13R Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator

The most important thing when firing field artillery is knowing where to shoot. The Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator figures out where the enemy is and communicates the target’s location to his or her unit.

"Firefinder" is the name given to highly specialized radar that detects mortars, planes, and other objects by using radio or sound waves to determine their location. The Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator operates specialized equipment designed to acquire various targets, such as enemy mortar positions and aircraft, to alert defensive units.

Job Duties
• Establish and maintain radio and wire communications
• Construct bunkers and similar areas for other field artillery
• Maintain Firefinder radar with scheduled checkups

Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Field tactics and combat communications
• Calculating/recording speed, direction, and altitude

Helpful Skills
• Skills in geometry and math
• Ability to maintain focus for long periods of time

In this role, you will learn vital skills applicable in any civilian career: skills such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. You may also learn advanced computer systems used in targeting and communications.

Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.

Job training for Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operators consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training consists of both classroom and field work.