Artillery and Missile Crew Members

Target, fire, and maintain weapons used to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels. Field artillery crew members predominantly use guns, cannons, and howitzers in ground combat operations, while air defense artillery crew members predominantly use missiles and rockets. Naval artillery crew members predominantly use torpedoes and missiles launched from a ship or submarine. Duties include testing, inspecting, and storing ammunition, missiles, and torpedoes; conducting preventive and routine maintenance on weapons and related equipment; establishing and maintaining radio and wire communications; and operating weapons targeting, firing, and launch computer systems.

What They Do

Artillery and Missile Crew Members operate sophisticated weapon systems designed to engage enemy targets on land, at sea, and in the air. In ground combat, they work with howitzers, cannons, and guns, calculating trajectories and coordinating fire missions based on intelligence reports. Air defense specialists operate missile and rocket systems to protect against aerial threats, monitoring radar screens and responding to incoming aircraft. Naval crew members launch torpedoes and missiles from ships or submarines, often working in cramped spaces below deck.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Security Policy and Strategy(masters)Missouri State University-Springfield, MO

$102,639

Military Systems and Maintenance Technology(bachelors)Liberty University, VA

$66,126

Military Systems and Maintenance Technology(bachelors)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL

$52,897

Military Systems and Maintenance Technology(associates)Cochise County Community College District, AZ

$39,428