Army MOS · Engineering
12Q Powerline Distribution Specialist (RC)
Overview
Powerline distribution specialists install, maintain, or supervise electrical distribution systems. They perform their duties as members of transmission and distribution teams.
Core Skills
- electrical distribution systems
- power systems maintenance
- basic electronics
- technical troubleshooting
- reading technical diagrams and schematics
- safety and risk management
- field maintenance planning
- team leadership
- equipment inspection and testing
- preventive maintenance scheduling
Civilian Software & Tools
- Bentley MicroStation
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom
- Computer aided design and drafting CADD software
- Email software
Civilian Career Paths
- Electrical Engineering
- Facilities Management
- Construction Management
- Project Management
Training & Development
Getting Started
- Electrical Power Testing: Level I · Funded · Promotion points
- Electrical Power Testing: Level II · Funded · Promotion points · STAR
- Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner (CHMP)
Career Growth
- Electrical Power Testing: Level III · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Energy Manager (CEM) · Funded · Promotion points
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) · Funded · Promotion points
What the Work Involves
- Adhere to safety practices and procedures, such as checking equipment regularly and erecting barriers around work areas.
- Drive vehicles equipped with tools and materials to job sites.
- Open switches or attach grounding devices to remove electrical hazards from disturbed or fallen lines or to facilitate repairs.
- Climb poles or use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution and transmission systems, including conduits, cables, wires, and related equipment, such as transformers, circuit breakers, and switches.
Related Occupations
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
- Helpers--Electricians
- Electricians
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a high school diploma and some on-the-job training.
Formerly Known As (Legacy)
Retired codes that converted into 12Q. Each legacy page documents the cited history.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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