Military Radar and Sonar Operators

Military Career

General Information

Description

Radar and sonar operators set up, operate, and perform preventive maintenance on sophisticated radar and sonar equipment. They use radar and sonar to detect, track, recognize, analyze, and identify objects. The radar and sonar systems are also used to direct artillery fires and forecast the weather.

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Work Environment

Radar and sonar operators in the Military primarily work indoors in security-controlled areas. They work in operations centers and command posts either on land or aboard aircraft, ships, or submarines. Some may work in a mobile field radar unit.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure
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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Radar and Sonar Operators in the Military

11,688

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Salary

Average Salary

$71,418

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Master's degree 35%
  • Doctoral degree 25%
  • Bachelor's degree 21%
  • Post baccalaureate 7%
  • Post-doctoral training 7%
  • Post-secondary certificate 3%
  • High school 0%
  • Some college 0%
  • Associate's degree 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Radar and sonar operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Training length varies by specialty. Job-specific training topics relate to operating radar or sonar equipment, and may include: Operation and maintenance of radar and sonar equipmentIdentification of ships, submarines, aircraft, and missilesComputation of aircraft or missile speed, direction, and altitudeField tactics and combat communications

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Knowledge

  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Education and Training

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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