Is being mechanically competent required?

[CrossedRifles]

Been thinking lately.. I'm dumbstruck when it comes to mechanics etc. And I figured it would be something crucial / required for combat MOS.

I'm shipping to Basic Training as 11X and want to go Opt. 40 Ranger or 18X later.

The requirements say 110 GT score on ASVAB but I only have 116. From my understanding they want the people who have well over the minimum score. With an AFQT of 82, would I have any trouble of being eligible for Ranger / 18X?

[paul0660]

Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

That is about half of it. Not kidding.

[docsmileyface]

Your ASVAB is fine for like, 95% of the jobs in the Army.

[CrossedRifles]

Righty tighty, lefty loosey.

That is about half of it. Not kidding.

I swear I've read that phrase 50 times this past day or two.

But knowing this, I'm pretty confident now.

[AGGRESSOR]

You've got a good score on your ASVAB Test. Being mechanically inclined helps because you will work with your hands on military equipment all the time, but it's not a necessity.

Don't worry too much about this as the Army has "Operator's Manuals" for almost every piece of equipment they have. These manuals are filled with description and pictures of how to operate the equipment. In the maintenance sections of these manuals, they have a list of things for the "PMCS"(Preventative maintenance, checks & services) that have to be performed. You'll learn how to operate and maintain the equipment you will be handling during training.

Good luck and thanks for enlisting.

[watsonville]

You also have them left hand threads so look for a l stamped on the bolt to indicate reverse threads. Then it's right loose left tight

[SGT Loco]

You just have to be able to follow instructions. Very little natural talent, indepent thinking, or mechanical inclination is required. They'll all make you better, but they're not required.

MRE heaters have a line of instruction and accompanying diagram that says "Prop up on a rock or something."

[chris]

it sure as hell won't hurt. being a mechanic in the Army i see what operators do to their trucks all the time and i have to shake my head most of the time.