Artillery and Missile Crew Members begin their duties with equipment inspections and system diagnostics on weapons platforms ranging from field artillery cannons to advanced missile defense systems like TOMAHAWK and Patriot systems. They coordinate with fire direction centers to receive targeting data and calculate firing solutions using automated tactical data systems and meteorological information. During operations, crew members load ammunition, align weapons systems, and execute precise firing sequences while maintaining constant communication with command elements. Between missions, they perform preventive maintenance on complex weapons systems, conduct training exercises to maintain proficiency, and participate in equipment upgrades or modifications. Their work requires strict adherence to safety protocols given the dangerous nature of high-explosive ordnance and sophisticated missile systems.
Individuals who excel in this role typically possess strong mechanical aptitude and thrive under high-pressure situations where precision and split-second decision-making are critical. They demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, as minor errors in weapons systems operation can have catastrophic consequences, and maintain composure during intense combat scenarios. Successful artillery and missile crew members exhibit strong teamwork skills since weapons operations require seamless coordination among multiple specialists, and they show dedication to continuous learning given the rapidly evolving nature of military technology. Physical fitness and mental resilience are essential traits, as these roles often involve working in challenging environments while handling heavy equipment and maintaining focus during extended operations.
Artillery and Missile Crew positions face moderate automation pressure as military technology increasingly incorporates automated targeting systems, remote-operated weapons platforms, and AI-assisted fire control systems. However, human oversight remains critical for complex tactical decisions, system maintenance, and adapting to rapidly changing combat scenarios that automated systems cannot fully address. The role is evolving toward more technical system management and oversight rather than pure elimination, with crew members increasingly required to manage automated processes while retaining manual override capabilities for mission-critical situations.
Postings appear within hours of going live on the source ATS. No aggregator lag. Direct from source.
| TERM | COUNT | FREQ | BAR | SOURCE ATTRIBUTION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| missile | 20 | 0.0316 | inference 65% wikipedia 35% | |
| military | 16 | 0.0253 | inference 81% wikipedia 19% | |
| weapons | 13 | 0.0205 | inference 100% | |
| artillery | 12 | 0.0190 | inference 83% wikipedia 17% | |
| defense | 12 | 0.0190 | inference 58% wikipedia 42% | |
| equipment | 10 | 0.0158 | inference 70% wikipedia 30% | |
| air | 10 | 0.0158 | wikipedia 50% inference 50% | |
| crew | 9 | 0.0142 | inference 100% | |
| patriot | 7 | 0.0111 | wikipedia 57% inference 43% | |
| army | 7 | 0.0111 | wikipedia 86% inference 14% | |
| members | 7 | 0.0111 | inference 100% | |
| fire | 6 | 0.0095 | inference 100% | |
| operations | 6 | 0.0095 | inference 100% | |
| states | 5 | 0.0079 | wikipedia 100% | |
| tactical | 5 | 0.0079 | inference 80% wikipedia 20% | |
| advanced | 5 | 0.0079 | inference 100% | |
| united | 4 | 0.0063 | wikipedia 100% | |
| combat | 4 | 0.0063 | inference 100% | |
| maintenance | 4 | 0.0063 | inference 100% | |
| automated | 4 | 0.0063 | inference 100% | |
| forces | 3 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| many | 3 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 67% inference 33% | |
| surface | 3 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| sam | 3 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| primary | 3 | 0.0047 | wikipedia 100% | |
| specialized | 3 | 0.0047 | inference 100% | |
| scenarios | 3 | 0.0047 | inference 100% | |
| platforms | 3 | 0.0047 | inference 100% | |
| complex | 3 | 0.0047 | inference 100% | |
| strong | 3 | 0.0047 | inference 100% |
Provenance Window — Full Source Record · 55-3014.00 · Artillery and Missile Crew Members 7 source blocks · click to expand
--- NATIONAL WAGES --- total_employment : N/A annual_median : N/A annual_pct10 : N/A annual_pct25 : N/A annual_pct75 : N/A annual_pct90 : N/A annual_mean : N/A hourly_median : N/A --- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION --- highest_state : N/A lowest_state : N/A dispersion_ratio : N/A --- TOP STATES BY WAGE (0 total) --- --- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (0 total) ---
exact_match_status : no_exact_match matched_title : N/A match_score : 0.0000 wikidata_qid : N/A word_count : 0 wikipedia_url : N/A license : CC BY-SA 4.0 fetched_at : 2026-06-02T23:44:13.388648Z --- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) --- Title: Main Missile and Artillery Directorate (similarity: 0.4167) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Missile_and_Artillery_Directorate QID: Q431942 Extract: The Main Missile and Artillery Directorate, commonly referred to by its transliterated acronym GRAU (ГРАУ), is a department of the Ministry of Defence of Russia responsible for the military acquisition and equipment of the Russian Armed Forces. It is subordinate to the Chief of Armament and Munition Title: List of equipment of the Israel Defense Forces (similarity: 0.2250) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_equipment_of_the_Israel_Defense_Forces QID: Q841171 Extract: The military equipment of Israel includes a wide array of arms, armored vehicles, artillery, missiles, planes, helicopters, and warships. Many of these are purchased overseas and many are indigenous designs. Until the Six-Day War of 1967, the Israel Defense Forces' principal supplier was France; sin Title: MIM-104 Patriot (similarity: 0.1224) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIM-104_Patriot QID: Q339025 Extract: The MIM-104 Patriot is a mobile interceptor missile surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary such system used by the United States Army and several allied states. It is manufactured by the U.S. defense contractor Raytheon and derives its name from the radar component of the weapon system. Th Title: Rapier (missile) (similarity: 0.4800) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapier_(missile) QID: Q665752 Extract: Rapier is a surface-to-air missile developed for the British Army to replace their towed Bofors 40/L70 anti-aircraft guns. The system is unusual as it uses a manual optical guidance system, sending guidance commands to the missile in flight over a radio link. This results in a high level of accuracy Title: Roland (missile) (similarity: 0.5200) URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_(missile) QID: Q705254 Extract: The Roland is a Franco-German mobile short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. The Roland was also purchased by the U.S. Army as one of very few foreign SAM systems.
model_pass1 : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2 : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : medium
confidence_notes : Limited detailed work activity data provided, but job titles and military context provide sufficient foundation for analysis. Confidence reduced due to sparse source data on specific skills, knowledge areas, and work activities.
inferred_at : 2026-06-04T03:51:37.520193+00:00
tokens_input : 2,218
tokens_output : 3,530
cost_usd : $0.036788
wikipedia_used : False
wikipedia_title : None
wikipedia_note : No exact Wikipedia match found; closest references relate to specific missile systems and military equipment rather than the occupation itself.
--- PROSE FIELDS ---
ROLE SUMMARY:
Artillery and Missile Crew Members operate, maintain, and fire advanced weapons systems including cannons, howitzers, missiles, and rockets to engage enemy targets in ground, air, and naval combat operations. These specialized military personnel work as part of coordinated teams to provide fire support and air defense capabilities across various combat scenarios. Their responsibilities span from target acquisition and weapon system operation to equipment maintenance and ammunition handling in high-stakes military environments.
DAY IN THE LIFE:
Artillery and Missile Crew Members begin their duties with equipment inspections and system diagnostics on weapons platforms ranging from field artillery cannons to advanced missile defense systems like TOMAHAWK and Patriot systems. They coordinate with fire direction centers to receive targeting data and calculate firing solutions using automated tactical data systems and meteorological information. During operations, crew members load ammunition, align weapons systems, and execute precise firing sequences while maintaining constant communication with command elements. Between missions, they perform preventive maintenance on complex weapons systems, conduct training exercises to maintain proficiency, and participate in equipment upgrades or modifications. Their work requires strict adherence to safety protocols given the dangerous nature of high-explosive ordnance and sophisticated missile systems.
WHO THRIVES:
Individuals who excel in this role typically possess strong mechanical aptitude and thrive under high-pressure situations where precision and split-second decision-making are critical. They demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, as minor errors in weapons systems operation can have catastrophic consequences, and maintain composure during intense combat scenarios. Successful artillery and missile crew members exhibit strong teamwork skills since weapons operations require seamless coordination among multiple specialists, and they show dedication to continuous learning given the rapidly evolving nature of military technology. Physical fitness and mental resilience are essential traits, as these roles often involve working in challenging environments while handling heavy equipment and maintaining focus during extended operations.
CAREER ENTRY:
Entry into artillery and missile crew positions typically requires military enlistment and successful completion of basic military training followed by specialized artillery or air defense training programs. Most positions require completion of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) in specific weapons systems, which can range from 10-20 weeks depending on the complexity of the assigned equipment. Educational requirements vary but generally include a high school diploma or equivalent, with strong performance in mathematics and mechanical subjects being advantageous. Some advanced positions, particularly those involving sophisticated missile systems like TOMAHAWK or Patriot, may require additional security clearances and extended technical training programs.
CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Artillery and Missile Crew Members can advance through military ranks while specializing in increasingly complex weapons systems, potentially becoming fire direction specialists, weapons system instructors, or maintenance supervisors. Career progression often leads to leadership roles such as section chiefs or battery commanders, where they manage multiple crews and coordinate large-scale fire support operations. Many veterans transition to civilian careers in defense contracting, working on weapons system development or providing technical support for military equipment manufacturers. Some pursue roles in law enforcement tactical units, private security firms specializing in threat assessment, or defense consulting where their specialized knowledge of weapons systems and tactical operations provides valuable expertise.
MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
Wage data for Artillery and Missile Crew Members is not available through BLS OEWS May 2025 as these are primarily active-duty military positions with compensation determined by military pay scales rather than civilian wage structures. Demand for these specialists remains consistently high within the military due to ongoing modernization of weapons systems and global security requirements. Geographic concentration is primarily around major military installations, particularly Army and Marine Corps bases with artillery units, Navy facilities with missile systems, and Air Force bases with air defense responsibilities. The defense contracting sector offers related civilian opportunities with competitive salaries, especially for veterans with clearances and experience on advanced systems like Patriot, THAAD, or naval missile platforms.
AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Artillery and Missile Crew positions face moderate automation pressure as military technology increasingly incorporates automated targeting systems, remote-operated weapons platforms, and AI-assisted fire control systems. However, human oversight remains critical for complex tactical decisions, system maintenance, and adapting to rapidly changing combat scenarios that automated systems cannot fully address. The role is evolving toward more technical system management and oversight rather than pure elimination, with crew members increasingly required to manage automated processes while retaining manual override capabilities for mission-critical situations.
--- REASONED EDGES ---
[skill_overlap] Bicycle Repairers (49-3091) — confidence:low
reasoning: Both roles require mechanical aptitude and precision equipment maintenance skills.
data: mechanical maintenance requirements
[knowledge_overlap] Mining and Geological Engineers (17-2151) — confidence:medium
reasoning: Both roles involve controlled explosions and understanding ballistics principles.
data: explosive materials handling
data: trajectory calculations
[career_pathway] Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers (33-3051) — confidence:high
reasoning: Military weapons training transfers to law enforcement tactical units and specialized operations.
data: weapons proficiency
data: tactical operations experience
[transferable_skill] Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094) — confidence:high
reasoning: Modern artillery and missile systems require advanced electronics maintenance and troubleshooting skills.
data: complex electronics systems
data: diagnostic procedures
[skill_overlap] Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers (17-2031) — confidence:low
reasoning: Both roles require precision system operation and understanding of complex technical specifications.
data: technical precision requirements
data: system integration knowledge
--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
match_keywords : ['artillery', 'missile', 'cannon', 'howitzer', 'weapons systems', 'fire control', 'ammunition', 'ordnance']
exclude_keywords : ['civilian', 'police', 'security guard', 'hunter', 'recreational']
title_patterns : ['artillery crew', 'missile crew', 'cannon crew', 'fire control', 'weapons operator']
common_variations: ['artilleryman', 'cannoneer', 'missile operator', 'fire direction specialist', 'weapons system operator', 'ordnance specialist', 'gunner', 'fire control technician']
total_terms : 40 top_words : ['missile', 'military', 'weapons', 'artillery', 'defense', 'equipment', 'air', 'crew', 'patriot', 'army', 'members', 'fire', 'operations', 'states', 'tactical', 'advanced', 'united', 'combat', 'maintenance', 'automated'] source_layers : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference TERM COUNT FREQ DOMINANT SOURCE SOURCE BREAKDOWN ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── missile 20 0.03160 inference inference:65% wikipedia:35% military 16 0.02528 inference inference:81% wikipedia:19% weapons 13 0.02054 inference inference:100% artillery 12 0.01896 inference inference:83% wikipedia:17% defense 12 0.01896 inference inference:58% wikipedia:42% equipment 10 0.01580 inference inference:70% wikipedia:30% air 10 0.01580 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50% crew 9 0.01422 inference inference:100% patriot 7 0.01106 wikipedia wikipedia:57% inference:43% army 7 0.01106 wikipedia wikipedia:86% inference:14% members 7 0.01106 inference inference:100% fire 6 0.00948 inference inference:100% operations 6 0.00948 inference inference:100% states 5 0.00790 wikipedia wikipedia:100% tactical 5 0.00790 inference inference:80% wikipedia:20% advanced 5 0.00790 inference inference:100% united 4 0.00632 wikipedia wikipedia:100% combat 4 0.00632 inference inference:100% maintenance 4 0.00632 inference inference:100% automated 4 0.00632 inference inference:100% forces 3 0.00474 wikipedia wikipedia:100% many 3 0.00474 wikipedia wikipedia:67% inference:33% surface 3 0.00474 wikipedia wikipedia:100% sam 3 0.00474 wikipedia wikipedia:100% primary 3 0.00474 wikipedia wikipedia:100% specialized 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% scenarios 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% platforms 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% complex 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% strong 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% critical 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% specialists 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% security 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% technical 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% increasingly 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% civilian 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% rather 3 0.00474 inference inference:100% ministry 2 0.00316 wikipedia wikipedia:100% defence 2 0.00316 wikipedia wikipedia:100% acquisition 2 0.00316 wikipedia wikipedia:50% inference:50%