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Combat Vehicle Mechanic
Federal Wage Grade position maintaining and repairing weapons systems, turrets, and fire control equipment on tanks, armored vehicles, and combat systems at military maintenance facilities.
What WG-6610 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-6610, as written.
The qualification standard for this series is not loaded yet.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-6610
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Typical duties
- Perform skilled trade work in accordance with established standards, specifications, and safety procedures
- Operate, maintain, and repair trade-specific equipment, tools, and machinery
- Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, work orders, and specifications
- Inspect completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance with requirements
- Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean, safe, and operational condition
- Document work performed including time, materials used, and completion status
- Coordinate with supervisors and other trades on project requirements and schedules
- Follow all safety protocols including proper use of PPE and hazardous material handling
- Train and assist lower-grade workers in trade techniques and procedures
- Requisition materials, parts, and supplies needed to complete assigned work
Key competencies
Technical Knowledge
Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position
Manual Dexterity
Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work
Safety Awareness
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment
Problem Solving
Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions
Quality Control
Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements
Blueprint Reading
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders
Equipment Operation
Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment
Maintenance Procedures
Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care
Communication
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status
Adaptability
Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-6610
What is a Combat Vehicle Mechanic?
A Combat Vehicle Mechanic (WG-6610) maintains and repairs weapons systems, turrets, and fire control equipment on tanks, armored vehicles, and combat systems at military maintenance facilities. Work involves troubleshooting complex electro-mechanical systems, hydraulic turret mechanisms, and integrated weapons platforms. This highly technical trade combines automotive mechanics with weapons system expertise.
How much does a federal Combat Vehicle Mechanic make?
Federal Combat Vehicle Mechanics receive WG pay with locality adjustments. WG-6610 positions typically range from WG-10 to WG-12 given the technical complexity. Senior mechanics working on advanced platforms like M1 Abrams earn top WG rates. Check DCPAS wage schedules for your area, noting that depot positions may offer additional incentives.
What are the requirements for WG-6610 positions?
WG-6610 positions require knowledge of armored vehicle weapons systems, turret mechanisms, fire control computers, and stabilization systems. Candidates must troubleshoot integrated mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic systems. Security clearance is required. Higher grades require expertise on multiple vehicle platforms and ability to diagnose complex fire control malfunctions.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-6610?
Yes, military combat vehicle experience is essential for WG-6610. Army 91A (M1 Abrams Tank System Maintainer), 91M (Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer), Marine Corps 2141 (AAV Repairer), and similar specialties are ideal. Your hands-on experience with turret systems, fire control equipment, and armored vehicle weapons gives you exactly what federal depots need.
What is the career progression for Combat Vehicle Mechanics?
Combat Vehicle Mechanics advance from WG-10 to WG-12 based on platform expertise and repair complexity. Senior mechanics handle the most advanced combat systems. Work Leader (WL) positions lead maintenance teams. Supervisory (WS) roles manage depot operations. Cross-training on additional vehicle platforms like Stryker or MRAP enhances career opportunities.
How do I apply for WG-6610 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Combat Vehicle Mechanic" or "6610" to find positions at Army depots like Anniston, Red River, and Sierra. Detail your experience with specific combat vehicles—M1 Abrams, Bradley, LAV—on your federal resume. Include fire control and turret system repair experience. Security clearance required. Veterans' preference applies strongly here.
Ready to apply for WG-6610?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.