Artillery and Missile Crew Members
Military Specific
Aiming and firing the weapon is only part of the day; the rest is testing, inspecting, and storing ammunition, missiles, and torpedoes, plus routine maintenance on the guns and related equipment. Crews also set up radio and wire communications and run the computers that handle targeting, firing, and launch. Field crews use guns, cannons, and howitzers on the ground; air-defense crews fire missiles and rockets; naval crews work from a ship or submarine. Suits people who like precise, technical work with heavy weapons and can keep procedures straight under pressure.
What you might do
- Aim and fire guns, missiles, or torpedoes
- Inspect ammunition, missiles, and torpedoes before use
- Service weapons and related equipment between missions
- Set up radio and wire communications with the unit
- Work the computers that aim and launch weapons
- Test and store ammunition and related gear
Skills that matter
- Aiming and firing guns, missiles, or torpedoes
- Inspecting ammunition, missiles, and torpedoes
- Performing routine weapons and equipment maintenance
- Setting up radio and wire communications
- Running targeting and launch computer systems
- Testing and storing ammunition and related equipment
AI & the future of this role
Fire-control calculations and sensor fusion are areas where software may take on more of the targeting workflow. Loading, field maintenance, and split-second decisions under fire still matter, though demand for some crew tasks could soften as systems grow more automated.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details