FORT KNOX, Ky –
The U.S. Army is seeking qualified individuals looking to launch their careers. Signing bonuses up to $12,000 or student loan repayment up to $65,000 are available for multiple launch rocket system crewmembers, depending on the length of the term of service and the training ship date.
In addition to the sign-on bonus, Soldiers are eligible for up to $4,000 per year in tuition assistance to pursue higher education opportunities in the field of their choice along with a competitive benefits package, including healthcare, housing and meal allowances, and a variety of family support programs.
Multiple launch rocket system crewmembers are responsible for operating and maintaining the entire multiple launch rocket system. They support infantry and tank units by supplementing cannon artillery during combat.
Enlistees attend Basic Combat Training for 10 weeks and then spend four weeks at Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. This time is split between the classroom and the field under simulated combat conditions.
“Field Artillery is a great career field, because we have the ability to directly influence the battlefield at a moment’s notice without putting any ground forces in danger,” said Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Goeke, an Army recruiter in Odessa, Texas, whose primary career is field artillery. “My job is especially effective in battle due to the distance our munitions can reach and the precision of the rounds.”
Some of the skills Soldiers learn are calculating target locations manually and electronically, handling ammunition, operating gun, missile and rocket systems, and artillery tactics and battle strategies.
“My career in field artillery has prepared me for future success by teaching me how to be a leader of action and how to make important decisions quickly,” Goeke said. “Fire missions have to be verified and processed immediately due to the changing nature of our targets, so you get used to scanning information and executing the mission as quickly as possible.”
To qualify to be a multiple launch rocket system crewmember, applicants must score a minimum of 95 on the operators and food line score of the Armed Forces Qualification Test and pass the Occupational Physical Assessment Test at the heavy level.
The skills Soldiers gain in field artillery can lead to 31 different certifications or credentials through the Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line Program.
To learn more about the role of a multiple launch rocket system crewmember, read the details at https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/combat/multiple-launch-rocket-system-crewmember.html or watch the video at https://youtu.be/sLKsX9VSBPE.