Heavy Weapons in the North Dakota Army National Guard
Out of sight, but rarely out of range, Guard heavy weapon experts give ground forces the gift of superior firepower. Artillery specialists embed with ground forces, using laser rangefinders to send targets up for calculation. Cannon and rocket crews stand ready to shoot, raining fire and steel on targets over 15 miles away.
Air defense Soldiers clear the skies with AVENGER and PATRIOT missile systems, shielding ground forces from all threats above. If it sounds like rocket science, it is. Heavy weapons experts see dimension in ways others don’t.
Enlisted MOS Options
13B Cannon Crewmember
OVERVIEW
Cannon Crewmembers work the howitzer cannons that support infantry and tank units during combat, and play crucial roles in the Army National Guard’s success on the battlefield.
JOB DUTIES
- Communicate over wire and radio
- Identify target locations
- Operate self-propelled howitzers, ammunition trucks and other vehicles
- Participate in reconnaissance operations
TRAINING
Job training for a Cannon Crewmember requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and five weeks and four days of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Calculating targets manually and electronically
- Handling ammunition
- Operating gun systems
- Artillery tactics and battle strategy
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in cannon operations
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capable of working as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Field Artillery (FA): 93
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no job equivalent to a Cannon Crewmember in civilian life, the skills you learn, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any career you choose.
13F Joint Fire Support Specialist
OVERVIEW
The Joint Fire Support Specialist is primarily responsible for the intelligence activities of the Army National Guard’s Field Artillery team.
JOB DUTIES
- Set up and operate communications systems
- Encode and decode messages
- Assist in the preparation of fire support plans, coordinates and targets
- Operate laser range finders and target devices
- Determine target locations using computers or manual calculations
TRAINING
Job training for a Joint Fire Support Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and ten weeks and four 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 takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Computing target locations
- Ammunition techniques
- Operating gun, missile and rocket systems
- Artillery tactics, techniques and procedures
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in cannon and rocket operations
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to multitask
- Capability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Field Artillery (FA): 96
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in computer consulting, technology support, data processing and other related fields.
13J Fire Control Specialist
OVERVIEW
The Fire Control Specialist integrates and processes tactical battlefield information from multiple users and sensors through a network of Army National Guard and joint automated battle command systems.
JOB DUTIES
- Operate communications systems
- Work with primary tactical data system operations
- Manage databases
- Process fire missions
REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.
TRAINING
Job training for a Fire Control Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Computing target locations
- Operating gun, missile and rocket systems
- Artillery tactics
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in cannon and rocket operations
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to multitask
- Capability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Field Artillery (FA): 93
Learn more about the ASVAB.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you will learn will help you in any civilian career you choose. The experience you gain from dealing with various computer and communication systems can also be used in jobs such as computer programmer or telecommunication specialist.
13M Multiple Launch Rocket System (Mlrs)/Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) Crewmember
OVERVIEW
A Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)/Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Crewmember is responsible for operating and maintaining the entire multiple launch rocket system. They support Infantry and tank units by supplementing cannon artillery during combat.
JOB DUTIES
- Drive and maintain self-propelled launch vehicles
- Reload ammunition and resupply vehicles
- Test and maintain fire control systems
- Mount radio sets and communication systems in all vehicles
TRAINING
Job training for a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)/Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Crewmember requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and six weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Advanced Individual Training: 6 weeks at Fort Sill, OK
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Calculating target locations manually and electronically
- Handling ammunition
- Operating gun, missile and rocket systems
- Artillery tactics and battle strategy
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in cannon and rocket operations
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to multitask
- Capability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Field Artillery (FA): 96
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to a Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)/Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) Crewmember in civilian life, the skills you learn, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.
OVERVIEW
The Fire Control Specialist integrates and processes tactical battlefield information from multiple users and sensors through a network of Army National Guard and joint automated battle command systems.
JOB DUTIES
- Operate communications systems
- Work with primary tactical data system operations
- Manage databases
- Process fire missions
REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.
TRAINING
Job training for a Fire Control Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK with on-the-job instructions. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Computing target locations
- Operating gun, missile and rocket systems
- Artillery tactics
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in cannon and rocket operations
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to multitask
- Capability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Field Artillery (FA): 93
Learn more about the ASVAB.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay and vacation time.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you will learn will help you in any civilian career you choose. The experience you gain from dealing with various computer and communication systems can also be used in jobs such as computer programmer or telecommunication specialist.
13R Weapons Locating Radar (Wlr) Specialist
OVERVIEW
The Weapons Locating Radar (WLR) Specialist is responsible for detecting enemy forces and alerting the units in the Army National Guard. Using a “firefinder”, a highly specialized radar, they can detect various objects and their locations.
JOB DUTIES
- Operate firefinder radar and other systems
- Establish and maintain radio and wire communications
- Construct bunkers and similar areas for other field artillery
- Maintain firefinder radar with scheduled checkups
TRAINING
Job training for a Weapons Locating Radar (WLR) Specialist requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place on firefinder equipment.
Advanced Individual Training: 10 weeks at Fort Sill, OK
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Operating firefinder equipment
- Basic workings of radar and identifying objects
- Field tactics and combat communications
- Calculating/recording speed, direction and altitude
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Surveillance & Communications (SC): 98
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in radar and electronics
- Skills in geometry and math
- Ability to maintain long periods of focus
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to a Weapons Locating Radar (WLR) Specialist in civilian life, the skills you learn, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.
14E 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
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
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 104
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140E Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Tactician/Technician (PATRIOT Systems Technician)
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
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.
14G Air Defense Battle Management System Operator
OVERVIEW
The Air Defense Battle Management System Operator maintains, manages and operates modern complicated military computers on complex networks, communications equipment systems, and the Sentinel Radar in order to provide warning, detection and protection for armed forces from aerial attack, missile attack, and aerial surveillance.
These soldiers are responsible for integrating all air defense detection assets and firing units, maintaining tactical computer data links/networks that provide situational awareness, and communication of detected threats throughout the air defense network, and serving as an air defense liaison to other services in all combat environments involving air defense.
JOB DUTIES
- Move, place, operate, and maintain the Sentinel Radar system in various locations and environments
- Operate and maintain Sentinel Radar electronic and mechanical components
- Establish network interoperability with allied, joint, and other Air Defense units
- Collect, integrate and process tactical battlefield information from multiple users and sensors through a network of Army National Guard and Joint-Service automated battle command systems
- Provide airspace situational awareness; deconflict and clear airspace to ensure air superiority
- Evaluate intelligence data and identify targets; perform real-time status reporting during combat
- Provide early warning and conduct engagement operations to destroy the incoming rocket, artillery, and mortar threats
REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.
TRAINING
Job training for an Air Defense Battle Management System Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 16 weeks and 3 days of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Advanced Individual Training: 16 weeks and 3 days at Fort Sill, OK
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Operating and maintaining the Sentinel Radar and associated shelters
- Planning, coordinating, and establishing connectivity in Air Defense local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN)
- Maintenance and troubleshooting on electronic and mechanical components
- Utilizing digital data and voice communications equipment
- Evaluating intelligence data for engagement operations
- Air Defense Artillery tactics, techniques, procedures, and air battle strategy
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in work that requires accuracy and attention to detail
- Interest in technical electronic, mechanical, and computer systems
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations
- Ability to adapt to a wide range of working environments
- Ability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
- General Technical (GT): 99
- Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 98
Learn more about the ASVAB.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.
EARN CASH FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS
You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties.
EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140A Command and Control Systems Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to an air defense battle management system operator in civilian life, the knowledge you gain about electronics systems can assist you as an electrician in the civilian world.
14S Avenger Crewmember
OVERVIEW
An Avenger Crewmember is responsible for operating the Avenger system, a lightweight, highly mobile weapon system that provides air defense protection against air and land attacks.
JOB DUTIES
- Operate the Avenger and man-portable air defense systems weapons systems
- Establish radio/wire communications and maintain situation maps
- Perform target engagement evaluations
- Operate friend or foe identification equipment
- Resupply ammunition and prepare systems for firing
TRAINING
Job training for an Avenger Crewmember requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 7 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Methods of computing target locations
- Ammunition-handling techniques
- Missile and rocket system operations
- Artillery tactics
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in mathematics
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to multitask
- Interest in missile and rocket operations
- Capability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Operators & Food (OF): 85
Learn more about the ASVAB.
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140A Command and Control Systems Technician
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to an Avenger Crewmember in civilian life, the skills you learn, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.
14T Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer
OVERVIEW
A PATRIOT launching station enhanced operator works directly with the PATRIOT launching stations. An important part of the Army National Guard’s air defense, the PATRIOT missile system can launch advanced-technology ammunition capable of neutralizing multiple air targets.
JOB DUTIES
- Place the PATRIOT launching system in the field
- Operate PATRIOT launcher electronic systems
- Perform preventive maintenance
- Handle and supply PATRIOT missiles
- Establish radio and wire communications in the field
TRAINING
Job training for a PATRIOT launching station enhanced operator/maintainer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 7 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Some of the skills you’ll learn are:
- Operating PATRIOT technology and rocket systems
- Artillery tactics and battle strategy
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Interest in missile and rocket operations
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Interest in electronics
- Ability to multitask
- Capability to work as a team member
REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Operators & Food (OF): 92
WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140E Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Tactician/Technician (PATRIOT Systems Technician)
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to a PATRIOT launching station enhanced operator/maintainer in civilian life, the electronic systems knowledge you’ll gain can assist you as an electrician in the civilian world.
Officer MOS Options
13 Field Artillery Officer
OVERVIEW
The field artillery officer leads the field artillery branch, which neutralizes the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire. The officer must be an expert in tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of fire support systems.
JOB DUTIES
- Lead field artillery troops and combined Armed Forces during land combat
- Coordinate the employment of field artillery Soldiers at all levels of command
- Additional positions include fire support officer, fire direction officer, platoon leader and battery executive officer
TRAINING
Job training for a field artillery officer requires completion of Basic Officer Leaders Course I and II and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course, which provide in-depth knowledge for fire support, observed fire, fire direction and platoon leadership.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capability to bear numerous responsibilities
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. An officer in the Army National Guard is similar in many ways to holding a managerial position in a corporation.
14 Air Defense Artillery Officer
OVERVIEW
The Air Defense Artillery Officer leads the Air Defense Artillery branch, which protects U.S. forces from aerial attack, missile attack, and enemy surveillance. They must be experts in tactics, techniques, and procedures for the employment of air defense systems. They also become experts in the AVENGER system.
JOB DUTIES
- Coordinate the air defense target engagement process in joint and multinational operations
- Employ Air Defense Artillery Soldiers at all levels of command
TRAINING
Job training for an Air Defense Artillery Officer includes completion of a two-phase Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC). BOLC A consists of Officer Candidate School (OCS) and BOLC B is training for the Air Defense Artillery Branch. The Direct Commission Program is an alternate path for qualified individuals interested in serving as officers in the Army National Guard.
HELPFUL SKILLS
- Self-discipline, confidence, and intelligence
- Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capability to bear numerous responsibilities
FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. Being an officer in the Army National Guard is similar in many ways to holding a managerial position in a corporation.
Warrant Officer MOS Options
131A Field Artillery Targeting Technician
JOB DUTIES
The field artillery warrant officer provides assistance and advice to the commander and staff on all matters relative to the employment of target acquisition assets and the Army National Guard’s targeting methodology.
- Synchronize and coordinate the Army National Guard’s targeting process and joint fires at all echelonsPlan, organize, implement, monitor and evaluate operations, threat environment, maintenance and advice on the technical/tactical employment of target acquisition sensors.
Junior grades (W1 and W2) may serve as target acquisition platoon leaders or counterfire officers in fire battalions or as target/EW integrators at Brigade Combat Team (BCT) HQ.
Senior warrant officers serve as:
- W3: BCT targeting officers or field artillery intelligence officers (FAIO) in divisions and corps
- W4: corps FAIO, corps targeting officers and targeting officers in a battlefield coordination detachment (BCD)
- W5: corps and echelons above corps targeting officers
MINIMUM PREREQUISITES (Army National Guard and Reserve)*
- Be an SSG or above (not waiverable).
- Be an Advanced Leader Course (ALC) graduate (not waiverable).
- Hold MOS 13B, 13D, 13F, 13M, 13P, 13R, 13T or 11C; or Marine 08xx (with five years’ experience in a feeder MOS).
- Have baseline scores of 110 for Field Artillery (FA) and Skilled Technical (ST).
- Have six (6) hours of English composition and three (3) hours of math (with a grade of C or higher) from an accredited college or university.
- Must have two years’ documented (with NCOERs) section chief experience in feeder MOS (not waiverable). The majority of NCOERs must reflect outstanding and exceptional duty performance ratings noted with “Among the Best” ratings by the rater and “Successful” and “Superior” ratings by the senior rater.
- Be fully deployable, be able to meet all physical requirements in accordance with AR 40-501, be able to take and pass an approved APFT in accordance with FM 21-20, and meet height/weight standards in accordance with AR 600-9.
- Have a written endorsement letter (LOR) from an interview with a CW2-CW5. Active Duty candidates must receive their LOR from a 131A who is currently on Active Duty (not waiverable).
*Any prerequisite not met will require a prerequisite waiver in writing to proponent. Be advised that submitting a prerequisite waiver does not constitute automatic approval.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR ACTIVE COMPONENTS
- An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university
-
Completion of all intelligence, operations, and joint and planning correspondence courses on Doctrine Networked Education and Training (DOCNET)
NOTE: All selectees will attend the 30-week (WOBC) at Fort Sill, OK.
NOTE: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. Your local warrant officer recruiter has the most up-to-date information about job availability and bonuses in your state.
140E Air And Missile Defense (Amd) Systems Tactician/Technician
JOB DUTIES
- Serve as a subject matter expert on the employment and operations of Air and Missile Defense (AMD) systems as a tactical control officer (TCO) at the battery level tactical director (TD) at the battalion level, and Air Defense Artillery fire control officer (ADAFCO) at the brigade level
- Monitor/identify aircraft according to established procedures, initiate and monitor engagements of threat aircraft and missiles, and plan/develop AMD designs in support of assigned/contingency missions
- Advise the commander on capabilities and limitations of the AMD system
- Supervise organizational maintenance of equipment in an AMD unit
- Monitor the AMD system and related support equipment to detect, diagnose and repair operator error and/or system malfunctions
- Coach, teach, mentor and evaluate Soldiers in AMD system operating tactics, techniques and procedures, joint kill chain (JKC) functions, maintenance procedures, use and care of special tools and support equipment, and the Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of maintenance programs and tactical crew training
- Monitor and coordinate installation of modifications of the AMD system
- Implement proper safety and security procedures applicable to the operation and maintenance support of the AMD system
- Advise the commander on all tactical and technical considerations at all levels
MINIMUM PREREQUISITES
- Be an SSG or above with five years’ experience in MOS 14E or 14T (recruiter, drill sergeant and other nontechnical duties are not considered field experience).
- Possess a minimum of two years’ leadership experience (documented on an NCOER) in a feeder MOS (waivers will be granted on a case-by-case basis for National Guard/Reserve).
- Submit copies of all NCOERs. The preponderance of your NCOERs must reflect outstanding and exceptional duty performance ratings noted with “Among the Best” ratings by the rater and “Successful” and “Superior” ratings by the senior rater.
- Have a physical profile of 111121.
- Have a minimum of six semester hours of college-level English and math from an accredited academic institution. Speech and public speaking courses do not meet this requirement even if administered by the English department of an institution. Successful completion of the CLEP general examination in English and math is the only acceptable alternative.
- Have a written recommendation from a senior warrant officer (CW3-CW5) who holds MOS 140E.
Applicants from sister services or feeder MOSs will be considered based on qualifications and experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Successfully complete the PATRIOT Master Gunner Course (T4 ASI)
- Two years as a tactical control assistant/tactical director assistant and/or system maintenance NCOIC
NOTE: Army National Guard programs and benefits are subject to change. Your local warrant officer recruiter has the most up-to-date information about job availability and bonuses in your state.
