A PATRIOT Launching Station 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 an engagement control station, electronic power plant, communication relay group and up to eight launching stations. The PATRIOT Launching Station Operator works directly with the PATRIOT launching stations.

Some of your duties as a PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator Maintainer may include:

• Place the PATRIOT launching system in the field
• Supply launching station with PATRIOT missiles
• Operate specific PATRIOT launcher electronic systems
• Perform preventative maintenance on PATRIOT launching stations
• Handle PATRIOT ammunition
• Establish and maintain radio and wire communications

PATRIOT Launching Station 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 ammunitions, maps and charts.

Job training for a PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you learn basic Soldiering skills, and 13 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 conditions. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

• Operating technologies specific to the PATRIOT system
• Operating gun, missile and rocket launching systems specific to the PATRIOT
• Artillery tactics and battle strategy

As your PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator career continues, you will have the opportunity to take more advanced courses and have more in-field training.

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

Advanced level PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operators provides guidance, supervises and trains Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operators, you may be involved in:

• Provide guidance on technical issues
• Supervise placement of the launching station of the PATRIOT system and reloading of ammunitions

The skills you will learn as a PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help in any civilian career you choose. You will also gain knowledge about electronics systems that can help you become an Electrician in the civilian world.

• Air Defense C4I Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator Maintainer (14J)
• Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember (14S)
• PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (14E)

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