The handling and storage of ammunition, explosives, and their associated components must be carried out with safety and accuracy. Ammunition, explosives, their components, and weapons are known within the Army as 'ordnance' and require proper care when dealing with them. Ammunition Specialists are specialized Soldiers whose primary responsibility is all aspects in the management of ordnance (ammunition and explosives).

Ammunition Specialists are primarily responsible for receiving, storing, and issuing conventional ammunition, guided missiles, large rockets, explosives, and other ammunition and explosive related items; performs maintenance (field and sustainment), modification, destruction and demilitarization on ammunition and explosive components. Some of the duties of an Ammunition Specialist may include:

• Perform maintenance modification, destruction and demilitarization on ammunition and explosive components
• Operate computer hardware and software/utilities manual records in order to perform stock control and accounting procedures
• Perform ammunition supply stock control and accounting duties using both automated and manual procedures
• Load explosives and ammunition on aircraft
• Inspect weapon systems to determine need for repair or destruction

Job training for an Ammunition Specialist requires nine weeks of Army Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and nine weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part in the field. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Ammunition Identification and Ammunition related Publications
• Ammunition/Maintenance Operations
• Explosives Demolition Operations
• Operation of automated and manual ammunition management systems
• Operation, Maintenance, and Care of Material Handling Equipment

Helpful attributes include:

• An ability to communicate effectively
• An interest in algebra, chemistry, physics, geometry and trigonometry
• An ability to plan and organize
• An ability to work calmly under stress
• An ability to effectively use computers

Advanced level Ammunition Specialists provide guidance, supervise and train other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Ammunition Specialist, your may be involve in

• Assist in the preparation of transportation of ammunition, ammunition components and explosives
• Prepare and review documents controlling the issue and turn-in of ammunition and explosives
• Develop and implement plans for the safe storage of ammunition
• Train subordinates in all facets of ammunition management

The skills you learn as an Ammunition Specialist will help prepare you for a civilian career with government agencies and private industries performing ordnance research and development. You might also consider a future as a bomb-disposal expert, gunsmith or munitions manufacturer.

• Special Forces Engineer Sergeant (18C)
• Cargo Specialist (88H)
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Specialist (89D)
• Unit Supply Specialist (92Y)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.