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Artillery Jobs for Army & Marine Veterans after Military

jobs after the military field artillery

Jobs for Army and Marine Field Artillery Veterans

While it might seem like Field Artillery doesn’t translate to a civilian job, the skills you gain from working in this military occupation can open doors to a brand new career.

If you held any of the “Field Artillery” related occupations, you know that the main job is to support the infantry and tank units in combat by providing effective fire support on enemy troops and vehicles. In addition to that, your job duties could have included operating and maintaining radar and other electronic weapons control systems, maintaining communications, light construction, and operating several types of vehicles.

Examples of Field Artillery MOS

U.S. Army Field Artillery MOS: U.S. Marine Corps Field Artillery MOS:
13B – Cannon Crewmember 0811 – Field Artillery Cannoneer
13D – Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist 0814 – High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
13F – Fire Support Specialist 0842 – Field Artillery Radar Operator
13P – Multiple Launch Rocket System Operations/Fire Direction Specialist 0844 – Field Artillery Fire Control Marine
13R – Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator 0847 – Artillery Meteorological Marine
13T – Field Artillery Surveyor/Meteorological Crewmember 0848 – Field Artillery Operations Marine
13Z – Field Artillery Senior Sergeant 0861 – Fire Support Marine

Skills that Artillery Soldiers and Marines Possess

Field Artillery soldiers and Marines have many skills that translate directly to civilian skills. For example, civilian workforce experts say that an Army 13B (Cannon Operator) or a Marine Corps 0811 (Cannoneer) have the following civilian skills:

  • Automotive/Mobile Equipment Preventative Maintenance
  • Cargo Handling
  • Driving/Maneuvering Skills
  • Industrial Equipment Operation
  • Message Processing Procedures (communications)
  • Process Analysis and Improvement
  • Surveillance Techniques
  • Firearm Handling and Maintenance
  • Logistics Support
  • Risk Management
  • Mapping
  • Safety and Occupational Health Programs
  • Skill with Hand Tools or Power Tools

Jobs for Field Artillery Veterans

If you are currently in either the Army or Marine Corps with a Field Artillery MOS, you may be curious about what you can do when you leave the military. Take a look at these job descriptions to see if anything will work for you.

Cartographer

Becoming a cartographer after being in the artillery can be a smart choice. As a cartographer you would use different types of geological data to create maps and charts. You would also do data collection in the field and use GPS, CAD programs, and specialized mapping software. You may have experience from when you were in the military, using computers to report and interpret findings.

In order to work as a cartographer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in cartography, geography, or related majors. Some states might also require a state license. You can work as a cartographer in government, education, and the private sector.

According to Salary.com, the average salary of a cartographer is $50,857 as of April 29th, 2019.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

If you worked in Field Artillery maintenance while in the military, working as an industrial machinery mechanic can be a good choice. Your attention to detail and experience with testing, meeting safety requirements, operating, and troubleshooting machinery can help you in this post-military career field. As an industrial machinery mechanic you would work on machine maintenance, diagnosis, and repair broken machinery and factory equipment.

If you would rather not go to college, this may be a good fit since a college degree is not required, although some certifications may be required for specific equipment. However, you may want to consider using your GI Bill to earn a degree in industrial maintenance or something similar, because a degree can often set you up for higher positions and of course a higher salary. This jobs are normally found in factories, power plants, or a construction sites.

According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary of a Industrial Machinery Mechanics is $44,742 as of April 12th, 2019.

Delivery Driver

Having experience with operating different vehicle types can be good for a job as a short-haul or local delivery driver. There are many different options for being a delivery driver. In today’s “bit” economy and online sales there is a high demand for delivery drivers.  You can deliver virtually anything from hazardous materials to household products.

You can get a delivery driver job without a degree, however, many companies, like the military, require a high school diploma or GED. You will need to have a driver’s license and a clean driving record. Having your CDL can be a big plus. You can go to school for a few months to earn your commercial driver’s license and expand the amount of jobs you can qualify for. Some states also waive the CDL skills test for veterans. You can work for many different types of companies, or even for yourself. If you just need a part-time job, you can also find work as a delivery driver.

Driving could be a great way to earn money while you go to school.

According to Salary.com, the average salary of a Delivery Driver is $41,400 as of April 29th, 2019.

Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician

During your time in your MOS you may have discovered that you liked working in radio communications. If so, you might be interested in a post-military career as a Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician. Your work environment may look very different, but you can use a lot of the skills you had been using in the military in your civilian work. A Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician will set up, operate and maintain the electrical equipment for radio programs, television broadcasts, concerts, sound recordings and movies.

According to the Department of Labor, Audio and video equipment technicians, as well as sound engineering technicians, typically need a non-degree award or certificate. Nondegree programs for audio and video equipment technicians and sound engineering technicians may take several months to a year to complete.

In addition, Broadcast technicians typically need an associate’s degree. In addition to courses in math and science, coursework for prospective broadcast technicians should emphasize practical skills such as video editing and production management.

According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary of a Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician is $66,198 as of May 3, 2019. 

Knowing exactly what to do after military life is over can be difficult, but these jobs might be just the direction you are looking to go. Figure out the skills you have that you want to continue using and start there. Finding an after-military job using skills you learned in the military is a plus.

 

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About the author

Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.