EMs are
responsible for installation, maintenance, repair, and
management of sophisticated electrical and electronic
equipment. These include:
 Electrical
power generation
Fractional
and integral horsepower motor
Cutter
propulsion plant control
Interior
communication systems, electronic navigation equipment and
gyrocompass equipment
Types of Duty
Afloat units are the EMs primary focus at 42%. All cutters
110' and larger have EMs working aboard, as well as some
smaller cutters. These cutters are stationed throughout the
world, including Alaska, Guam, and Puerto Rico. On some
cutters, the EM is the Engineering Petty Officer (EPO), and
while acting in this capacity is responsible for all
engineering systems aboard the cutter, as well as supervising
the Engineering Department. EMs also have a variety of cutter
support assignments including Maintenance and Logistics
Commands (MLC), Integrated Support Commands (ISC), and
Engineering Support Units (ESU). EMs work both in and out of
rate at Groups, Stations, Aids to Navigation Teams (ANT),
LORAN Stations, Air Stations, and Marine Safety Offices (MSO).
Training Available
Training opportunities for EMs are outstanding. Being an
Electrician's Mate requires a vast knowledge of electrical
theory along with the practical hands-on skills required to
manage, repair, maintain, calibrate, and install all kinds of
electrical and electronic equipment. EM 'A' School is one of
the most intensive in the Coast Guard. Located in Yorktown VA,
personnel will learn about mathematics, physics, electrical
circuit analysis, and test equipment. They will be well versed
in motor, generator and transformer principles, theory and
application, electrical and electronic component theory, and
circuit applications. After 'A' School, most graduates enter
the fleet where their newly learned skills can be applied.
Class 'C' Schools abound and range from courses in Advanced
Analog Electronics, Advanced Digital Electronics, Programmable
Logic Controllers, Fiber Optics, and Gyrocompass. Numerous
Cutter-specific Main Propulsion Control and Monitoring Systems
(MPCMS) courses are available. During a career, an EM can
expect to receive training in electronics, management, and
leadership. At mid-career, high-performing EMs may compete for
selection to the Advanced Computer, Engineering, and
Technology (ACET) education program, which provides two years,
full-time, paid-for college for the member to obtain an
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Technology.
Qualifications
To be an EM, you should have an interest in electrical,
electronic, mechanical, and pneumatic systems, an aptitude for
detailed work, and an above-average ability in solving
mathematical problems. Since electricity itself is best never
seen, the ability to visualize the theoretical working of the
systems is a prime prerequisite. An EM must have normal color
vision. Practical experience or prior training in electrical
or electronic repair is helpful, but not required.
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Engineering Technician, Electrical Maintenance Technician |
