AGE REQUIREMENTS: Must be between the ages of 17 and 35

The most important thing when firing field artillery is knowing where to shoot. The Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator figures out where the enemy is and communicates the target’s location to his or her unit.

"Firefinder" is the name given to highly specialized radar that detects mortars, planes, and other objects by using radio or sound waves to determine their location. The Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator operates specialized equipment designed to acquire various targets, such as enemy mortar positions and aircraft, to alert defensive units.

Job Duties
• Establish and maintain radio and wire communications
• Construct bunkers and similar areas for other field artillery
• Maintain Firefinder radar with scheduled checkups

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Field tactics and combat communications
• Calculating/recording speed, direction, and altitude

Helpful Skills
• Skills in geometry and math
• Ability to maintain focus for long periods of time

In this role, you will learn vital skills applicable in any civilian career: skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. You may also learn advanced computer systems used in targeting and communications.

Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operators consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training consists of both classroom and field work.

The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.

The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in the Army National Guard.