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Army MOS 13D Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist

A Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist (FAATDS) is an important member of the Army’s field artillery team. FAATDS Specialists are primarily responsible for operating the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems for both Cannon and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists play a critical role in the safe, accurate, and lethal delivery of the Field Artillery’s various fire support systems. Both cannon and MLRS systems are used to support infantry and tank units in combat.

Some of your duties as a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist may include:

Establish, maintain and operate communications systems
Assist in the preparation of computer centers for operation
Prepare field artillery tactical data systems for operation
Determine target location using computers or manual calculations

Requirements
Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists must have the physical stamina to perform strenuous activities for long periods without rest. Normal color vision is a requirement in order to read maps and charts.

Training
Job training for a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you’ll learn basic Soldiering skills, and seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat. Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

Methods of computing target locations
Gun, missile and rocket system operations
Artillery tactics

Advanced Responsibilities
Advanced level Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialists provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist, you may be involved in:

Assist in the supervision of all fire control operations
Perform computer operations, fire mission processing, fire plan schedules and database construction
Initiate computer center operations
Perform maintenance on section equipment

Related Civilian Jobs
The skills you will learn as a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose. The experience you gain from dealing with various computer and communication systems can also be used in jobs such as computer programmer or telecommunication specialist.

Related Army Positions
Cannon Crew member (13B)
Infantryman (11B)
M1 Armor Crewman (19K)
Field Artillery Fire finder RADAR Operator (13R)