analysis as well as establish, maintain, and close sanitation
systems. When on humanitarian assistance and civil military
operations, these technicians also plan, install, and repair
the plumbing systems of structures. These duties include
cutting, bending, and threading pipes; joining pipes using
screws, bolts, fittings, solder, and plastic solvent; cleaning
tanks and filter beds using backwashing; testing water to
determine acidity, impurities, turbidity, and conductivity;
and regulating the flow of raw water for treatment while
mixing it with specified amounts of chemicals (i.e., alum,
coagulate, chlorine, ammonia, and lime) in the filtration/
purification process.
Noncommissioned officers are afforded the opportunity
to attend the Advanced Water Support Technician course
that provides in-depth instruction on the requirements
of the Uniform Plumbing Code and the planning of water
support. An apprenticeship program, leading to U.S.
Department of Labor certification as a journey worker, is
available to water support technicians under the United
Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP).
See Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters on p. 73
41