1. Skip to navigation
  2. Skip to content
  3. Skip to sidebar

Military Career: Artillery and Missle Crew Members

 

Overview

The military uses artillery and missiles to protect infantry and tank units, as well as to secure and protect land and sea positions from enemy attack. The personnel who operate these systems will usually specialize by type of weapon system such as cannons, howitzers, missiles, or rockets. Artillery and missile crew members position, direct, and fire these weapons to destroy enemy positions and aircraft.

What They Do

Artillery and missile crew members in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate computerized equipment to determine target locations
  • Prepare ammunition for firing
  • Set up and load weapons
  • Fire artillery and missile systems at enemy targets
  • Clean and maintain weapons

Branches of the Military

Army
Navy
Marine Corps

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

  • Ability to think and remain calm in stressful situations
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Interest in cannon and rocket operations
  • Willingness to face danger

Training Provided

Job training consists of between 10 to 14 weeks of classroom instruction and field training under simulated combat situations. Training length varies depending upon specialty. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:

  • Methods of computing target locations
  • Ammunition-handling techniques
  • Gun, missile, and rocket system operations
  • Artillery tactics

Physical Demands

Artillery and missile crew members must have physical stamina to perform strenuous activities for long periods without rest. They are also required to have normal color vision to identify color-coded ammunition and to read maps and charts.

Work Environment

Artillery and missile crew members work under different conditions depending on the type of weapon system they use. Some crew members spend a lot of time in field training exercises, where they work, eat, and sleep outdoors and in tents. Others live and work aboard ships or submarines.

Special Requirements

Some specialties in this area are closed to women.

Civilian Counterparts

Although the job of artillery and missile crew member has no equivalent in civilian life, the close teamwork, discipline, and leadership experiences it provides are helpful in many civilian jobs.

Opportunities

The services have over 38,000 artillery and missile crew members. Each year, they need new crew members due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, new crew members work as part of an artillery or missile team. Leadership ability and job performance are the most important factors for advancement in this field. Those with leadership potential may assume supervisory positions. In time, they may lead artillery or missile crews.


Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Washington D.C.