Fire Support Specialist
Join the Army National Guard as a Fire Support Specialist and you'll find out just how exciting computers and communications can be. As part of an elite field artillery team, you will support infantry and tank units in combat operations while learning highly sought-after skills that will help you in your civilian career.
Also known as the Forward Observer, the Fire Support Specialists act as the eyes of an artillery unit and are primarily responsible for target acquisition and relaying that information to artillery units at all levels. In this role, you will become an expert communicator as you establish, maintain, and operate communications equipment; encode and decode messages; assist in preparing and distributing fire support plans, documents, and lists; as well as determining target locations using computers or manual calculations.
And as your skills increase, so will your responsibilities. Advanced team members supervise and train other Soldiers, prepare observer target lists, initiate suppressive fire, and select and man observation posts. Plus, the skills you learn as a Fire Support Specialist can prepare you for a rewarding civilian career in computer consulting, information technology support, or data processing.
Earn while you learn
Get paid to learn! Join the Guard and you will learn valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
After 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you will learn fundamental Soldiering skills, you will attend approximately seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT), which will include a combination of hands-on and classroom training where you will learn how to decisively compute target locations, proper ammunition handling techniques, system operations, and artillery tactics.
Applicants must meet minimum qualifications. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability. Benefits subject to change.
Benefits/Requirements Benefits
- Paid training
- A monthly paycheck
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Up to 100 percent Tuition Assistance for college or vocational training (up to $4,500 per fiscal year, 1 October – 30 September)
- Retirement benefits for part-time service
- Low-cost life insurance (up to $400,000 in coverage)
- 401(k)-type savings plan
- Student Loan Repayment Program (up to $50,000, for existing loans)
- Healthcare Benefits Available
Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED (If you do not have a diploma or GED, you may still apply - ask a Recruiter about how the Army National Guard can help you earn your GED.)
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 35
- Must be able to pass a physical exam and meet legal and moral standards
- Must meet citizenship requirements (see for details)
This position may qualify for a bonus, ask your National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information.
