An Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (MOS 91B) is responsible for performing maintenance and recovery operations on wheeled vehicles.
Formally known as Light Wheel Mechanics, soldiers in this MOS work with light and heavy-wheeled vehicles.
Specialists in this Army MOS can work in any location and are a key component to keeping the Army moving.
Qualifications and Training
Individuals who wish to join the Army as Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics must take the ASVAB test at a nearby MEPS station.
This position requires either a minimum score of 92 on the Mechanical Maintenance (MM) portion of the ASVAB or a combination of 87 on the Mechanical Maintenance and 85 on the General Technical (GT) portion.
After passing all physical/medical tests, recruits will attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks.
Soldiers will then go to Advanced Individual Training.
Advanced Individual Training takes place at Fort Lee, VA for 13 weeks and is a combination of classroom and fieldwork.
Recruits who wish to enter this MOS should be interested in:
- Auto mechanics and industrial arts
- Physical work
- Repairing mechanical problems
- Automotive engines
- Troubleshooting problems
Related Article: Army EOD (MOS 89D): Career Details
What Does an Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Do?
Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics are depended upon to perform maintenance on an array of Army vehicles.
The soldiers in this career field work on light-wheeled vehicles, heavy-wheeled vehicles, select armored vehicles, and any associated trailers or material handling equipment.
Soldiers may work on Humvees, Mine-Resistance Ambush Protected vehicles, and all types of diesel engines.
The vehicles that they service and maintain are used for combat support, troop transportation, and a variety of other uses.
This position requires a high amount of physically intensive work.
Soldiers will complete diagnostic procedures on the vehicle to diagnose the issue.
They use diagnostic and testing equipment to assist in finding the issue as well as driving or operating the equipment.
They will complete inspections and testing of the wheeled vehicle, material handling system, or subsystem/components.
Once the issue is identified, the soldier will use a combination of equipment, power tools, and hand tools to perform the maintenance.
Performing maintenance can include repairing, replacing, or adjusting vehicle parts and components.
Mechanics will work on electrical systems, hydraulics, engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, air conditioning systems, and any other vehicle system that may need to be repaired at a critical time.
In addition to the above vehicle components, soldiers work on common remotely operated weapon stations.
Soldiers do not just fix the vehicles when they are broken.
They also perform preventative maintenance and servicing.
Performing preventative maintenance allows the soldiers to get ahead of an issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
Soldiers will perform any routine servicing that the vehicle needs.
This includes servicing automotive electrical systems.
Mechanics can service wiring harnesses or starting and charging systems.
When working on base, the servicing or maintenance of a vehicle can be similar to that of a civilian mechanic shop.
The vehicles will be serviced based on time slots or appointments.
At times, these soldiers will go into the field and complete wheeled vehicle recovery operations.
If a vehicle has been in an accident or is not driveable for whatever reason, the Mechanic will go to its location and recover the vehicle.
This is done as quickly and as safely as possible.
All maintenance activities will be logged and documented for future service use.
Mechanics are required to clean the shop, properly dispose of any hazardous materials, and prepare the area for the next day.
Soldiers in this MOS can be assigned to maintenance teams all around the world.
Their assistance can be needed for training events or in the field.
The Army video below provides more information on Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic job duties.
What Does a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Get Paid?
Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics get paid based on rank and time in service.
This is an entry-level position and without prior military experience or formal education, soldiers can expect to receive around $23,000 annually.
The base pay amount above does not include any bonuses, special pay, allowances, or benefits.
Follow the table below to get an idea of Army base pay.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Related Article: Army Radiologist Specialist (MOS 89P): Career Details
Benefits
The Army provides benefits that cannot be found in most civilian careers.
There are recruiting bonuses and special pay opportunities that help increase your wage.
There are also allowances such as the Military Clothing Allowance and benefits such as paid housing and food for those soldiers who live on base.
For those who live off base, there is a housing and food allowance paid monthly.
Other benefits include:
- Tuition Assistance
- Medical and Dental
- Paid sick time
- 30 days annual vacation
- Low-cost life insurance
Job Reviews
Reviews of this position state that the position is physically demanding, but provides skills that transfer easily to a civilian career.
Positive reviews discuss the ability to travel and work on varying types of vehicles.
Negative reviews discuss the physical aspect, time away from home, and the long hours.
Overall, most reviews recommend the position for the experience it provides.
The review below offers positive aspects of the position.
The review below provides negative aspects of the position.
Related Article: 10 Best Army Jobs For Civilian Life in 2019
Civilian Career Opportunities
Working as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic in the Army provides both the skills and discipline needed to work in mechanic roles as a civilian.
Because of the variety of vehicles soldiers service in this field, civilian career opportunities are available as garage mechanics, transmission mechanics, radiator mechanics, or carburetor mechanics.
Soldiers in this MOS drive and operate the vehicles, which allows for civilian careers as heavy truck drivers.
They also perform electrical work, which relates to positions as Electrical Installers or Repairers.
Through the Army’s COOL program, soldiers can receive certificates in different vehicle maintenance repair areas that provide leverage against other civilian applicants.
Summary
An Army Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (MOS 91B) is responsible for performing maintenance on light and heavy vehicles.
Soldiers in this MOS complete preventative maintenance and vehicle recovery operations and are required to work on a large variety of Army vehicles.
This is an entry-level position that receives basic Army pay and benefits.
Soldiers who have held this position previously state that the position is demanding, but would overall recommend it.
Working in this MOS provides skills that transfer to civilian mechanic positions.
Related Article: Army Combat Medic Specialist (MOS 68W): Career Details
References
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
- Replacing Dog Tags: 6 Things You Need to Know - June 28, 2024
- Navy OAR Test Study Guide - June 24, 2024
- 10 Best Sniper Movies of all Time - June 20, 2024
General FAQ
How long is AIT for a wheeled vehicle mechanic?
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to become an Army Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (MOS 91B) is 13 weeks long and is conducted at Fort Lee, Virginia.
How much does a wheeled vehicle mechanic make in the Army?
Like all Army personnel, Army mechanics are paid according to rank and time in service. A new recruit can currently expect a monthly base pay of about $1,700 after Basic Training.
Do Army mechanics see combat?
Army Wheeled Vehicle Repairers often deploy with Infantry to combat zones to take care of Army vehicles in the field. However, they spend most of their time at the Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Do Army mechanics carry weapons?
When assigned to a combat zone or performing recovery on vehicles, an Army mechanic can expect to be issued and carry a weapon.
What ASVAB scores do you need for Army Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (MOS 91B)?
To qualify for Wheeled Vehicle Repair, you’ll need a minimum score of 92 on the Mechanical Maintenance portion or a combination of 87 on Mechanical Maintenance and 85 on the General Technical portions of the ASVAB
