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Service Branches
Work Environment
Ordnance specialists work indoors and outdoors. They work in repair shops while assembling explosives and repairing weapons. They work outdoors while repairing equipment in the field and loading weapons on tanks, ships, or aircraft.
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Military Status
Enlisted
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Average Military Salary
$59,325
Overview
Ordnance specialists are responsible for the safety, security, and accountability of the Military’s weapons and ammunition. They perform a wide variety of duties including the safe receipt, storage, and transport of ordnance. They also inspect, prepare, and dispose of weapons and ammunition. Some of these specialists deal solely with the destruction and demilitarization of explosive items.
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. Ordnance specialists in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:
- Maintenance of nuclear weapons
- Handling, testing, and maintenance of missiles and rockets
- Ammunition identification and ammunition-related publications
- Ammunition/maintenance operations
- Explosives demolition operations
- Operation of automated and manual ammunition management systems
- Basic electronics/electricity fundamentals
- Hazards and identification of United States and foreign munitions
- Demolition materials, procedures, and operations
- Chemical and biological ordnance and operations
- Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incident defense (CBRNE)
Helpful Attributes
- Ability to remain calm under stress
- Interest in working with guns and explosives
Related Civilian Careers
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- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance and Repair Workers
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
- Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
- Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks
- Business Continuity Planners
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