Photo By Matthew Day | Watervliet Arsenal Machinist Apprentices Joshua Brayton, left, and Jakob Womer...... read more read more
WATERVLIET ARSENAL, NEW YORK – Watervliet Arsenal Commander Col. Danilo Green administered the Army Civilian oath of service to a new apprentice class on Aug. 14, 2026. With this oath, the apprentices began a challenging four-year journey to become certified Watervliet Arsenal machinists.
The apprentices, officially designated as Machinist Apprentice Class 93, are the latest to participate in the arsenal’s historic program. Founded in 1905, it is one of the oldest civilian apprentice programs of its kind in the U.S. Army.
Over the next four years, the class will work and train directly on the arsenal floor while earning an associate degree in CNC machining technology through a partnership with Hudson Valley Community College. By graduation, apprentices will accumulate more than 8,000 hours of on-the-job machine time and receive U.S. Department of Labor certification as journeyman machinists. An additional perk: The arsenal fully covers all tuition, books and class materials, making this highly competitive program a debt-free pathway to a career directly supporting America’s warfighters.
While previous classes have laid the groundwork, Class 93 is carving out its own path. The new apprentices began arriving at the arsenal in mid-August. In total, nine apprentices make up Class 93, bringing a blend of perspectives that leadership anticipates will make a lasting impact.
For many in the class, the opportunity to support the nation's military while learning a lifelong trade served as a major draw.
“The ability to learn a new trade and know that the work I am doing makes a difference is what motivated me to join the apprenticeship program,” Apprentice Joshua Brayton said. “I hope to gain as much knowledge as possible about the trade as well as myself while going through the program.”
Brayton added that he feels a sense of responsibility knowing his work directly supports the mission and safety of soldiers using cannon and mortar systems built by the arsenal. “If we don’t do our job right, they can’t do theirs,” Brayton said.
Another apprentice, Jakob Womer, expressed a similar sentiment about the educational partnership. “I am really grateful for the education at HVCC and building more community with people,” Womer said. “Being able to have a steady income while going to school is a huge benefit.”
As with previous classes, Class 93 represents the future of manufacturing excellence at Watervliet Arsenal. Over the coming years, the apprentices will transition from hands-on learners into skilled machinists and future leaders at America’s premier cannon and mortar facility.
Watervliet Arsenal is an Army-owned-and-operated manufacturing facility and is the oldest, continuously active arsenal in the United States, having begun operations during the War of 1812. Today's Arsenal relies on a highly skilled workforce to produce high-tech, high-powered weaponry for military systems.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 09.02.2026 10:41 |
| Story ID: | 573762 |
| Location: | WATERVLIET ARSENAL, NEW YORK, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Watervliet Arsenal welcomes a new apprentice class, by Matthew Day, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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