The role of a Meteorology and Survey specialist is diverse, new and very exciting. You will be trained as a weather specialist to provide state of the art meteorological information to support Army’s elite combat teams both in the air and on the ground. Additionally, you can be trained as an operator in a ground control station controlling the new fleet of Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Job Details
The Operator Artillery Meteorology and Survey (OpAMS) is a member of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA). The OpAMS trade is the feeder trade for the new and exciting Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle role. The OpAMS can be employed in the Artillery Meteorology and Survey Troop (AMS Tp) or the Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Troop (TUAV Tp).
There are three major roles within the OpAMS trade: TUAV, Survey and Meteorology.
The TUAV can support operations throughout the area of responsibility; TUAVs can provide the tactical commander with a responsive support, focused on their area of interest/influence. During the combat operation in Iraq in 2003, the British Commander determined that the UAV operated by 32 Regiment Royal Artillery was one of his four “war-winning’ systems.
The Meteorology and Survey specifically tasked to provide meteorology and survey data to units who require a high level of accuracy. The equipment used to provide this data are Global Positioning System and balloon launched meteorology sensors in conjunction with a computer based meteorology program. The meteorology section also has direct links with the Bureau of Meteorology.
Function.
An OpAMS is a soldier who operates Survey, Meteorology and Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the 20th Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment Located in Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Qld.
Tasks.
The OpAMS Surveillance and Target Acquisition Battery (STA Bty) or a Gun Regiment is a member of a Survey Pair, Meteorology Detachment or AMS CP who may be required to act in infantry-like roles to defend against and repel enemy incursions. The task list for OpAMS may include (but is not limited to the following):
- operates survey equipment that may include, GPS, Differential Positioning Systems, Theodolites and distance measuring equipment;
- observes and records survey data using the above equipment;
- compiles survey data;
- computes survey information;
- assists in the preparation, filling, launching and tracking of meteorological balloons and sondes;
- measures, records and forwards meteorological data to Artillery and other user units;
- drives, services and maintains cross-country vehicles;
- the operation of individual and crew served combat weapons;
- maintains survey and meteorological equipment; and
- assists in the defence of the section or troop position.
