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The United States Armed forces own and operate over 50,000 heavy trucks and transport vehicles, which include water/fuel tank trucks, semi-tractor trailers, troop transports, heavy equipment transports, and passenger buses. Transportation is the backbone of Logistics, and therefore Motor Transport Operators (88Ms) are the backbone of the Army’s support and sustainment structure, providing advanced mobility on and off the battlefield. To operate and maintain the Army’s complex vehicle systems, Transportation Corps Soldiers must be of the highest quality, with unparalleled motivation and self- discipline. Motor Transport Operators are primarily responsible for supervising or operating wheel vehicles to transport personnel and cargo. Some of your duties as a Motor Transport Operator may include:
Operate all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways for support of Army or Joint-service operations Operate vehicle mounted, automated information, communication, and navigation systems
Manage load, unload, and safety of personnel being transported
Oversee and check proper loading and unloading of cargo on vehicles and trailers
Secure cargo against inclement weather, pilferage, and damage
Operate vehicle component material handling equipment (MHE), as required
Employ both mounted and dismounted land navigation techniques
Must be knowledgeable with the operation of radios and weapons when they are mounted on the vehicle
Employ convoy defense techniques
Perform vehicle self-recovery and field expedient repairs, to include towing vehicles
Identify, correct, or report all vehicle deficiencies; supporting mechanics where necessary
Prepare vehicle for movement/shipment by air, rail, or vessel
Training
Job training for a Motor Transport Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training, including hands-on training with some of the world’s most unique and complex vehicle systems. Part of this time is spent in classroom and simulation, but over 200 training hours are spent in actual vehicles and field training environments. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
Basic and advanced medium/heavy vehicle control and operation, with/without semi-trailer, on/off road
Accident prevention and local driving laws
Safety check procedures
Proper use of operator records, maintenance, and accident forms
International road signs
Basic vehicle maintenance
Transporting hazardous materials
Advanced Responsibilities
Advanced level Motor Transport Operators provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Motor Transport Operator, you may be involved in:
Organize and participate in convoys
Dispatch vehicles and verify vehicle logbooks
Receive and fill requests from authorized persons for motor transport
Compile time, mileage, and load data
Plan and supervise convoy and truck company defenses
Operate the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Transport (HEMTT), Heavy Equipment
Related Army Positions
Railway Equipment Repairer (88P)