Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainers, or MOS 14T, are responsible for operating and maintaining the Patriot Launching Station.
Their tasks range from transportation to maintenance for the Patriot.
The Patriot system is an Air Defense system that can track, launch, and destroy enemy threats.
Qualifications, Training and Duty Stations
This position requires individuals to take and pass the Operators and Food (OF) ASVAB test with a score of 92.
This position requires individuals to attend 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training.
After completing Basic Combat Training, soldiers will go to Fort Sill in Oklahoma for 13 weeks of hands-on and classroom training.
Skills that are helpful in this position include:
- Being physically and mentally fit
- Having an interest in work that requires accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task, remain calm and work as a team member
- Interest in electronics and missiles
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Duty Stations
Those serving in the Army as an MOS 12T can expect to be potentially based at one of the following duty stations:
Inside the Continental US (CONUS)
- Ft. Belvoir, VA
- Ft. Benning, GA
- Ft. Bliss, TX
- Ft. Bragg, NC
- Ft. Campbell, KY
- Ft. Carson, CO
- Ft. Drum, NY
- Ft. Hood, TX
- Ft. Knox, KY
- Ft. Leonard Wood, MO
- Ft. Lewis, WA
- Ft. Polk, LA
- Ft. Riley, KS
- Ft. Stewart, GA
Outside the Continental US (OCONUS)
- Ft. Richardson, AK
- Ft. Wainwright, AK
- Grafenwoehr, Germany
- Schofield, HI
- Vicenza, Italy
What does a Patriot Launching Enhanced Operator-Maintainer Do?
This whole position is surrounded around the Patriot Launching Station.
This weapons system protects against air threats including aircraft, drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
The position involves moving and placing the Patriot Launching System in locations around the world.
The Operator-Maintainer will transport, prepare, load/reload and resupply advanced interceptor missiles.
This position will require installing the launcher platform and antennas then preparing the system for firing.
Soldiers will be required to know how to operate all components of the Patriot Launching station and any related missile loading system.
Other systems that they will operate include digital data and communication equipment.
They will learn the proper way to move and store ammunition during training and apply it on the field.
Operator-Maintainers will also apply Artillery Defense tactics, techniques, and procedures including air battle strategy.
This can sometimes include establishing and maintaining radio communication, assisting in tactical map overlays and analyzing data.
They will perform maintenance and troubleshooting on electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical components of the Patriot and related systems.
This will include performing electronic diagnostics procedures in the field and in high-stress situations.
Preventative maintenance procedures are expected as well.
Patriot Operator-Maintainer uses senses, embedded diagnostics aids, test equipment, Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE), and technical references/inspections to complete maintenance.
Electronic diagnostics and preventative procedures include troubleshooting, performing performance tests and identifying/fixing any malfunction issues.
If the Patriot is damaged in battle, the Operator-Maintainer will be required to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.
You can review the Army recruiting video below for more details on what the job entails, plus a look at the Patriot.
What Does a Soldier in MOS 14T get Paid?
This is an entry-level position that will follow the basic pay table for income.
Opportunities for special pay and bonuses are available for certain scenarios such as living off-base and deployment.
Following the pay table below for the Army, recruits generally start at around $20,000 annual base salary.
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-1 +4 months | Private | PVT | $1,917.60 | |
 | E-2 | Private Second Class | PV2 | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Private First Class | PFC | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Specialist | SPC | $2,503.50 |
 | E-4 | Corporal | CPL | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Sergeant | SGT | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Staff Sergeant | SSG | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Sergeant First Class | SFC | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Master Sergeant | MSG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-8 | First Sergeant | 1SG | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major | SGM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Sergeant Major | CSM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Sergeant Major of the Army | SMA | $6,055.50 |
Benefits
Soldiers can expect to receive compensation and benefits on top of their base pay.
Compensation includes paid housing and food while living on-base.
Soldiers also receive clothing allowances for military clothing, that can include civilian clothing allowances, if their job requires.
Benefits are free or low cost depending on family status, location and rank.
The benefits offered include insurance, paid sick time, vacation and low-cost life insurance.
There are many tuition and scholarship opportunities available for solders.
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Job Reviews
Generally, reviews in this position are very positive.
People like the aspect of working with the sophisticated system of the Patriot.
However, because you go where the Patriot goes, this position requires a lot of travel and can mean a lot of time away from family.
The working environment is also very intense and requires you to be calm in a very high-stress situation.
You can read a few reviews below to get the point of view from Patriot Operator-Maintainers.
Civilian Career Opportunities
You will not find a position working on the Patriot in the civilian career force outside of the Military.
However, this position teaches individuals skills in both electronics and mechanics.
The experience will allow for individuals to learn skills such as discipline and multi-tasking.
Related civilian careers include:
- Heavy Machinery Maintenance
- Heavy Machinery Driver
- Electronics Repair
- Industrial Electrical Repair
The positions will vary in job outlook as well as pay depending on the company and location.
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Summary
Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainer or MOS 14T are responsible for setting up, maintaining and operating the Patriot Launching Station.
Their job functions directly surround the Patriot and all of its functions.
This is an entry-level position that will require ASVAB testing in addition to meeting the basic physical and medical requirements.
The reviews for this position are generally positive, with people being excited to learn and work with the Patriot System.
The Operator-Maintainer position will grant access to experience in both mechanics and electronics that relates to comparable positions in those fields as a civilian.
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Reference:
Zach currently resides in Syracuse, New York, and is very active in politics and local news media.
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General FAQ
What do Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainers (MOS 14T) do in the Army?
An MOS 14T transports, loads, reloads, and supplies the Patriot missile launching stations and keeps them prepared for firing.
What is the Army Patriot Launching Station?
The PATRIOT missile system launches advanced-technology ammunition capable of neutralizing multiple air targets. It is one of the world’s most advanced missile systems.
What ASVAB scores do you need to become an Army Patriot Operator?
Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainers must score a 92 on the Operators and Food portion of the ASVAB.
How long is AIT for Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainers (MOS 14T)?
Advanced Individual Training (AIT) for Army Patriot Launching Station Enhanced Operator-Maintainers is 13 weeks long and is held at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
How much does MOS 14T make?
Soldiers that maintain and operate the Patriot Missile launch system are paid according to rank and time in service. A new recruit with under two years of service can expect to make $1,733 per month base pay.
