Advanced Individual Training (AIT) - 88M

Motor transport operators are primarily responsible for supervising or operating wheel vehicles to transport personnel and cargo. They are the backbone of the Army’s support and sustainment structure, providing advanced mobility on and off the battlefield. 

REQUIREMENTS

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

TRAINING

Job training for a motor transport operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in simulation — yet over 200 training hours are spent in actual vehicles and field training environments. 

HELPFUL SKILLS

Skill Level 1 Operates all wheel vehicles and equipment over varied terrain and roadways for support of combat operations. Manages loading and unloading of personnel being transported. Oversees and checks proper loading and unloading of cargo on vehicles and trailers. Secures cargo against inclement weather, pilferage, and damage. Operates vehicle component material handling equipment (MHE) as required. Employs land navigation techniques. Must be knowledgeable with the operation of radios and weapons when they are mounted on the vehicle. Performs vehicle self-recovery and field expedients to include towing vehicles. Corrects or reports all vehicle deficiencies; supports mechanics where necessary. Prepares vehicle for movement/shipment by air, rail, or vessel.

Skill Level 2 Supervises and provides technical guidance to subordinates in accomplishing their duties. Organizes and participates in convoys. Dispatches vehicles and verifies vehicle logbooks. Receives and fills requests from authorized persons for motor transport. Compiles time, mileage, and load data. Operates the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Transport (HEMTT), Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET), and Palletized Loading System (PLS) vehicles to include performing self-recovery operations.

Skill Level 3 Supervises drivers performing preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS) on vehicles. Operates in the truck terminal as a squad leader. Trains new drivers and manages the driver sustainment training program. Plans, organizes, and operates a motor vehicle convoy. Performs convoy route reconnaissance. Commands a convoy march unit or serial. Supervises transporting of all types of cargo. Posts and controls guards used to prevent pilferage and vandalism of cargo and equipment. Takes charge of vehicle recovery. Supervises personnel preparing vehicles for deployment.

Skill Level 4 Provides professional support and technical guidance to all Army soldiers requiring motor transport. Plans, manages, and monitors unit motor transport operations as the truck master. Establishes and organizes the unit motor park. Prepares and implements the truck company security and defense plan. Prepares map overlays. Receives and distributes highway motor transport missions. Assembles and prepares highway reconnaissance data for motor convoy transport. Supervises and directs unit dispatching of vehicles. Coordinates engineer requirements to support a truck battalion.