Military Artillery and Missile Officers
Military Career
General Information
Description
Artillery and missile officers manage personnel and weapons operations to destroy enemy positions, aircraft, and vessels. They direct artillery crew members as they position, maintain, and fire guns, cannons, howitzers, and rockets. They normally specialize by type of artillery.
Work Environment
Artillery and missile officers work under different conditions depending on the type of weapon system they are responsible for. Some artillery officers 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. Artillery and missile officers may work in locations such as underground launch command centers 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
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Officer
- Managerial/professional
- College degree required
Military Workforce
Artillery and Missile Officers in the Military
59,802
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$79,925
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,726 - $502,205
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Military training
Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Like other officers, artillery and missile officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Additional training consists of classroom and field training. Job-specific training content may include: Artillery tactics and strategyKnowledge of weapon characteristics, status, and capabilityFire direction control proceduresMissile targeting and launch operationsSecurity coding and authentication proceduresOperation of command, control, and communication systemsAirspace familiarizationUse of integrated air defense systems
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Related College Majors
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