Army Job: MOS 14J Air Defense C41 Tactical Operations Center Operator

An Air Defense C4I Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator is a member of the Army's air defense artillery team. This team helps to protect soldiers from aerial and missile attacks and shields them from enemy surveillance. It’s categorized as a military occupational specialty (MOS) 14J.

Members of the air defense artillery team should be experts in the tactics and procedures of all Army air defense systems. It’s demanding, taxing work and requires soldiers who are disciplined and focused, but these roles are crucial to the success of all of the Army’s aerial missions.

Duties

This particular member of the air defense artillery team deals with manual early warning network (MEWN) functions. They’ll either supervise or be part of the team or platoon that handles operations and intelligence functions for the air defense artillery team.

Soldiers who are in MOS 14J detect, track and identify aircraft, both friendly and enemy, and broadcast necessary early warning information. They’ll operate and perform maintenance on team vehicles and other equipment, and perform and support operations and intelligence duties in air defense units. These intelligence duties may vary widely depending on the mission at hand.

These soldiers perform map operations, which are often critical to mission success. They’ll also supervise lower grade soldiers and provide these subordinates with technical guidance. Another big part of their jobs involves destroying classified material, as well as performing other security functions as necessary.

Training

Job training includes ten weeks of Basic Combat Training plus ten weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and in the field under simulated combat conditions.

You’ll learn Army methods of computing target locations, how to handle ammunition properly, the specifics of operating missile and rocket systems, as well as artillery tactics.

Qualifying for Army MOS 14J

To be eligible for this important job, soldiers need a 99 in the mechanical maintenance (MM) aptitude area and a 98 in the general technical (GT) aptitude area on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude (ASVAB) test.

You'll also need normal color vision (no colorblindness) and have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for MOS 14J.

Since these soldiers have access to and handle sensitive information about artillery and air defense operations, a secret security clearance is required. This involves a criminal background check and a review of the soldier's finances.

Similar Civilian Jobs

Since this job is heavily combat-focused, there isn't a direct equivalent in the civilian workforce. But the skills and experience you receive in MOS 14J may prepare you for work in computer operations, business operations, or in fields requiring mechanical knowledge. You're likely also qualified to work as a network or computer systems administrator.