PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer

Overview

A PATRIOT fire control enhanced operator is responsible for operating/maintaining the entire PATRIOT missile system. An important part of the Army National Guard's air defense, they launch advanced-technology ammunition capable of neutralizing multiple air targets.

Job duties

• Coordinate placement of the PATRIOT system in the field
• Provide real-time status reports during combat
• Maintain coordinate, communication and target-identification systems
• Evaluate intelligence and identify targets
• Establish radio and wire communications in the field

Training

Job training for a PATRIOT fire control enhanced operator/maintainer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 19 weeks and 3 days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field under simulated combat conditions. Some of the skills you'll learn are: Operating PATRIOT technology and rocket systems Calculating targets manually and electronically Artillery tactics and battle strategy

Required ASVAB score

Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 104

Helpful skills

• Interest in missile and rocket operations
• Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
• Ability to multitask
• Plotting and reading maps
• Capability to work as a team member

Civilian career relevance

While there is no direct job equivalent in civilian life, the skills you learn such as teamwork, discipline and leadership will help you in any civilian career you choose.