MOS 14A—Air Defense Artillery Officer

The Army's Air Defense Artillery Branch has had to evolve to manage the diverse air and missile threat seen in the early part of the 21st century. It is one of the most high-tech and modern forces within the Army and the Officers who lead it must sharpen their skills constantly as this technology evolves.

Air Defense Artillery Officer (MOS 14A) Description / Major Duties:

The role of an Air Defense Artillery Officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the Air Defense Artillery Branch and to be an expert in the tactics, techniques and procedures for the employment of air defense systems. You will lead teams in protecting U.S. forces from aerial attack, missile attack and enemy surveillance.

You will also become an expert in one or more of the following systems: PATRIOT Missile System and/or AVENGER System.

The responsibilities of an Air Defense Artillery Lieutenant may include:

Coordinate the Air Defense target engagement process in joint and multi-national operations.
Coordinate employment of Air Defense Artillery Soldiers at all levels of command, from platoon to battalion and higher, in U.S. and multi-national operations.

Training
Air Defense Artillery Officer training includes completion of the Air Defense Artillery Officer Basic Course (ADAOBC), where you will learn leadership skills, tactics, maintenance and operational aspects of weapons and vehicles used in an Air Defense Artillery platoon.

Helpful Skills
Being a leader in the Army requires certain qualities. A leader exhibits self-discipline, initiative, confidence and intelligence. They are physically fit and can perform under physical and mental pressures. Leaders make decisions quickly, always focusing on completing the mission successfully, and show respect for their subordinates and other military officers. Leaders lead from the front and adjust to environments that are always changing. They are judged by their ability to make decisions on their own and bear ultimate moral responsibility for those decisions.

Advanced Responsibilities
Air Defense Artillery Officers can continue in the Operations career field, serving in the Air Defense Artillery Branch at ever increasing levels of leadership and responsibility.

Responsibilities of an Air Defense Artillery Captain may include:

Commanding and controlling Air Defense Artillery battery-sized units (200-300 Soldiers).
Coordinate employment of Air Defense Artillery Soldiers at all levels of command, from company to division level and beyond, in U.S. and multi-national operations.
Develop doctrine, organizations and equipment for unique Air Defense Artillery missions.
Instruct Air Defense Artillery skills at service schools and combat training centers.
Serve as an Air Defense Artillery advisor to other units, including Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve organizations.

Related Civilian Jobs
While there is no directly related job for an Air Defense Artillery Officer in the civilian world, the leadership skills you acquire as an Army Officer will help you in many types of civilian careers. An Officer in the Army is most closely related to a vital manager in a corporation.

Article Last Modified: February 16, 2011

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