Driver and Mechanic Badge


Description

A white metal (silver, nickel and rhodium), 1 inch in height and width, a cross patee with the representation of disk wheel with a tire placed on the center.

Background

The motor vehicle driver and mechanic award was originally authorized by War Department Circular 248 dated July 28, 1942. The badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators to denote the attainment of a high degree of skill in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles.

Eligibility Requirements

The Driver and Mechanic Badge is awarded to drivers, mechanics, and special equipment operators to denote the attainment of a high degree of skill in the operation and maintenance of motor vehicles.

The eligibility requirements for drivers requires that a Soldier must:

  • Qualify for and possess a current OF 346 (U.S. Government Motor Vehicles Operator’s Identification Card), issued as prescribed by AR 600–55 and,
  • Be assigned duties and responsibilities as a driver or assistant driver of government vehicles for a minimum of 12 consecutive months, or during at least 8,000 miles with no government motor vehicle accident or traffic violation recorded on his or her DA Form 348–1–R (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft)), or
  • Perform satisfactorily for a minimum period of 1 year as an active qualified driver instructor or motor vehicle driver examiner.
The eligibility requirements for mechanics requires that a Soldier must:
  • Pass aptitude tests and complete the standard mechanics’ course with a "skilled" rating or have demonstrated possession of sufficient previous experience as an automotive or engineer equipment mechanic to justify such a rating.
  • Be assigned to primary duty as an automotive or engineer mechanic, unit level or higher, or is an active automotive or engineer mechanic instructor.
  • If required to drive an Army motor vehicle in connection with automotive mechanic or automotive mechanic instructor duties, qualify for motor vehicle operators permit as prescribed above, and perform duty which includes driving motor vehicles for a minimum of 6 consecutive months, and have no Army motor vehicle accident or traffic violation recorded on his or her DA Form 348 (Equipment Operator’s Qualification Record (Except Aircraft)).
The eligibility requirements for operators of special mechanical equipment requires that a Soldier or civilian whose primary duty involves operation of Army materials handling or other mechanical equipment must have completed 12 consecutive months or 500 hours of operation, whichever comes later, without accident or written reprimand as the result of his or her operation, and his or her operating performance must have been adequate in all respects.

Qualification Bars

Bars with the following inscriptions are currently authorized for display on the badges:

  • OPERATOR - S (for special mechanical equipment)

  • MECHANIC (for automotive or allied vehicles)

  • DRIVER - A (for amphibious vehicles)

  • DRIVER - M (for motorcycles)

  • DRIVER - T (for tracked vehicles)

  • DRIVER - W (for wheeled vehicles)