The Patriot missile system is the primary surface-to-air missile used by the military. It requires strong attention to detail and highly skilled individuals to ensure it’s ready at any time.
As a Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer for the Army National Guard, you will maintain the systems within the Patriot, including the radar set, engagement control station, electronic power plant, antenna mast group, and battle command post. You will also be responsible for identifying, tracking, and combating those identified threats using an advanced interceptor missile capable of destroying enemy air threats at a moment’s notice.
Job Duties
- Responsible for the movement and placement of the Patriot Fire Control systems in various locations and environments
- Operate Patriot Fire Control electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical components
- Evaluate intelligence and identify targets; perform real-time status reporting during combat
- Engage identified enemy targets threatening friendly forces
- Establish and maintain digital, radio, and wire communications networks
Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
- Operating the Patriot radar, and associated target-identification, and command and control systems
- Maintenance and troubleshooting on electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical components
- Operation of digital data and communications networks
- How to identify and engage targets electronically
- Air defense artillery tactics, techniques, procedures, and air battle strategy
Helpful Skills
- Interest in work requiring accuracy and attention to detail
- Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
- Ability to multitask and remain calm in stressful situations
- Ability to work as a team member
Through your training, you will gain the experience to enjoy a civilian career using your maintenance and repair skills. While there is no direct civilian job equivalent, the leadership, discipline, and teamwork you learn will translate anywhere.
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 a Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and in the field under simulated combat conditions.
Benefits
- Paid training
- A monthly paycheck
- Montgomery GI Bill
- Federal and State tuition assistance
- 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)
- Health care benefits available
- VA home loans
- Bonuses, if applicable
- Most non-prior service candidates will earn between $200 and $250 per drill weekend, subject to change
Requirements
- Military enlistment in the Army National Guard
- Must be at least a junior in high school, or have a high school diploma or a GED certificate
- 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 NATIONALGUARD.com for details)
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
Heavy Weapons
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