Many jobs in the military rely on some form of instrument that relates distance, altitude, underwater depth and pressure, or a wealth of other vital information. Such tools are known as "diagnostic equipment", which provide all types of answers to soldiers around the world participating in missions or exercises, regardless of service branch.

Careers and job fields within the field of diagnostic equipment and tools include:

• Calibrating and repairing instruments found in aircraft
• Calibrating weather instruments, including thermometers and barometers
• Adjustment of weapon-aiming equipment like telescopes and range finders
• Calibrating electrical and engineering instruments

To begin a career in Diagnostic Equipment, each soldier must complete nine weeks of Basic Training, and then go on to 33 weeks of classroom instruction. There, soldiers learn how to repair precision instruments and gain hands-on training and knowledge of the equipment they will use. Learning how to use blueprints and schematics as well as calibrating precision instruments are just some of the skills that will be attained in these advances training courses.

This career is ideal for those who:

• Have an interest in math, science, mechanics or electronics
• Enjoy solving mechanical problems or working with tools
• Have an interest in machines

Skills learned while in the Diagnostic Equipment field are able to transition into the civilian workforce, if desired. Any firm that manufactures or uses precision instruments would be an ideal location to use skills learned while in the military. Other locations that would require this specific training that soldiers receive in this field include:

• Machinery repair shops
• Maintenance shops
• Instrument mechanic or calibration specialist
• Airline maintainace and repair