Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems Specialist?

The Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems (FAATDS) Specialist is responsible for operating the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS). The alphanumeric code for this Military Occupations Specialty (MOS) is 13D (MOS 13D).

FAATDS specialists operate fire support systems, such as cannon and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), which are used to support armor and infantry units. Generally, their primary responsibility is to ensure the accurate targeting and delivery of these fire support systems. There are four main responsibilities that FAATDS specialists are tasked with: maintaining communications equipment, preparing computer equipment for operation, preparing field artillery technical data systems, and calculating the location of targets. FAATDS specialists may also be tasked with supervising all fire support operations, constructing databases, scheduling fire plans, performing maintenance on AFATDS equipment, and performing computer operations.

FAATDS specialists must have normal color vision in order to distinguish between various color-coded ammunition. Similar to other military occupations, such as firefinder radar operators, FAATDS specialists receive training in two main phases: nine weeks of Basic Training, followed by seven weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT). AIT courses consist of both classroom lectures and field training under simulated combat conditions. Students are instructed in artillery tactics, rocket system operations, and how to calculate the location of a target.

FAATDS specialists must have a high school diploma or general education degree and a minimum score of 100 on the ASVAB sub-test for Field Artillery (FA). They must also have a security clearance of SECRET, be a U. S. citizen, and meet the physical profile requirement designated 222221 by the PULHES system. FAATDS specialists must be able to perform strenuous physical activity for long periods of time.

There are four different skill levels for FAATDS specialists. Skill Level 1 personnel are responsible for the set up and maintenance of AFATDS computer equipment. Skill Level 2 personnel assist the non-commissioned officer (NCO) in supervising fire control systems. Skill Level 3 personnel assist the AFATDS NCO in all fire control operations at the cannon battalion or higher level. Skill Level 4 personnel, in addition to assisting the AFATDS NCO, present briefings on operations and write after-action reports.

FAATDS specialists can expect a starting salary that is directly tied to their military pay grade classification. Generally, a starting salary for FAATDS specialists will be between $18,100 and $22,000 annually.