Artillery and Missile Crew Members

Target, fire, and maintain weapons used to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels. Field artillery crew members predominantly use guns, cannons, and howitzers in ground combat operations, while air defense artillery crew members predominantly use missiles and rockets. Naval artillery crew members predominantly use torpedoes and missiles launched from a ship or submarine. Duties include testing, inspecting, and storing ammunition, missiles, and torpedoes; conducting preventive and routine maintenance on weapons and related equipment; establishing and maintaining radio and wire communications; and operating weapons targeting, firing, and launch computer systems.

SOC: 55-3014.00

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • Hands-onOperate artillery guns, howitzers, missile systems, and naval torpedoes in combat and training environments under direct supervision of senior crew members.
  • KnowledgeApply weapons targeting and firing solutions using launch computer systems to engage enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels.
  • Hands-onPerform preventive and routine maintenance on weapons systems and related equipment following established military technical manuals and safety protocols.
  • Hands-onExecute inspection, testing, and storage procedures for ammunition, missiles, and torpedoes adhering to safety regulations and ordnance handling standards.
  • Hands-onOperate radio and wire communications equipment to establish and maintain tactical communications during field operations.
  • KnowledgeCalculate firing data and trajectory adjustments accounting for range, weather conditions, and target movement in tactical situations.
  • MindsetEngage in crew coordination and disciplined weapon operation under high-stress combat conditions as part of a coordinated fire team.
  • KnowledgeApply safety protocols and rules of engagement when handling explosive ordnance and operating weapon systems in combat and training.
  • Hands-onExecute rapid weapon system setup and positioning in response to tactical directives and changing battlefield conditions.
  • KnowledgeIdentify target types and threat profiles in ground combat, air defense, and naval warfare scenarios.