A Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist (FAATDS) is an important member of the Army's field artillery team. FAATDS Specialists are primarily responsible for operating the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems for both Cannon and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists play a critical role in the safe, accurate, and lethal delivery of the Field Artillery's various fire support systems. Both cannon and MLRS systems are used to support infantry and tank units in combat.

Some of your duties as a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist may include:

• Establish, maintain and operate communications systems
• Assist in the preparation of computer centers for operation
• Prepare field artillery tactical data systems for operation
• Determine target location using computers or manual calculations

Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists must have the physical stamina to perform strenuous activities for long periods without rest. Normal color vision is a requirement in order to read maps and charts.

Job training for a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Methods of computing target locations
• Gun, missile and rocket system operations
• Artillery tactics

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to think and remain calm under stress
• Ability to work as a member of a team
• Interest in cannon and rocket operations
• Ability to perform multiple duties at one time

Advanced level Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist, you may be involved in:

• Assist in the supervision of all fire control operations
• Perform computer operations, fire mission processing, fire plan schedules and database construction
• Initiate computer center operations
• Perform maintenance on section equipment

The skills you will learn as a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, 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.

• Cannon Crewmember (13B)
• Field Artillery Firefinder RADAR Operator (13R)
• Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember (13W)
• Field Artillery Surveyor (13S)
• Fire Support Specialist (13F)
• Multiple Launch Rocket System Operations/Fire Direction Specialist (13P)
• Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS/HIMARS) Crewmember (13M)

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