Overview
An artillery and missile crew member will operate weapons by targeting and firing guns, cannons, missiles and rockets to destroy enemy positions, aircraft and vessels. A crew member will predominantly participate in ground combat operations, but the position could also require participation on ships or submarines, which would include executing torpedoes.
Duties and responsibilities
- Participate in land or naval military operations at war or for peace purposes
- Target and fire a wide variety of advance weapons to complete missions
- Inspect and maintain basic and sophisticated weaponry to ensure they are fully operational
- Store ammunition, missiles and torpedoes for ease of access
- Complete preventive maintenance to prevent future malfunctioning
- Monitor the efficacy of launch computer systems and other related equipment
- Partake in training classes to make sure you are up to date on the latest advancements
- Spend a lot of time in field training exercises
- Study weapons, launch systems and routine maintenance measures
- Eat, sleep and work outdoors and in tents or aboard ships and submarines
- Physically train in simulated combat conditions for maximum preparation
Skills and knowledge
Working conditions
AVERAGE WORKING HOURS
50hweek
TYPICAL SCHEDULE
Full Time
On a rota
Artillery and missile crew members can expect to work an intense schedule all year long. While the average working hours of this position are around 50 hours, you can often anticipate working upward of 70 hours when you are a part of a critical mission.
But the working hours are the least of your worries. When you in the field, you will eat, sleep and work in harsh conditions. Or, if you are designated to a ship or a submarine, your living quarters are tight. Essentially, you are always on call when you are on a combat mission or even performing a field training exercise.
Salary prospects
BOTTOM 10%
N/A
MEDIAN
$48k
TOP 10%
N/A
Annual salary estimates are based on data published on the Today's Military website.
Entry requirements
EDUCATION LEVEL
High school
N/A
TRAINING TIME
N/A
To become an artillery and missile crew member, you are expected to have graduated from high school or attained a GED certificate. Once you are enlisted in the military, you will undergo basic military training that includes a wide array of areas, including your speciality. For up to 12 weeks, you will spend time in the field and a classroom, learning about survival and tactical skills, weapons, military life and physical endurance. Your training never ends because you are always learning something new.
Job outlook
PROJECTED GROWTH
N/A
NEW JOBS
N/A
AUTOMATION RISK
N/A
Career advancement
Like a lot of other military positions, an artillery and missile crew member will inevitably climb through the ranks and rise to a leadership role. As long as you perform your role well, you will be rewarded and promoted. Overall, the military will always present opportunities, though you will notice that recruitment falls short of goals during booming economies. It is when the economy goes south that people start considering the military as a career option.