R1 Rough Terrain Container Handler (RTCH) Operator

Core Skills

• heavy equipment operation
• equipment safety and risk management
• load planning and material handling
• basic hydraulics and mechanical systems
• preventive maintenance checks and services
• radio and hand signal communication
• situational awareness in logistics yards
• technical manual interpretation
• basic troubleshooting of vehicle systems
• documentation of operations and incidents

Civilian Career Paths

• Warehouse Operations
• Transportation Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Fleet Management

Training & Development

What the Work Involves

• Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.
• Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.
• Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
• Inspect loads to ensure that cargo is secure.
• Check vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment is in good working order.

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.