Meteorological Careers in the Army

A Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember is a specific job title given to enlisted men and women in the US Army and whose chief responsibility is monitoring weather and its possible effects upon the usage of artillery.

Function

Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmembers operate meteorological equipment such as anemometers, barometers and hygrometers and obtain the operating temperature for various weapons. They also prepare weather balloons for flight and monitor flight progress and systems status for Army planes in flight.

Requirements

Those persons interested in becoming Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmembers must have a high school diploma or GED, join the Army and complete basic training. Physical requirements include the physical strength and stamina to work for very long periods of time as well as the ability to see in color.

Training

After the nine-week basic training course follows eight weeks of advanced and on-the-job training. Some of the on-the-job training is hands-on, but the majority of it is spent in the classroom.

Skills

It is necessary to be competent in mathematics and map reading. Crewmembers also need to respond well to stress, possess the ability to learn quickly, multitask efficiently and be proficient in teamwork.

Advancement

For those who succeed as a Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember, there may come additional responsibilities such as supervising other Crewmembers and the maintenance of meteorological equipment. Advanced Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmembers also have the responsibility of calling off weather flight operations due to poor or dangerous conditions.

Resources

• US Army