For Educators: Military Resources
Military Artillery and Missile Crew Members
Median Salary
72,905
Workforce Count
58,538
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
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.
What is the work environment like?
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.
How many people have this role in the Military?
58,538
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$98,397
2 Years
$73,456
6 Years
$98,397
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Job training for artillery and missile crew members consists of classroom and field training under simulated combat conditions. Further training occurs on the job and through training exercises. Training content may include:
- Methods of computing target locations
- Ammunition-handling and storage techniques
- Weapon, missile, and rocket system operations
- Artillery tactics and battle strategy
- Weapons assembly, disassembly, maintenance, storage, and transportation
- Installation and operation of communication and control systems
- Positioning of vehicles and equipment
Education
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC TestRelated Military Occupations
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