Prime Power Production Specialist (12P) Job Description

The prime power production specialist supervises, operates, installs and maintains electric power plant and associated auxiliary systems and equipment. They may also act as Liaison Noncommissioned Officer (LNO) and technical advisor to FEMA and other federal organizations.

Duties of Prime Power Production Specialist (12P)

The prime power production specialist's duties include:

• Operating and maintaining electrical power plants.
• Performing mechanical, electrical and instrumentation functions necessary to install and prepare power station equipment for initial startup.
• Performing electrical assessments and facilities maintenance on prime power generator sets of 500 KW and higher, and associated auxiliary systems and equipment.
• Analyzing plant equipment and system operating characteristics to determine operational condition.
• Repairing or overhauling generating equipment and associated systems components.
• Supervising the installation, operation or maintenance of prime power plants and associated systems and equipment.
• Directing preparation of power plant equipment for movement, storage, and installation.
• Serving as a technical inspector to determine faulty operation/maintenance practices.
• Determining and isolating complex malfunctions through diagnostic testing and troubleshooting techniques.
• Determining repair/overhaul requirements, cost-effectiveness and method of accomplishment for power plant equipment and associated systems.

Training Required for Prime Power Production Specialist

The training for MOS 12P is one year and prepares the graduate to perform various tasks relating to the electrical power production and distribution field. Graduates perform many tasks that are typically performed by electrical or mechanical engineers.

The Prime Power Production Specialist Course, with Additional Skill Identifier (ASI), is a year-long program. Students must successfully complete a demanding two-phase training course to qualify. Upon satisfactory completion of the MOS 12P course, each student is assigned to one of the three ASI courses of instruction that qualifies the graduate as a Prime Power Production Instrumentation Specialist (ASI-E5); Prime Power Production Mechanical Specialist (ASI-S2); or as a Prime Power Production Electrical Specialist (ASI-S3).

The Prime Power MOS of 12P is a voluntary reclassification. Service members do not need to be in their re-enlistment window to submit an application. MOS 12P is also open to Army Reserve Soldiers, and they are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications and Requirements

ASVAB Score	107 in aptitude area Skilled Technical (ST) 110 in aptitude area General Technical (GT) 107 in aptitude area Electronics (EL)
Security Clearance	Secret
Strength Requirement	Very heavy
Physical Profile Requirement	222221

Candidates for MOS 12P must also satisfy the following requirements:

• Have a normal color vision.
• Meet medical fitness standards per Army Regulation 40-501.
• Be a U.S. Citizen.

Similar Civilian Occupations

In the civilian sector, the prime power production specialist can find their skills and talents valuable in these civilian jobs: 

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Electrical Engineers
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
• First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Civilian Credentials Related to Water Support Technician

Credentials show that you meet important standards in your job, but also that your skills are on par with those required in the civilian world. Credentials help you translate your military training and experience into resume-ready qualifications that employers can easily recognize. Having the credentials that are required for jobs in your field makes you more competitive in the job market and more likely to get hired. This makes transitioning back to civilian employment smoother.

The following civilian credentials are related to MOS 12P. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience.

• Airport Rescue and Fire-Fighting Technician Master Level III
• Associate Electronics Technician (CETa)
• Associate Systems Engineering Professional (ASEP)
• Certified Electronics Technician - Associate-Level
• Digger Derrick Operator
• Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice
• Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Journeyman
• Electrical Power Testing - Level I
• Electrical Power Testing - Level II
• Electrical Power Testing - Level III
• Electronic Diesel Engine Diagnosis Specialist Test (L2)
• Electronics Associate AC (EM2)
• Electronics Associate Analog (EM3)
• Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)
• Electronics Associate DC (EM1)
• Industrial Instrumentation - Level I
• Property Maintenance and Housing Inspector - 64
• System Operator Certification