hi my name is john im 20 years old i live in miami and i just pick my job duties for the army as Mos: 13D Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist i wanted to know how this job is it sound like a very interesting job i love computers and gun and i wanted to know was this the right job for me?? thanks

Best thing to do is ask MSG Glenn or Exo. They know their stuff. There are others too but mainly the 2 wise men.

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OOH RAH!

I know very little about Field Artillery so I won't even try to answer your question. I know you'll go to Ft. Sill for 13D OSUT. I taught basic trainees when I was on a Mobile Training Team. I was only down there for a month or so.

I have no idea if it's the right job for you. There are many MOSs in the Army & most might be "right" for you. No matter what MOS you're in always do the best you can. You might get in a real good section with good troops & NCOs & then again maybe not. It's still basically what you make it.

Now's a good time to prepare yourself. Try to max the Army PT test before you ship. It'll make it much easier for you in OSUT & in the long run it'll make you a better soldier. You'll have to keep fit during your entire enlistment so might as well start now. Also study for the ASVAB. You can find study material online as well as practice tests. Take them all. The higher you score the more doors that are opened for you.

You can get the requirements for your age group either from your recruiter or you can find them online via Google. Just type Army APFT. While you're getting in shape throw some pull-ups in the mix. You'll need to do them before entering the dining facility. There's a pull-up bar & a Drill SGT right outside the door.

Talk to your recruiter about the Future Soldier Program. While you're in DEP you can take classes on the weekend & a PT test administered by a recruiter. If you pass all of them you can enter the Army as a PV2, (E 2). You'll wear one stripe & get a little extra pay each month.( I've never known anyone who failed. If they fail the PT test they have no business going into the Army.) Don't be in a real big hurry to ship after you sign the contract. Give yourself a little time to get in shape & attend DEP classes.

Get everything in writing on your contract. If you want anything extra like form instance Airborne School make sure it's in your contract. Likewise for bonuses & MOS. If it ain't there it ain't gonna happen.

Keep us informed during your enlistment process & the best of luck to you!

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Proud Dad of a US Army Ranger SSG-Former 3/75 Rangers, 2/334-95 USAR at present
US Navy 1960-1966 Submarine Service, Navy Diver-UDT 21
US Army 1980-2001 Airborne Infantry,G3, Army Instructor, Commo Instructor Company 1SG
Retired 1SG/MSG
I was a Soldier. I am a Soldier. I will always be a Soldier.

Dont know to much about the system in the US...i will just say good luck mate

Im not Artillery either, but I did do some air defence, but cos I was so good at gruntwork, I was usually on comms or mobile security detachment for the battery shoots.. slightly antiquated though to what you will be looking at!!.. lol..

Looked it up and this is what your job description is;

Major Duties: The Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems (FATDS) Specialist leads, supervises, or serves as a member of an activity operating FATDS in a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) battalion, battery, platoon in a field artillery cannon battalion or higher. Duties for MOS 13D at each skill level are:

Skill Levels
Skill Level 1 MOSC 13D1O. Establishes, maintains and operates communications systems. Assists in preparation of computer center for operation and shutdown. Prepares FATDS for operation to include cabling, installation, and removal procedures. Inputs initialization data and data base information to FATDS. Maintain fire capabilities maps and charts. Operates and performs operator maintenance on FATDS equipment, section vehicles and generators associated with FATDS. Performs crew maintenance and participates in organizational maintenance of section equipment.


Skill Level 2 MOSC 13D2O. Assists FATDS NCO in supervision of all fire control operations in MLRS platoon fire direction center. Operates FATDS at MLRS battery and battalion, cannon battalion and higher echelons. Performs computer operations including fire mission processing, fire plan schedules and data base construction. Initiates computer center operations, including establishing control information, communications with digital subscribers and data base initialization. Performs operator, crew and organizational maintenance on section equipment.


Skill Level 3 MOSC 13D3O. Assists FATDS NCO in supervision of all fire control operations in MLRS firing battery and battalion, cannon battalion and higher echelons. Supervises fire direction operations including preparation for operations, communications setup and maintenance. Supervises fire mission processing, fire support planning, fire support execution, movement control, field artillery mission support, field artillery fire direction operations, fire plan scheduling and entry of commanders guidance. Maintains current situation data. Supervises the performance of operator, crew and organizational maintenance on section vehicles.


Skill Level 4 MOSC 13D4O. Leads section personnel and supervises FATDS operations in MLRS and cannon battalions and higher echelons. Supervises and conducts fire support execution, movement control, field artillery mission support, field artillery fire direction operations. Directs troubleshooting of FATDS hardware, software, database and communications to ensure continuity of operations. Directs and performs systems administration and troubleshooting. Assist S3 with conduct of field artillery estimates and movement planning. Compiles information for and presents briefings on current operations, situation and after action reports. Enforces compliance with security procedures and regulations. Assists operations officer and NCO in planning, preparation and conduct of collective training for the unit. Supervises the performance of operator, crew and organizational maintenance on section vehicles and equipment.



If you like computers, are a good communicator with a mechanically orientated mind, and like problem solving, then this job is a good Hi Tech job for you!!.. Just remember to make sure your 150% on top of your job, dont want rockets landing on the wrong heads!!..

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"Barrel High, Powder Dry!"

"Illic est haud effrego ex Veneratio"

...bloody hell Exo.....give your name....occupation....and specialist subject....this is mastermind....

Roger that!!.. Here it comes...

Capt Homer Simpson; Company Commander; Donout Company!!..

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"Barrel High, Powder Dry!"

"Illic est haud effrego ex Veneratio"

thanks a lot every one yesterday i pick my mos and swore in now finally i have to finish high school and im off to basic training dose anyone have any suggestions on what to do now like working out wise and getting ready for basic training and things i can to to hire my rank and pay???

I did hear of getting in as an E2 if you can recommend someone else for enlistment. Ask your recruiter about it.

As for preparation, look at "Army fitness" and Basic training, fellow members "Nighflyer"; "Tacky" and "MSG Glenn" have posted extensively on it. I cant any more other then starting fitness at entry level needs to be at approx 35 press ups in a minute, 35 sit ups in a minute and a 2 mile run.

__________________
"Barrel High, Powder Dry!"

"Illic est haud effrego ex Veneratio"