Air Defense in the North Dakota Army National Guard

OVERVIEW
The Air Defense Battle Management System Operator maintains, manages and operates modern complicated military computers on complex networks, communications equipment systems, and the Sentinel Radar in order to provide warning, detection and protection for armed forces from aerial attack, missile attack, and aerial surveillance.

These soldiers are responsible for integrating all air defense detection assets and firing units, maintaining tactical computer data links/networks that provide situational awareness, and communication of detected threats throughout the air defense network, and serving as an air defense liaison to other services in all combat environments involving air defense.

JOB DUTIES

• Move, place, operate, and maintain the Sentinel Radar system in various locations and environments
• Operate and maintain Sentinel Radar electronic and mechanical components
• Establish network interoperability with allied, joint, and other Air Defense units
• Collect, integrate and process tactical battlefield information from multiple users and sensors through a network of Army National Guard and Joint-Service automated battle command systems
• Provide airspace situational awareness; deconflict and clear airspace to ensure air superiority
• Evaluate intelligence data and identify targets; perform real-time status reporting during combat
• Provide early warning and conduct engagement operations to destroy the incoming rocket, artillery, and mortar threats

REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.

TRAINING
Job training for an Air Defense Battle Management System Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 16 weeks and 3 days of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.

Advanced Individual Training: 16 weeks and 3 days at Fort Sill, OK

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Operating and maintaining the Sentinel Radar and associated shelters
• Planning, coordinating, and establishing connectivity in Air Defense local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN)
• Maintenance and troubleshooting on electronic and mechanical components
• Utilizing digital data and voice communications equipment
• Evaluating intelligence data for engagement operations
• Air Defense Artillery tactics, techniques, procedures, and air battle strategy

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in work that requires accuracy and attention to detail
• Interest in technical electronic, mechanical, and computer systems
• Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
• Ability to multi-task and remain calm in stressful situations
• Ability to adapt to a wide range of working environments
• Ability to work as a team member

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)

• General Technical (GT): 99
• Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 98

Learn more about the ASVAB.

COMPENSATION
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

EARN CASH FOR IN-DEMAND JOBS

You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties.

EDUCATION BENEFITS
In the Army National Guard, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships; allowances for books and fees; and an annual stipend for living expenses.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140A Command and Control Systems Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to an air defense battle management system operator in civilian life, the knowledge you gain about electronics systems can assist you as an electrician in the civilian world.

OVERVIEW
The Enhanced Early Warning Operator supervises or serves as a member of an Air Defense unit or in Air Defense intelligence operations of a liaison unit. They are in charge of tracking, evaluating and communicating information on incoming aerial attacks and maintaining networks that provide situational awareness regarding potential air threats.

JOB DUTIES

• Operate and perform checks and maintenance on air defense control systems
• Maintain connectivity between air defense communications equipment
• Perform diagnostic services on hardware and software

REQUIREMENTS
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army National Guard jobs are best for you.

TRAINING
Job training for an Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning Operator requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 11 weeks and 3 days of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom, and part takes place in the field.

Advanced Individual Training: 11 weeks and 3 days at Fort Sill, OK

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Evaluating electronic intelligence data
• Detecting improper equipment operation or malfunction
• Operation and maintenance of vehicles and system prime power units
• Inspection and maintenance of battery replaceable units/lines replaceable units
• Installation, operation and maintenance of remote video displays

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in mathematics
• Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
• Ability to multi-task
• Interest in missile and rocket operations
• Capable of working as a team member

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
General Technical (GT): 98
Mechanical Maintenance (MM): 99

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140A Command and Control Systems Integrator
140L Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to an Air Defense Enhanced Early Warning Operator in civilian life, the knowledge you gain can help prepare you for a career in computer networking and information systems, electrical and electronics repair, intelligence, or geographic information systems.

OVERVIEW
An Air and Missile Defense Crewmember operates and maintains advanced weapons systems that provide vital mobile, short-range air defense protection against cruise missiles and other threats.

JOB DUTIES

• Operate and maintain air defense artillery systems
• Reload and resupply air defense systems
• Track, identify and destroy enemy threats

TRAINING
Job training for an Air and Missile Defense Crewmember requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 7 weeks of Advanced Individual Training with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.

Advanced Individual Training: 7 weeks at Fort Sill, OK

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

• Methods of computing target locations
• Ammunition-handling techniques
• Missile and rocket system operations
• Artillery tactics

HELPFUL SKILLS

• Interest in mathematics
• Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
• Ability to multitask
• Interest in missile and rocket operations
• Capability to work as a team member

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Operators & Food (OF): 95

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140A Command and Control Systems Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to an Air and Missile Defense Crewmember in civilian life, the skills you learn, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.

OVERVIEW
An Avenger Crewmember is responsible for operating the Avenger system, a lightweight, highly mobile weapon system that provides air defense protection against air and land attacks.

JOB DUTIES

• Operate the Avenger and man-portable air defense systems weapons systems
• Establish radio/wire communications and maintain situation maps
• Perform target engagement evaluations
• Operate friend or foe identification equipment
• Resupply ammunition and prepare systems for firing

TRAINING
Job training for an Avenger Crewmember requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 7 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK with on-the-job instruction. Part of this time is spent in the classroom and part takes place in the field under simulated combat conditions.

Some of the skills you’ll learn are:

•     Methods of computing target locations
•     Ammunition-handling techniques
•     Missile and rocket system operations
•     Artillery tactics

HELPFUL SKILLS

•     Interest in mathematics
•     Physical and mental fitness to perform under pressure
•     Ability to multitask
•     Interest in missile and rocket operations
•     Capability to work as a team member

REQUIRED ASVAB SCORE(S)
Operators & Food (OF): 85

Learn more about the ASVAB.

WARRANT OFFICER TRACK
140A Command and Control Systems Technician

FUTURE CIVILIAN CAREERS
While there is no direct job equivalent to an Avenger Crewmember in civilian life, the skills you learn, such as teamwork, discipline and leadership, will help you in any civilian career you choose.