A PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator is an important part of the Army's air defense artillery team. The PATRIOT missile system teams are used to launch advanced-technology ammunition capable of neutralizing multiple air targets. The PATRIOT missile system consists of a control station, power plant, communication relay group and up to eight launching stations.

Some of your duties as a PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator Maintainer may include:

• Responsible for placement of the PATRIOT system in the field
• Perform real-time status reporting during combat
• Operate specific PATRIOT coordinate and target identification systems
• Perform maintenance on coordinate, communication and target identification systems
• Evaluate target data and identifies and engages targets
• Perform operation and intelligence duties
• Establish radio and wire communications in the field

PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operators constantly lift heavy objects and perform strenuous activity for long periods without rest. Being in top physical and mental shape is definitely a plus in this job. Normal color vision is also required in order to read color-coded ammunition, maps, and charts.

Job training for a PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you learn basic Soldiering skills, followed by 20 weeks, four days 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 conditions. Some of the skills you'll will learn are:

• Operating technologies specific to the PATRIOT system
• Methods of calculating targets electronically and manually
• Operating missile and rocket systems specific to the PATRIOT
• Artillery tactics and battle strategy

Helpful attributes include:

• Interest in missile and rocket operations
• Ability to take on challenges and remain calm under stress
• Interest in plotting and reading maps
• Top physical and mental shape
• Ability to work as a team member

Advanced level PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operators provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldier within the same discipline. As an advanced level PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator Maintainer, you may be involved in:

• Provide guidance on technical issues
• Supervise placement of the engagement control station of the PATRIOT system and associated equipment

The skills you will learn as a PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.

• Air Defense C4I Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator Maintainer (14J)
• Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember (14S)
• PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (14T)

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