Armament Fitter

Job overview
Armament fitters inspect, service and repair firearms, artillery weapons and associated equipment.

They need to have a comprehensive knowledge of ammunition and explosives.

What do people do in this job?
In modern military forces a great variety of weapons are used.

Consequently, armament fitters should aim to gain as wide an experience of weapons and ammunition as possible.

They must know the basic function and construction of weapons and be able to dismantle and reassemble a wide variety of guns and pistols until they know the general description, names of parts and the loading, unloading and cleaning process of almost every conceivable weapon.

They will employ the basic skills of fitting, - filing, sawing, chiselling, screw- and nut- threading, drilling and turning, but the daily work of each individual fitter will, be circumscribed by the type of weapons and ammunition used in the particular unit of the armed forces where he is employed or for which he working under contract.

He will then tend to become a specialist in that area.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Fitters should have a sound knowledge of metals, as they work mostly with iron, steel, carbon iron, aluminium, steel, copper, magnesium and their alloys.

It is likewise essential for them to be familiar with and understand thoroughly the chemistry of the different types of explosives.

Mathematical and mechanical abilities may be useful, as fitters have to interpret working drawings and use instruments accurately.

Good manual dexterity is a big asset too, but the most important quality of all is accuracy, together with self discipline in observing all safety regulations,?

What qualifications are needed?
Preferably a good practical/science orientated school education, supplemented by further practical training at a polytechnic.