Note: This MOS was discontinued in 2017 and combined with MOS 13P to make Fire Control Specialist MOS 13J. Click Here to learn more.
Army Field artillery has a total of 8 MOS’, including Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data System Specialist (13D MOS).
Overall, this section is responsible for the use of missile fire, cannons, rockets to neutralize the enemy.
This field is sophisticated with the use of technology to accomplish its mission.
Army Field Artillery Specialists use advanced systems for rocket launchers and cannons.
13D MOS is essential for the delivery of these missiles and cannons on their targets.
13D MOS Requirements and Qualifications
The Army has basic requirements for all enlisted members, including citizenship, having a high school diploma or its equivalent, and passing a medical exam.
Furthermore, service members must graduate from boot camp to qualify for additional training in any MOS.
The Army considers the physical demands of this field as moderately heavy.
Moderately heavy means soldiers should be able to lift 80 pounds on occasion and 40 pounds regularly.
Every soldier takes an Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and to qualify a career as a Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data System Specialist, the field artillery score (FA) must be at least 93.
Ideally, those interested in this career can multitask while remaining calm and have an interest in technology and weapon systems.
Also, soldiers should have normal color vision and be able to easily differentiate between the colors red and green for the 13D MOS.
Finally, it is vital to have a secret security clearance in this MOS due to the sensitive nature of the artillery systems.
Related Article – Army HIMAR Crewmember (MOS 13M): Career Details
Training and Career Path for 13D MOS
After the completion of boot camp, there is a seven-week advanced training that is a balance between group and field instruction.
During training, specialists learn how to compute target locations and how to handle ammunition.
Also, specialists learn about artillery and missile, gun, and rocket system operations.
The13D MOS has different skill levels as soldiers advance in their careers.
MOSC 13D1O
At this skill level, the specialist will handle communication systems.
Also, the specialist prepares the Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems for operation and removes it when finished.
Also, at this level, a specialist will organize and maintain the necessary equipment.
MOSC 13D2O
Specialists at this skill level assist the non-commissioned officer (NCO) in operations.
Also, a specialist will perform operations on the computer, including ongoing calculations and corrections.
Furthermore, specialists at this skill level will organize and maintain the necessary equipment.
MOSC 13D3O
At this skill level, a specialist performs many of the same duties as the 13D10 and 13D20 but as a supervisory role.
MOSC 13D4O
A specialist will lead personnel and operate as a supervisor of the Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems operations.
This skill level involves troubleshooting equipment and software to ensure operations continue smoothly.
Also, at this level, a specialist will compile the necessary information for briefings and reports as well as supervise training, certifications, and safety.
Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army as an MOS 13D can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Benning, GA
- Ft. Bliss, TX
- Ft. Bragg, NC
- Ft. Campbell, KY
- Ft. Carson, CO
- Ft. Drum, NY
- Ft. Hood, TX
- Ft. Lewis, WA
- Ft. Polk, LA
- Ft. Riley, KS
- Ft. Sill, OK
- Ft. Stewart, GA
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- Ft. Richardson, AK
- Ft. Wainwright, AK
- Grafenwoehr, Germany
- Vilseck, Germany
- Schofield, HI
- Zama, Japan
- Casey, South Korea
- Red Cloud, South Korea
Pay and Benefits
The pay for the 13D MOS is the basic pay the Army links to both ranks and the amount of time in service.
Also, pay includes allowances, such as housing and food.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
13D MOS Job Details
As a 13D MOS specialist, you would have many duties, including setting up and operating communication systems.
Also, you will help set up computer centers and the artillery data systems for operation.
Furthermore, you will determine the target location either manually or with the help of a computer.
Related Article – Army Cannon Crewmember (MOS 13B): Career Details
13D MOS Job Reviews
Most of the highest reviews are from those in a supervisory position.
However, those with less time in the Army in this MOS report satisfaction with their position.
Some negative comments include struggles with being away from family and difficulties getting along with leadership.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Due to the skills learned in this MOS, including leadership and the importance of teamwork, there are several civilian opportunities available after the Army.
Furthermore, the computer and communication technology experience gained is helpful, as well.
Potential jobs include the following:
Computer and Information Systems Manager
The pay for this position is $146,000, although top earners make just over $170,000.
Job growth is expected to be 11 percent, which is well above the average of five percent.
In this position, you can expect to handle data processing, information systems, and computer programming.
Information Security Analysts
As an Information Security Analysts, you could make $99,730, although top earners make $158,860.
Information Security Analyst is another career expecting tremendous growth with a projection of 32 percent.
As an Information Security Analyst, you would handle security measures for both networks and information.
Administrative Services Managers
An Administrative Services Manager can expect to make $96,940 with top earners bringing in $166,330.
The growth for this job is at seven percent, which is a little higher than the average.
In this position, you can expect to coordinate the administrative services, including information management of a company or organization.
Related Article – List of Army Bases in the US
Conclusion
Those interested in a career as an Army Field Artillery Specialist must complete both boot camp and advanced training.
Also, specialists need to meet other requirements such as citizenship, normal color vision and obtain a secret security clearance.
Specialists handle ammunition, target location, and automated artillery systems.
There are different skill levels as soldiers advance in this field.
The pay is the same and is designated according to rank and time in service.
The reviews for this career are favorable for soldiers new to the Army and those who have assumed supervisory roles in the 13D MOS.
After the Army, personnel who served in this field enjoy high paying job options that have plenty of future growth.
References:
https://www.careeronestop.org/
Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.
Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.
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