Military Artillery and Missile Crew Members

Description

Artillery and missile crew members target, fire, and maintain weapons used to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels. The specific duties they perform vary by the type of combat operations they support. Field artillery crew members predominantly use guns, cannons, and howitzers in ground combat operations; air defense artillery crew members predominantly use missiles and rockets; and, naval artillery crew members predominantly use torpedoes and missiles launched from a ship or submarine. Crew members may also coordinate joint fire missions and operate sophisticated targeting equipment.

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.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

• Responsibility
• Exposure to job hazards
• Physical activity
• Decision making
• Repetitiveness
• Level of competition
• Time pressure