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Fire Support Specialist

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Fire Support Specialist - 13F


  • Active/Reserve:Active Duty
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

The fire support specialist is primarily responsible for the intelligence activities of the Army's field artillery team.

Job Duties

  • Set up and operate communications systems
  • Encode and decode messages
  • Assist in the preparation of fire support plans, coordinates and targets
  • Operate laser range finders and target devices
  • Determine target location using computers or manual calculations

    • Requirements

  • Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

    • Training

    Job training for a fire support specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field under simulated combat conditions. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

  • Computing target locations
  • Ammunition techniques
  • Operating gun, missile and rocket systems
  • Artillery tactics, techniques and procedures

    • Helpful Skills

  • Interest in cannon and rocket operations
  • Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
  • Ability to multitask
  • Capable of working as a team member

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • Field Artillery (FA): 96

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.