Military Unmanned Vehicle (UV) Operations Specialists
Military Career
General Information
Description
Unmanned vehicle operations specialists operate, maintain, and control the Military’s fleet of unmanned vehicles. These vehicles include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), aerial systems (UAS), ground vehicles (UGV), surface vehicles (USV), and underwater vehicles (UUV). The specialists control these vehicles to perform reconnaissance and strike missions. They also operate sensors for target detection, deploy ground and air systems, and perform basic maintenance on systems as needed. Personnel normally specialize by the type of vehicle they operate.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Unmanned vehicle operations specialists work under a variety of conditions depending upon the type of vehicle and mission. Some specialists work in control stations or receiving stations on land, while others work aboard ships.
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
- Manufacturing
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
Unmanned Vehicle (UV) Operations Specialists in the Military
75,148
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$61,460
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,641 - $242,609
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.
-
Post-secondary certificate 31%
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Associate's degree 29%
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Bachelor's degree 10%
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High school 9%
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Some college 7%
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Master's degree 5%
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Doctoral degree 3%
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Post baccalaureate 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%
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. Unmanned vehicle (UV) operations specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job training varies depending on the position. Job-specific training content may include: Operation of unmanned vehiclesBasic preventative maintenanceUnmanned vehicle concepts and capabilitiesAdvanced technical and operational training in the aviation field Performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance simulation missionsPreparing maps, charts, and intelligence reportsAnalyzing aerial photographs
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
Select major to see colleges that offer it
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
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