The United States Army Ordnance School and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have partnered to introduce a series of tests for U.S. Army personnel. Successful completion of the tests, plus an experience requirement, will result in ASE military technician credentials for qualified candidates.

The series of 11 competency tests will focus on maintenance, diagnosis, and repair of systems found on military tactical wheeled vehicles. The tests are designed to follow the career advancement of the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 91 series enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and the 915A and 919A warrant officers.

Among the voluntary tests that will be conducted include:

• Single entry-level test and credential for soldiers who have completed advanced individual training (AIT) and meet the requirements for the credential

• Seven intermediate level tests for soldiers with a minimum of two years of experience

• Three advanced level tests covering advanced diagnosis and repair. The advanced tests will require a prerequisite of some or all of the intermediate tests.

“We are honored to partner with the United States Army and offer these tests that help expand the automotive service education of these outstanding men and women,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO. “As soldiers increase their knowledge and skill in order to achieve certification, the Army hopes to improve both fleet vehicle readiness and soldier retention. The credentials will serve as a measure of confidence for private sector employers as soldiers transition to civilian jobs, validating their trainability and knowledge of vehicle system fundamentals and diagnostic procedures.”

This sentiment was echoed by the United States Army Ordnance School, said Jeremy Bentley, Chief warrant officer 4, training developer, and action officer for the new tests at the United States Army Ordnance School, Fort Lee, Va.

“We believe the ASE tests will set the conditions for the continuous learning and growth of our equipment maintainers. We also believe that the tests will serve to bridge the gap between the experience that soldiers receive while working on military equipment at their assigned units and the military training and education that they receive throughout their Army careers,” Bentley said.

“Our primary goals are to improve the overall readiness of the Army’s equipment and develop Army maintainers and leaders who are prepared to overcome any maintenance challenge that they may face in their Army and post-Army careers,” said Brig. Gen. Heidi Hoyle, commandant, United States Army Ordnance School.

The entry-level test will be administered at the U.S. Army Ordnance School. The intermediate and advanced tests will be administered at Prometric test centers. Soldiers will earn promotion points for successful completion of tests and will be able to utilize the Credentialing Assistance (CA) program to pay for the ASE registration and test fees. The development of the tests will begin in the Summer of 2020 with plans that most tests will be available in 2021.