[Cannoneer No. 4]

MOS 27X PATRIOT System Repairer

Major duties. The PATRIOT system repairer performs or supervises direct and general support level maintenance on the PATRIOT missile system, associated equipment and trainers. Skill Level 2. Performs direct and general support level maintenance on the PATRIOT Information and Coordination Central, Engagement Control Station, Radar Set, Antenna Mast Group, Launching Station and Communications Relay Group. Performs tests and adjusts components to specific tolerances and determines shortcomings and malfunctions in electronic assemblies, subassemblies, modules and circuit elements with common and system peculiar test equipment. Isolates malfunctions using automatic and semi-automatic program maintenance diagnostic software, unit self test and built in test equipment. Develops specialized computer software tests to evaluate suspected faults. Isolates system interface malfunctions. Determines serviceability and disposition of defective assemblies, subassemblies, modules and circuit elements. Repairs unserviceable items by removing and replacing defective components. Operates and performs unit level maintenance on standard and system peculiar test equipment. Performs quality control measures and serves on maintenance and inspection teams. Completes maintenance and supply forms. Provides technical assistance to supported units.

These are not low-class people, regardless of their socio-economic origins.

[Black Agnes]

Never said they were 'low class'. Merely that the economic origins of a large part of our military isn't the 'rich'. How many 'rich boys' do you know that join the military? How many 'rich chicks' do you know that join the military? How many college educated kids do you know that join the military compared to college educated kids that do not. This particular unit might appear to be a cross section of America but the military as a whole is not. Economic reasons lead the poor (disparately minority) to join in order to get money for college. I spent time as a child in a very poor state in the Southern US. I have seen this first hand. Black kids I went to school with were much more likely to join the army/military after HS than white kids. The white kids could by and large afford to go to college. The black kids by and large could not. Kudos for those wanting to succeed and doing so in whatever means they find available. The military is also a good place to learn tech training that's useful to get a job.

Why is it some people associate being 'poor' with being 'low class'. Please don't pass your assumptions on others statements. I know many high class poor people and many low class rich people. The poor ones are the ones that join the military.