13C Career Guide
13C: Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems Specialist
Career transition guide for Army Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems Specialist (13C)
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Top civilian roles for 13C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Skills to develop:
Operations Manager
Skills to develop:
Computer Systems Analyst
Skills to develop:
Emergency Management Director
Skills to develop:
Technical Trainer
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 13C training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
13C personnel use TAFCS to model the battlefield, inputting data about terrain, enemy positions, and weather to predict the effects of artillery fire.
This translates to the ability to understand and manipulate complex systems, predict outcomes based on various inputs, and troubleshoot potential problems.
Rapid Prioritization
In a dynamic combat environment, 13C personnel must rapidly prioritize incoming fire missions based on factors like target criticality, proximity to friendly forces, and available resources.
This demonstrates the ability to quickly assess competing demands, allocate resources effectively, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Team Synchronization
The 13C role requires coordinating closely with various members of the fire support team – forward observers, fire direction center, and artillery batteries – to ensure timely and accurate fire support.
This showcases strong collaboration skills, the ability to communicate effectively, and the aptitude to work in a high-stakes, interdependent environment.
Procedural Compliance
Adherence to established protocols is critical in artillery operations to ensure safety, accuracy, and mission success. 13C personnel must meticulously follow established procedures for operating equipment, processing data, and communicating information.
This reflects a dedication to accuracy, a commitment to quality, and the ability to consistently follow established guidelines and regulations.
Situational Awareness
13C personnel must maintain a constant awareness of the battlefield situation, including friendly and enemy positions, terrain features, and potential threats, to effectively direct artillery fire.
This translates into excellent analytical skills, the ability to quickly process information, and the capacity to make sound judgments in complex and uncertain environments.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Logistics Analyst
SOC 13-1199.00You've been orchestrating complex operations with multiple moving parts and finite resources. As a Logistics Analyst (13-1199.00), you can leverage your knack for optimization and real-time decision-making to streamline supply chains and ensure resources are where they need to be, when they need to be there. Companies will value your ability to see the big picture and anticipate potential disruptions.
Emergency Management Specialist
SOC 11-9161.00You've been operating in high-pressure situations where lives depend on your quick thinking and procedural compliance. As an Emergency Management Specialist (11-9161.00), you can apply these skills to develop and implement disaster preparedness plans. Your experience in coordinating resources, assessing risk, and maintaining situational awareness will be highly valued in this role.
Technical Trainer
SOC 25-4022.00You've been training junior personnel on complex TAFCS equipment and operational procedures. Now, you can translate those skills into becoming a Technical Trainer (25-4022.00). Your ability to break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps, supervise hands-on exercises, and enforce compliance with procedures will make you an invaluable asset.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems Specialist Course, Fort Sill, OK
Topics Covered
- •TAFCS Equipment Operation & Maintenance
- •Radio and Wire Communications
- •Computer Center Operations
- •Artillery Target Intelligence
- •Fire Planning Data Processing
- •Meteorological Data Integration
- •Tactical Data Base Management
- •Supervision of Section Operations and Training
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study the latest networking technologies, cloud concepts, and network troubleshooting techniques covered in the Network+ exam objectives.
Focus on the latest cybersecurity threats, vulnerability management, and security compliance standards.
Study the PMBOK Guide thoroughly, focusing on all knowledge areas, process groups, and project management methodologies. Practical project management experience is also required.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Tactical Automated Fire Control System (TAFCS) | Fire Control Systems/Ballistic Solvers |
| Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) | Mapping and tactical planning software |
| AN/PRC-117F Multiband Manpack Radio | Satellite/cellular communication systems |
| Joint Automated Deep Operations System (JADOCS) | Geospatial intelligence and mapping software |
| Meteorological Measuring Set (MMS) | Weather tracking and forecasting software. |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) devices (e.g., DAGR) | GPS navigation and surveying equipment |
| Secure/Non-Secure Internet Protocol Router (SIPR/NIPR) | Encrypted/Unencrypted Network Communication |
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