavy machinery in the construction of airfields, roads and dams. Crushing and cleaning rock that is then reduced even further for construction. Army construction projects are in constant need for gravel and dirt. Air compressors, hydro-powered rock drills and rock crushers are just a few of the machines Quarry Specialists use. But they do so much more than simply provide the foundation for building things. They also receive combat engineer training, giving them the knowledge and expertise to build shelters used to protect them, laying minefields and building wire obstacles. Quarry Specialists also load, transport and detonate explosives.
Qualifications
Minimum General Maintenance score of 95 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, ASVAB for short. The tests that make up the ASVAB are used to determine what Military Occupational Specialties a recruit is qualified to do and are used as a predictor of a successful military career.
While some MOS’s only require a candidate pass the red/green color test, normal color vision is required to qualify for Quarry Specialist. The safety aspect of the job and being able to distinguish between things like indicator lights means there is no exception to this qualification.
Due to heavy lifting that may be required, a strong physical profile is a must. Requirements for the categories in the physical profile are :
- Physical Capacity – 2
- Upper Extremities – 2
- Lower Extremities – 2
- Eyes – 2
- Hearing and Ears – 2
- Psychiatric – 1
With 1 being the highest level and 2 being next to the highest, allowing for only the slightest physical impairment it is important to be strong and fit to qualify for this MOS and perform your duties to the highest possible military standard.
Training
After graduating from BCT, 5 weeks of Advanced Individual Training begins. AIT is where new Soldiers receive a combination of classroom instruction and field training to prepare for the next step in their military career, giving them the skills necessary to perform their job. For Quarry Specialists that means 5 weeks of Engineer School to prepare them for their new career.
Benefits
One of the most rewarding benefits of being an Army 12G Quarry Specialist is getting to serve your country. Being a Reserve specific position you get the opportunity to do your duty as an American citizen, while maintaining the flexibility to attend school or use your training and skills in the civilian workforce.
Conclusion
Now that you have an overview of the Army 12G Quarry Specialist MOS, you’re ready to begin. Being a Quarry Specialist in the Army Reserves will not only give you vital skills and training crucial to Army construction, but those skills will allow you to embark on a successful civilian career with building contractors or in other areas of construction. Not to mention the pride and respect that comes when serving your country.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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I’m sorry but as a current 12G, I can tell you it’s not the least bit as lucrative as this article sounds. Golfs do not receive any combat engineer training and definitely don’t even look at a minefield or build shelters. You might blast 1 time in your entire enlistment at your unit. MIGHT.
Thanks for sharing that. I will say that it is good experience for future civilian work.
You’re very right Greg! I believe the Quarry Specialist is a great recruiting MOS. It shows that being valuable in times of war isn’t just about being in the trenches and fighting hand to hand, but all those involved along the way. Having a way to get crucial supplies, weapons and food to our troops in a safe and timely manner is important. And the civilian possibilities are ENDLESS!
An excellent overview Chuck. I believe every Army recruiter across the country would enjoy having this post to show possible Army recruits. As a young person, I would strongly consider this as my MOS. The reason is, you are still involved when it comes down to war. You are helping to build infrastructure for the United States, and you are building experience for a civilian job when you leave the military.This is another great post. I wonder how many recruiters are using your website.
I must apologize Ty, I just noticed you are the one who posted this overview of the Quarry Specialist.
I wonder how many roads and infrastructure across the United States was actually done by these Army soldiers. I would bet there is a lot of infrastructure that we think was done by others and it was actually built by the Army Corps of Engineers.
Do you or Chuck know any of these figures Ty? It would be interesting to know.