Military Radar and Sonar Operators
Military Career
General Information
Description
Radar and sonar operators set up, operate, and perform preventive maintenance on sophisticated radar and sonar equipment. They use radar and sonar to detect, track, recognize, analyze, and identify objects. The radar and sonar systems are also used to direct artillery fires and forecast the weather.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Radar and sonar operators in the Military primarily work indoors in security-controlled areas. They work in operations centers and command posts either on land or aboard aircraft, ships, or submarines. Some may work in a mobile field radar unit.
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
Comparable Industries
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
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
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Radar and Sonar Operators in the Military
33,067
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$77,144
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,748 - $217,150
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
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Bachelor's degree 60%
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Master's degree 20%
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Post baccalaureate 16%
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Associate's degree 4%
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High school 0%
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Some college 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
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Post-secondary certificate 0%
Military training
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. Radar and sonar operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Training length varies by specialty. Job-specific training topics relate to operating radar or sonar equipment, and may include: Operation and maintenance of radar and sonar equipmentIdentification of ships, submarines, aircraft, and missilesComputation of aircraft or missile speed, direction, and altitudeField tactics and combat communications
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
Knowledge
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
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