A 13F is a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in the United States Army. It stands for “Fire Support Specialist” and is a member of the Army Field Artillery team. Some quick answers to questions about what a 13F does:
– They call for and adjust artillery fire. This means they calculate firing solutions and direct artillery fire onto a target.
– They provide tactical and technical fire direction. They translate requests for fire into detailed fire direction.
– They operate and maintain equipment like sensors, radars, drones, computers, and communications systems. This allows them to locate targets and transmit firing data.
– They are experts in using fire support systems like the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).
So in summary, 13Fs are tactical fire support experts who call in artillery fire onto targets. They are a vital part of the Army’s artillery operations. Now let’s go into more detail on what being a 13F entails.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duty of a 13F Fire Support Specialist is to call for and adjust indirect fire artillery attacks. This includes duties such as:
Operating Fire Direction Centers
13Fs operate various digital systems at the Fire Direction Center (FDC) to calculate technical firing data. They determine location coordinates, firing angles, charges, and other information that is transmitted to the firing unit. Accuracy here is critical.
Generating and Transmitting Firing Commands
Once firing data is calculated, the 13F will generate a fire command and transmit it to the firing unit via digital communications such as AFATDS. Timing and precision are vital.
Locating Targets
13Fs use systems like radars and drones to track and locate potential target coordinates. This information is sent to the FDC to generate firing data.
Calling and Adjusting Fires
From an observation point, 13Fs will call in fire commands and adjust rounds onto targets based on visual impacts and corrections. Radio contact with the FDC is maintained throughout.
Advising Commanders
13Fs keep commanders informed on all fire support activities and available artillery assets. This allows the commander to make tactical decisions.
Training and Educating
With their tactical expertise, 13Fs will train and educate other Soldiers on fire support coordination and techniques. This knowledge transfer is key for unit readiness.
Maintaining Equipment
13Fs must maintain and troubleshoot equipment like AFATDS, radars, rockets, howitzers, and communications systems. Proper maintenance means systems work when needed.
| Duty | Description |
| Operating Fire Direction Centers | Use digital systems to calculate technical firing data |
| Generating/Transmitting Fire Commands | Produce and communicate fire commands to firing unit |
| Locating Targets | Use radars/drones to track target locations |
| Calling/Adjusting Fires | Call in and adjust artillery fire onto targets |
| Advising Commanders | Update commanders on fire support activities |
| Training/Educating | Instruct other Soldiers on fire support |
| Maintaining Equipment | Troubleshoot and repair equipment like AFATDS |
So in summary, 13F duties range from technical fire direction to calling in artillery attacks to maintaining complex equipment. They enable the Army’s indirect fires across the full spectrum of operations.
Qualifications and Training
To qualify for 13F School, you must:
– Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
– Score a minimum of 90 in aptitude area FA on the ASVAB
– Have normal color vision
– Have no history of alcohol/drug abuse
– Achieve a minimum OPAT score of Standing Long Jump (120 cm), Seated Power Throw (450 cm), Strength Deadlift (140 lbs), and Interval Aerobic Run (40 shuttles)
– Be able to get a Secret Security Clearance
Once you enlist and select 13F as your MOS, your training will include:
9 Week Basic Combat Training
This teaches basic Soldiering skills like combat tactics, weapons, first aid, and Army values.
4 Week Advanced Individual Training (AIT)
At Fort Sill, OK, you will learn:
– Fire support roles, tactics, and equipment
– Operation of the AFATDS computer system
– Identifying targets
– Generating accurate firing solutions
– Fire support planning
– Call for fire procedures
– Fire direction control
– Maintenance procedures
This culminates with you becoming fully qualified as a 13F Fire Support Specialist. The total length of training is about 13 weeks. You will also continue training throughout your Army career with regular skill exercises.
Where Can You Be Stationed?
As a 13F, you can be stationed at any Army base that has Field Artillery units with cannons, rocket launchers, or missile systems. This includes:
Fort Hood and Fort Bliss, TX
Home to multiple Field Artillery brigades equipped with systems like HIMARS, MLRS, and M109A6 Paladin howitzers.
Fort Bragg, NC
Houses the XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery with everything from 105mm to High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS).
Fort Campbell, KY
Base for the 101st Airborne and Field Artillery units with 155mm towed howitzers.
JB Lewis-McChord, WA
Supports 4th Infantry Division Artillery units equipped with M142 HIMARS.
Schofield Barracks, HI
Home to 25th Infantry Division Artillery forces equipped with M119 105mm and M777 155mm howitzers.
Fort Drum, NY
Houses the 10th Mountain Division Artillery with M119A3 105mm lightweight howitzers.
So as you can see, 13Fs operate with Field Artillery units across the United States and overseas. Deployments to combat zones are also possible.
Pay, Benefits and Career Advancement
Some key advantages of being a 13F include:
Competitive Pay
Starting pay is around $21,000 per year, not including housing and other allowances. With promotions, pay can exceed $60,000 after 6 years of service.
Bonuses
Signing and retention bonuses of up to $40,000 are available for 13F.
Education Benefits
The GI Bill provides allowances for college tuition along with full salaries during training.
Job Training
Extensive and highly specialized training in artillery operations. This translates to great civilian jobs.
Camaraderie
Close bonds develop between fire support specialists in combat situations. Lasting camaraderie is a hallmark.
Healthcare
Free or low-cost medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family. VA care also.
Housing/Food Allowances
You receive extra pay for housing costs and monthly allowances for meals. This improves your quality of life.
Leadership Growth
Ongoing training, mentorship, and promotions provide leadership development for greater responsibility.
In terms of career advancement, you can achieve promotions up to E-7 Sergeant First Class. Some also transition into officer roles through various commissioning programs.
Life After Service
The skills and experience gained as a 13F Fire Support Specialist can help you find great civilian jobs after you transition from the Army. Some examples are:
| Field Artillery Officer | Fire Control Technician |
| Systems Analyst | Launch Systems Technician |
| Range Safety Specialist | Ballistics Engineer |
| Government Security Contractor | Project Manager |
Having 13F experience shows you have strong technical, communications, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These translate directly into post-Army jobs.
You will also have access to career resources and support services through the Department of Defense and Veteran Affairs. This will help you leverage your artillery skills in the civilian job market.
Conclusion
A 13F Fire Support Specialist is a highly trained fires expert serving a critical role in Army Field Artillery operations. From generating accurate firing solutions to calling in artillery strikes, they enable indirect fire support across the full range of military operations.
Though the training is tough and the work demanding, the sense of purpose, camaraderie, and personal growth is unmatched. If you have the technical aptitude and desire for this unique role, 13F could be an outstanding career choice and pathway to success both in and out of the Army.