A soldier works on a piece of electrical gear at a workbench.
Prime Power School

The US Army Prime Power School trains Prime Power Production Specialist on how to install, operate, and maintain electrical power plants consisting of prime power generator sets of 500 KW and higher and associated auxiliary systems and equipment.

Prime Power School

As a Prime Power Production Specialist, you'll be part of the Army Corps of Engineers working to install, operate, and maintain electrical power plants consisting of prime power generator sets of 500 KW and higher, and associated auxiliary systems and equipment anywhere the Army needs power. As the Army's only medium voltage specialist, you'll preform electrical assessments, facilities maintenance, QA/QC operations, LNO and technical advisor to military commanders, FEMA, and other federal organizations.

The US Army Prime Power School is open to Initial entry and reclassifying Soldiers through the rank of Sergeant. The minimum qualifications are a GT score of 110, TECH and ELEC scores of 107, High school graduate or equivalent and a score of 65% or higher on the Basic Math and Science Test (BMST).

The Prime Power MOS 12P is an accessions MOS as well as a voluntary reclassification. Service members do not need to be in their re-enlistment window in order to apply an application

Army Reserve Soldiers are also encouraged to apply. 

All reclassification applications must be submitted through your local chain-of-command and retention channels. Your Career Counselor/Retention Personnel will submit your application directly to Human Resource Center (HRC) using RETAIN.  If there are any difficulties concerning the application process, please call the U.S. Army Prime Power School at COM: (573) 596-0303 or DSN: 581-0303. 

All initial entry applicants should see their local recruiter to join the Prime Power team.

The Prime Power School is a very challenging and demanding school. Due to the in-depth instruction and large volume of material covered, students are required and expected to devote at least 30 hours of study and homework during the week, as well as, on the weekend.

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

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 Identifier (ASI), 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 to qualify in the MOS 12P, Prime Power Production Specialist. Upon satisfactory completion of the MOS 12P 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 Physical demands rating and qualifications for initial award of MOS in accordance with DA Pamphlet 611-2. Prime power production specialist must possess the following qualifications: 

(1) A U.S. Citizen

(2) Physical demands rating of moderate (Gold): minimum OPAT (Army Occupational Physical Assessment Test) score of Standing Long Jump (LJ) 120cm, Seated Power Throw (PT) 350cm, Strength Deadlift (SD) 120lbs, and Interval Aerobic Run (IR) 36 shuttles, in Physical Demand Category "Moderate" (Gold).

(3) A physical profile of 111121.

(4) Normal color vision, to include the ability to distinguish between red and green and good eye hand coordination.

(5) Reclassifying Service Members (SM) must have a Periodic Health Assessment less than 1 year old.

(6) Service Members reclassifying must be in the rank of Private E-1, through non-promotable Sergeant E-5, and are subject to career field requirements.

(7) Civilian Education: High School graduate or equivalent. 

(8) A minimum score of 107 in aptitude area ST, 107 in aptitude area EL and 110 in aptitude area GT on the ASVAB test administered on or after 2 January 2002.

(9) Basic math and Science Proficiency Test (BMST):

(a) SMs reclassifying must score 65 or higher on the BMST prior to being considered for course attendance.

(b) The BMST will be administered to IET SMs following completion of Basic Combat training, and before the end of 12B one station unit training by the installation Education Center. A score of 65 or higher is required for course attendance. Waivers for IET SMs achieving a score of less than 65 must be submitted to EPDO, USAES, ATTN: TSE-E, FT Leonard Wood, MO 65473-8926 for approval. Failure to achieve a minimum score of 65 and receiving a waiver constitutes a loss of the MOS 12P qualification under the provisions of AR 614-200, Chapter 3, and requires mandatory reclassification.

(10) Formal Training:

(a) Completion of the resident MOS 12P course and completion of either ASI E5, S2 OR S3 resident training conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Prime Power School (USAPPS) is mandatory to complete MOS 12P qualification. Failure to complete mandatory training, to include ASI training, constitutes loss of MOS 12P qualification under the provisions of AR 614-200, Chapter 3, and requires mandatory reclassification. Waivers of formal training requirements must be submitted to EPDO, USAES, ATTN: ATSE-E, Ft Leonard Wood, MO 65473-8926 for approval.

(b) For IET SMs, successful completion of MOS 12B One Station Unit Training (OSUT), conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army Engineer School (USAES), is mandatory prior to attending the resident MOS 12P course.

(11) Security eligibility for MOS 12P:

(a) Must possess a security eligibility of SECRET. Once granted, must maintain a SECRET clearance after the initial clearance is granted to maintain the MOS. Failure to maintain a SECRET of higher clearance, or denial of required clearance could result in mandatory re-classification for lack of MOS qualification or denial of reenlistment eligibility in MOS 12P.

(b) SMs will have 12 months from graduation of the MOS 12P Prime Power Production Specialist Course to meet the required SECRET clearance eligibility. Failure to obtain the required clearance will result in mandatory reclassification for loss of PMOS qualification; however, the command can request an additional 180 days to complete the required clearance in lieu of reclassification.

(c) The Engineer Personnel Proponent can grant additional time to obtain the required clearance and will provide a memorandum to clarify the extension end date.

(d) All SMs reclassifying into MOS 12P who do not have a SECRET Clearance or higher must have a completed National Agency Check with Law and Credit (NACLC) and must not have been denied and/or have a suspended clearance at time of reclassification request.


Meet the Time in Service Remaining Requirements at beginning of training in accordance with: 

AR 614-200 (Active-Duty Applicants)
AR 135-200 (Reserve Component Applicants)

All requests for waivers for SMs who do not meet the prerequisites of DA Pamphlet 611-2 must be submitted to EPDO, USAES, ATTN: ATSE-E, Ft Leonard Wood, MO 65473-8926 for approval.


The BMST is the Basic Math and Science Test.  It covers Algebra, Physics, Geometry and Electrical fundamentals.

You have three hours to complete the test without the use of calculator.  A passing score of 65% or higher is required.  If you do not receive a passing score on your 1st attempt, it is a 30 day wait before you may take your 2nd attempt.  If you do not score a 65% or better on your 2nd attempt, it is a 6 month wait for the 3rd (final attempt).  You will need to contact your closest Education Center to schedule the date and time for them to administer the test.  The following information is required to start the registration process:

  1) AKO USERNAME   

  2) Enterprise Email Address

  3) Current STP

Prospective Prime Power School students are strongly encouraged to self-evaluate and enhance their mathematics and basic science skills prior to taking the Basic Mathematics and Science Test (BMST). 

During the academic training portion of the Prime Power Production Specialist course mathematics application to physical science principles is very intensive. The Operator portion of the Prime Power Production Specialist course and the accompanying Additional Skill Identifier (ASI) courses require the rapid application of these mathematics and science skills through performance events.

There are several excellent mathematics/science web-based programs of instruction that provide step-by-step individualized instruction, with self-paced lessons and practice. These programs cover Basic Mathematics, Pre-Algebra, Algebra I&II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Vectors, Acceleration, Newton's Laws, etc. In preparation for the BMST and upon acceptance to the Prime Power School, mathematics and science reviews should NOT include Calculus or Calculus based Physics.

The Prime Power School utilizes Khan Academy https://www.khanacademy.org/ as a suggested additional resource for students wanting or needing additional assistance that are currently enrolled in courses.  We also use the DOE Fundamentals Handbook Mathematics Volume 1 and 2 (DOE-HDBK-1014/1-92) and (DOE-HDBK-1014/2-92) for getting students back into good work/study habits and assistance when difficulty in grasping concepts occurs. These resources are ideal for the initial Prime Power course of study

 

What is the BMST, and How do I take it?

The BMST is the Basic Math and Science Test. It covers the subjects of Algebra, Physics, Geometry and Electricity.  You have three hours to complete the test without the use of a calculator. You will need to contact your closest Education Center and schedule a time and date for them to administer the test.  Please bring your ID and a current ERB with you when scheduling the test. 

What does the training equate to?

The training received during the one-year Prime Power Production Specialist Course 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.

What happens to students that fail to meet course standards?

They are released from the course and re-assigned based on the needs of the Army.

I have heard the Prime Power School is worth college credits. Is this true?

Yes, all students are enrolled in college for the first phase of training. They will receive approximately 32 semester hours for the Academic Training phase (18 weeks of training). An addition of up to 6 credit hours earned upon completion of student's ASI phase. Students will also receive college credits from most colleges they attend based on the recommendations of the American Counsel of Education (ACE) guide.

Will I be able to appear before a promotion board when I get to the school?

No -- Specialists/Corporals will be promoted upon successful completion of the school and award of the MOS provided they meet all eligibility requirements for promotion to Sergeant, IAW the Special MOS Alignment Promotion Program (SMAPP).

How long after arrival will I be administered a PT test?

You will take the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in the first 2 weeks you are here. You must also meet the standards of AR 600-9, Army height and weight upon arrival.  Any incoming student who fails to meet body fat standards, will be denied course enrollment.

Can I bring my family to the school?

The active army students attending the 12P, Prime Power Production Specialist, course are doing so in a PCS status. They are authorized all entitlements associated with a PCS move to include moving their family. USAR who are accepted will be attending the Prime Power School in a TCS unaccompanied status. The students attending one of the Prime Power School’s TDY courses are not authorized family accompany travel.

Do I require a security clearance or interim clearance to apply?

Yes, the applicant is required to obtain a Secret or higher clearance that is annotated on your ERB prior to PCSing to Prime Power School.  This will be screened during the application process. No interim clearance for Secret is authorized.

How can I obtain the report date for class?

Call 573 596-0303, DSN: 581-0303.

Prior coming to the school, would it be advisable to take a college algebra and physics course?

Yes, especially if you have not been in an academic environment for some years. There are numerous computer-based pre-algebra, algebra, or trigonometry courses available. This is a fast-paced course, which tends to shock students that do not arrive prepared. It is advisable.

What is taught in the academic phase of the program?

Call 573 596-0303, DSN: 581-0303.

Can I sign in/out for housing if and when I arrive prior to the reporting date?

Yes, it is encouraged to arrive as early as possible in order to get on the housing list and get your family settled.

How many Soldiers are allocated for each ASI?

The optimum breakdown for ASI training is 12 – Instrumentation, 12 – Electrical, and 12 – Mechanical.  A selection board determines which ASI training a student receives based upon the needs of the Battalion, student's academic performance and preference.

What duty stations are available, and can we make the choice for a specific duty station?

Duty stations available across a variety of Army Commands include: Ft. Belvoir, VA; Ft. Liberty, NC, Schofield Barracks, HI, Fort Cavasos, TX, Fort Bliss, TX, as well as numerous overseas assignments throughout the Middle East and Europe. There are also unique assignments at the Pentagon, White House, and Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Students will have an opportunity to list their assignment preferences; however, the final decision is based upon the needs of the Army.

Can “geographical bachelors” live in the barracks?

No, however you may still apply for a waiver.

Can I retain my promotional status before coming to the school?

Be in Grade SPC, SPC(P), or SGT.  SGT(P)'s can apply, however if accepted by the school, your promotable status will need to be dropped prior to being slotted in ATRRS for your class seat, or waived for the duration of the course.

PPS HQ     Comm Phone DSN
PPS Commander  

(573) 596-0612

581-0612
Senior Training Management Specialist (573) 596-0526 581-0526
PPS First Sergeant (573) 596-6449 581-6449

Secretary

Recruitment

(573) 596-0343

(703) 806-4191 / 3814

581-0343

656-4191 / 3814

  

TD&E Branch

   
TD&E Branch Chief  (573) 596-2113 581-2113
Training Developer    (573) 596-2224

581-2224

Training Tech / BMST (573) 596-0303 581-0303
       

12P Branch

   
Branch Chief  (573) 596-2237 581-2237
     

 

Specialty Branch

   
Specialty Branch Chief (573) 596-2203

581-2203

 

 

   
   
     
     
     
     
     
     

Contact Us

Email Us:

Prime Power School Inbox

 

Call Us:

(573) 596-0303