How Do I Become a Machinist's Mate?

A machinist's mate is a member of the military who builds, repairs, and maintains a variety of mechanical machines. In order to become a machinist's mate, you will need to complete a high school education and then enroll in a specific branch of the military. The skills you will need in order to become a machinist's mate will be taught to you on the job and in the classroom after you successfully enroll in such a training program. While in high school, focus on studying math and sciences to better prepare yourself for such jobs.

The job training you will undergo in order to become a machinist's mate can take several months to several years, depending on what your focus within the field will be. You can, for example, focus on nuclear mechanics, which means you will work on mechanical devices associated with nuclear propulsion or other nuclear devices. A propulsion mechanic may focus on the machines used to propel vessels such as boats and submarines. A more multi-purpose position is the auxiliary mechanic, who will work on a variety of machines both inside and outside of propulsion engine rooms. The amount of education or training time you will need to become a machinist's mate will depend on what type of jobs you intend to do.

As part of the job training to become a machinist's mate, you will need to learn about proper safety techniques and procedures common on vessels as well as military procedures that may be used both in combat and in non-combat situations. As a machinist's mate, you may find yourself in combat situations, which means you will need to perform your job functions under incredible stress and pressure. Part of your training will cover coping with such situations and ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you.

A knowledge of mechanics and mechanical processes will be necessary to become a machinist's mate, and you can begin learning these skills early on by taking part in any auto shop classes in high school, or by working on your own automobile at home. This will give you a foundation for learning more complex mechanical skills later on. Try to learn as much as possible about the field of mechanics and engineering before you try to become a machinist's mate so you will be better prepared for the nature of the work as well as the education you will need to undergo.