A Fire Support Specialist is a part of the Army's field artillery team. Artillery are weapons that fire large ammunition or missiles to support infantry and tank units in combat. The Fire Support Specialist leads, supervises, or serves in intelligence activities including target processing in FA cannon battalions, division artillery, artillery and maneuver brigade and Corps headquarters and Fire Support Elements.

Requirements:

• A minimum score of 100 in aptitude area FA

• A physical demands rating of very heavy (Lift on an occasional basic over 100 pounds with frequent or constant lifting in excess of 50 pounds)

• Normal color vision

• Skill levels 1 and 2 soldiers must possess a CONFIDENTIAL Security Clearance

• Skill level 3 and 4 soldiers must possess a SECRET Security Clearance

• Formal training (completion of MOS 1 3F course conducted under auspices of USA FA School) mandatory

• U.S. Citizenship

Duties:

• Establishes, maintains and operates communications systems
  

• Encodes and decodes messages
  

• Prepares and distributes fire support plans, coordinates documents and target lists
  

• Assist in the operation of laser range finders, target designation and night observation devices
  

• Determines target locations using computers or manual calculations
  

• Learn to operate, maintains and stores various combat weaponry (rifles, machine guns, anti-tank mines, etc.)
  

Training:

• Nine weeks of basic training seven weeks

• One day of Advanced Individual Training. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat

  • Skills will include:
  • Methods of computing target locations
    
  • Ammunition-handling techniques
    
  • Gun, missile and rocket system operations
    Artillery tactics
  
  

Related Civilian Jobs:
Fire Support Specialist is a military profession and therefore has no direct civilian counterpart. However, as a Fire Support Specialist you will learn discipline, teamwork, and leadership. The skills, knowledge and personal
development that you gain are valuable assets and will complement any career you should choose to pursue.