Track Vehicle Operator

“You'll operate the Assault Amphibious Vehicle — the 26-ton tracked, swimming beast that takes Marines from a ship's well deck through open water and up onto a beach. The AAV is a unique vehicle that exists nowhere else in the world, and operating it requires mastering both maritime and ground vehicle skills. Amphibious vehicle crewing is central to what makes the Marine Corps the Marine Corps.”

The AAV is large, old, loud, and requires maintenance attention that reflects its age. You will spend real time in the water in conditions that test both the vehicle and your trust in it. The tracked vehicle driving skills, hydraulic ramp operation, and amphibious operations knowledge are specific to this community. The Marine Corps is transitioning toward the ACV (Amphibious Combat Vehicle), so the specific platform is evolving. The heavy vehicle operation and maintenance background transfers to civilian tracked vehicle operation in mining and construction — less glamorous but steady work. Defense contractor positions supporting USMC amphibious vehicle programs specifically hire from this community.