Radar and Sonar Operators

Background

Radar and sonar devices work by bouncing radio or sound waves off objects to determine their location and measure distance. They have many uses, such as tracking aircraft and missiles, determining positions of ships and submarines, directing artillery fire, forecasting weather, and aiding navigation. Radar and sonar operators normally specialize in either radar or sonar. Radar and sonar operators monitor sophisticated radar and sonar equipment. 

What They Do

Radar and sonar operators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Detect and track position, direction, and speed of aircraft, ships, submarines, and missiles
• Monitor early warning air defense systems
• Plot and record data on status charts and plotting boards
• Send and receive messages using radios and electronic communication systems
• Set up and operate radar equipment to direct artillery fire

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to enter this career. Specialties involving flying require passing a special physical exam.

Special Requirements

No information available.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to concentrate for long periods
• Interest in working with electronic equipment

Helpful School Subjects

Helpful school subjects include:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Science

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

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.

Services offering this career:

• Air Force
• Army
• Marine Corps
• Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for enlisted personnel.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay. 

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of seven to 12 weeks of classroom instruction and practice operating radar or sonar equipment. Training length varies by specialty.

Course content typically includes:

• Computation and recording of aircraft or missile speed, direction, and altitude
• Identification of ships, submarines, aircraft, and missiles
• Operation and maintenance of various types of radar and sonar equipment

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Civilian Counterparts

There are no direct civilian counterparts to military radar and sonar operators. However, workers in civilian careers that use radar and sonar equipment in their jobs include weather service technicians, air traffic controllers, ship navigators, and ocean salvage specialists.

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 11,000 radar and sonar operators. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new operators due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, new operators use radar or sonar equipment under close supervision. With experience, they work more independently and may eventually become supervisors of ground, airborne, or shipboard radar or sonar units.