The Army's Field Artillery Branch is responsible for neutralizing or suppressing the enemy by cannon, rocket and missile fire and to help integrate all fire support assets into combined arms operations. The role of a Field Artillery Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Field Artillery Branch and to be an expert in the tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of fire support systems.

The responsibilities of a Field Artillery Lieutenant may include:

• Leading and controlling Field Artillery troops and combined armed forces during land combat.
• Coordinate employment of Field Artillery Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
• Additional Duty Positions:
• Fire Support Officer
• Fire Direction Officer
• Platoon Leader
• Battery Executive Officer

Field Artillery Officer training includes completion of BOLC I & II and the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course (FAOBC), will provide you with in-depth knowledge in the area of fire support, observed fire, fire direction and platoon leadership as it pertains to the Field Artillery Branch.

Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and show respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

Field Artillery Officers can continue in the Operations career field, serving in the Field Artillery Branch at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

Responsibilities of a Field Artillery Captain may include:

• Commanding and controlling Field Artillery units and combined armed companies and company-sized units (200-300 Soldiers).
• Coordinate employment of Field Artillery Soldiers at all levels of command, from company to division level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
• Develop doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique Field Artillery missions.
• Instruct Field Artillery skills at service schools and combat training centers.
• Serve as a Field Artillery advisor to other units, including Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve organizations.

While there is no directly related job for a Field Artillery Officer in the civilian world, the leadership skills you acquire as an Army Officer will help you in many types of civilian careers. An Officer in the Army is most closely related to a vital manager in a corporation.

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