A Firefinder Radar Operator is crucial to the Army's field artillery radar team. 'Firefinder' is the name given to highly specialized machines that detect mortars, planes and other objects by using radio or sound waves to determine their location. The Firefinder Radar Operator uses radar to detect opposing forces and alert units in the Army.

Some of your duties as a Firefinder Radar Operator may include:

• Operate Firefinder Radar and other systems
• Establish and maintain radio and wire communications
• Construct fortification like bunkers and areas for other field artillery
• Maintain Firefinder Radar with scheduled check-ups

The ability to see colors is a plus in this job because you will need to be able to decipher different objects on a radar display screen.

Job training for Firefinder Radar Operators requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. The training will take place partly in the classroom and partly on Firefinder equipment. Training will typically cover these topics:

• Operating Firefinder Radar equipment
• Basic workings of radar and identifying specific objects
• Field tactics and combat communications strategy
• Calculating and recording speed, direction and altitude through radar

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in working with radar and electronic equipment
• Good with calculations, geometry and math
• Ability to concentrate for long periods
• Good listening skills

Advanced level Firefinder Radar Operators provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advance level Firefinder Radar Operator, you may be involved in:

• Manage other Soldiers in operating and maintaining the Firefinder systems
• Reconnaissance and select sites for placing the radar systems in the field

The skills you will learn as a Field Artillery Firefinder RADAR Operator, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.

• Cannon Crewmember (13B)
• Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data System Specialist (13D)
• 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)
• Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer (25Q)
• Satellite Communication Systems Operator-Maintainer (25S)
• Signal Support Systems Specialist (25U)

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