The Prime Power Production Specialist, with an associated ASI, supervises, operates, installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power plants and distribution equipment worldwide. The generating units are primarily diesel or gas turbine engine-driven models capable of producing 750 kW to 4,500 kW at 2400 or 4160 volts. Power plant operator duties include procedures for start-up, operation, monitoring, operator maintenance, and shutdown of power plant equipment and auxiliary systems. Maintenance duties include inspecting, testing, maintenance, and repair (organizational, direct and general support) support of Prime Power Program generation and distribution equipment and associated support system/equipment.

Normal progression for the Prime Power Production Specialist (see Figure 2-2) is from 21P20 to 21P40 for grades E-5 to E-7. After achieving the grade of E-7 (21P40), competition is with all the other soldiers in the General Engineering Career Management Field (CMF) for promotion to E-8 in MOS 21X50.

The current Prime Power Production Specialist training program evolved from the Nuclear Power training program that was established in 1958 to train and qualify members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force as nuclear reactor operators and technicians. As military power requirements changed, so did the training program. In 1977, the Nuclear Power program was phased out and replaced by the Non-tactical Generator program. In 1985, the name was changed to the Prime Power Production Specialist Course.

The Prime Power Production Specialist Course, with Additional Skill Identifiers (ASIs), is a year-long program of instruction designed to train selected applicants to deploy, install, operate, and maintain the Army's Prime Power Program (P3) power generation and distribution assets in support of theater commanders under the provisions of AR 700-128. Students must successfully complete a demanding two-phase training course in order to qualify in the MOS 21P, Prime Power Production Specialist. Upon satisfactory completion of the MOS 21P course, each student is assigned to one of the three Additional Skill Identifier 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).

Prime Power graduates work in many challenging and rewarding assignments worldwide. In wartime, Army personnel are responsible for supporting Prime Power program missions. In peacetime, skills are maintained through training exercises, emergency deployments for disaster relief efforts, and special purpose deployments for electrical power requirements in operations other than war. We also provide technical assistance missions in support of the Directors of Public Works (DPW) throughout the United States and overseas.

The Prime Power soldiers have established a long tradition of excellence, and have earned a well-deserved reputation of upholding the highest standards of the Corps of Engineers. Essayons truly describes, both past and present, the spirit and actions of Prime Power soldiers

• Prospective applicants must meet the following prerequisites as stated in DA Pamphlet 611-21, paragraph 10-160.21P, in order to be considered for course attendance.
• Be in Grade E-5, E-4 or E4 (promotable) subject to career field requirements (Active Duty Applicants).
• Be a high-school graduate or have a General Education Development (GED) Diploma.
• A minimum score of 110 in the GT Aptitude Area, a minimum score of 107 in EL and ST Areas.
• Earn a score of at least 70% in basic mathematics and science proficiency exams.
• Have documentation of successful completion of a high school or college-level Algebra Course.
• Have completed a minimum of 12 months of Active Duty Service by the beginning of the class.
• Have at least 30 months of Active Duty Service remaining after the completion of the course (Active Duty Applicants).
• Reserve component personnel must meet the service remaining requirements of AR 135-200.
• Have a current physical exam, verified by the following minimum standards:
  1. Physical Profile Serial Code (PULHES) 111121
  2. Excellent hand-eye coordination
  3. Excellent visual acuity and color perception (the ability to distinguish between the colors of red and green).
  4. Color Vision Test results to be indicated on the SF 2808-Report of Medical Examination (Block # 33).
  5. Be capable of performing jobs with a physical demand rating of very heavy.

Personnel wishing to apply for the Prime Power Production Specialist Course must contact retention. The retention NCO will pre-screen the applicant's eligibility and assist in the completion of the application packet using the instructions below. The retention NCO will also verify applicant's eligibility for the BEAR program. The retention NCO will make appropriate entry into the RETAIN system. contact the school for further assistance.

• DA Form 4187, dated and signed by soldier and company commander.
• A legible and updated copy of the ERB.
• SF88, Report of Medical Examination (legible copy). *Include color-vision and hearing test results. (current)
• DA Form 705, APFT Scorecard, to be provided; include Body Fat Composition Sheet if applicable. (current)
• High school or college transcript showing that you have taken an algebra course.
• On a blank bond paper include unit and home telephone numbers, and email address.
• View the Prime Power recruitment 30mb video here (.wmv) or (.mp4)
• Download the Prime Power Student Guide here.

• Interview the applicant to ensure that the soldier understands the requirements of the program, and that he/she has a sincere motivation, maturity, and the ability to learn in a fast- paced, academically demanding program of instruction.
• Ensure that the applicant does not have any of the following characteristics:
  1. Psychiatric diseases or conditions that, in the opinion of an appropriate medical officer, may adversely affect the applicant's ability to safely and reliably perform duties while under stress and/or in a hazardous environment.
  2. Evidence of alcoholism or repeated abuse of alcohol.
  3. Evidence of the unlawful use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances.
  4. Lack of emotional/mental maturity or lack of responsibility, (i.e., a disciplinary action, such as an Article 15).
  5. Evidence of inadequate group adjustment.
  6. Negligence or delinquency in duty performance.
  7. Serious financial and family difficulties or obvious signs of general character irresponsibility.
  8. Record of serious or repeated criminal involvement with civil authorities.
• Counsel and advise the applicant that failure to satisfactorily complete the course will result in dismissal from the program, and that the obligated term of service must be completed.
• Advise applicant that accrued leave should be taken prior to arrival prevent loss of leave during the one-year long course of instruction.
• Ensure that the soldier has taken the Basic Mathematics and Science Proficiency Test (BMST). If applicant has not been tested, a request for the BMST should be made through the local Army Education Center Test Control Officer to the Barden Education Center, ATTN: Testing Section,9625 Belvoir Road, Bldg. 1017, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5503. Provide the name and social security number of the individual being tested. If the request for the BMST needs to be expedited, it may be FAXED to the Prime Power School at DSN: 656-3814 or COM: (703) 806-3814.
• Provide the following information in the remarks section of DA Form 4187:
  1. Applicant has been interviewed and understands the provisions of DA PAM 351-4, and the information relevant to the information booklet.
  2. Applicant possesses the characteristics referenced in paragraph 3-2c
  3. Applicant understands if accepted for training but fails to complete the course, he/she must fulfill obligated term of service.
  4. Retention NCO POC information.
  5. Soldier's work site phone number; and soldier's home phone number.

Applications for Regular Army personnel will be sent through local command channels and forwarded to HRC Army Human Resources Command, ATTN: AHRC-EPF-R, 2461 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria, VA 22331-0451. Applicants should send a complete copy of their application directly to: Department of the Army, U.S. Army Prime Power School, 10011 Middleton Road, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060-5837

USAR applicants will submit their applications through USAR command channels to the appropriate headquarters.

Student Selection: Students' application packets will be boarded on a first come basis by the Prime Power School acceptance board. For RA Soldiers; If fully qualified an acceptance letter will be issued to Human Resource Command. HRC will place the applicant on assignment with instructions to report to the U.S. Army Prime Power School (W6AHAA), Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060, and will assign a reporting date approximately 15 days prior to selected course start date. For USAR Soldiers; If fully qualified acceptance will be communicated to the Reserve Command of the applicant. The applicant's command will issue orders attaching them to the U.S. Army Prime Power School (W6AHAA), Ft. Belvoir, VA 22060, with instructions to report approximately 15 days prior to course start. Reserve orders should extend approximately 15 days after graduation to allow adequate time for out processing and travel.

Call Prime Power School Student Recruitment Coordinator at 703-806-3904/3748 (DSN: 656-3904/3748).

Graduates of the P3SC may be assigned to any one of over a dozen locations in CONUS and overseas. The dispersed company/platoon concept gives maximum flexibility in supporting the U.S. Army Prime Power Program and the installation Directors of Public Works (DPW). There are also a limited number of duty positions that exist outside the 249th Engineer Battalion.