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Role overview

Military weather specialists and meteorologists are the atmosphere experts for commanders, pilots, ship captains and ground units. They watch the sky, interpret data and turn complex weather and space environment information into clear, mission focused forecasts and warnings.

You will see this work under several titles:

• Air Force / Air National Guard: Enlisted Weather Specialist, AFSC 1W0X1
• Air Force Officer: Weather and Environmental Sciences Officer
• Navy: Aerographer’s Mate (AG), the Navy’s meteorology and oceanography rating
• Marine Corps / Army / others: Meteorology and oceanography billets embedded with aviation, artillery, intel and special operations units

Whatever the exact code, the mission is very similar:

Observe, analyze and forecast atmospheric and ocean conditions, then brief military leaders on how weather will affect operations on land, at sea, in the air and in space.

If you like science, maps, radar images and the idea that your forecast can literally change the course of a mission, this is one of the most fascinating tech careers in the military.

What military weather specialists actually do

The details change by branch and assignment, but most weather pros spend their time in a few big areas.

1. Collect and analyze weather data

You start with raw observations:

• Measure temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, clouds and visibility at your location
• Pull in data from weather stations, buoys, ships, aircraft and upper air balloons
• Use radar, satellite imagery and lightning detection to track storms
• Use computer models and climatology data to understand patterns

Air Force 1W0X1 descriptions emphasize collecting and analyzing atmospheric and space environmental conditions; Navy Aerographer’s Mates collect, measure and analyze the physical environment across land, sea, air and space.

2. Prepare forecasts and briefings

The core of the job is turning that data into actionable information:

• Short range forecasts for takeoffs, landings and unit movements
• Terminal forecasts for airfields and ship schedules
• Mission specific forecasts for flight routes, refueling tracks, artillery fires or special operations
• Warnings and advisories for severe weather, turbulence, icing, lightning, sandstorms and sea state

Air Force weather specialists analyze conditions, issue warnings and brief pilots and operators.
Navy AGs prepare and brief forecasts to ships and squadrons worldwide.

You might brief:

• A pilot about winds and icing on a low level route
• A ship’s captain on sea state and visibility
• An artillery battery on upper level winds that will affect ballistic trajectories
• A special operations team on cloud cover, illumination and weather windows for insertion

3. Issue warnings and watches

You are also part of the safety system. Duties include:

• Issuing thunderstorm, lightning, wind, icing, turbulence, gale, tropical cyclone or dust storm warnings
• Triggering protective actions for aircraft, vehicles, personnel and facilities
• Coordinating with national and regional forecast centers to share data and warnings

Navy AG and joint meteorology descriptions highlight preparing and disseminating warnings, watches and advisories to protect people and equipment worldwide.

4. Support operations planning

Beyond day to day forecasting, weather pros shape bigger plans:

• Integrate weather into operational plans and mission rehearsals
• Advise planners on seasonal patterns, climatology and likely weather risks
• Help pick timing, routes and altitudes that maximize mission success and minimize risk

Air Force weather and environmental sciences officers, in particular, are responsible for integrating atmospheric and space conditions into operations and planning at higher headquarters.

5. Maintain equipment and systems

You also care for the tools of your trade:

• Maintain and calibrate weather sensors, instruments and communication systems
• Troubleshoot data links and displays
• Keep observation logs and databases accurate and up to date

Navy Aerographer’s Mates, for example, perform preventive maintenance on meteorological and oceanographic equipment and operate satellite receivers and ancillary gear.

Work environment

Weather specialists serve almost everywhere the military operates:

• Base weather squadrons and detachments supporting local flying and ground units
• Ships and carriers with Navy AGs briefing bridge and flight deck crews
• Joint operations centers, corps and division headquarters
• Air operations centers and space operations centers
• Special operations and artillery units that need precise, tailored support

Daily environment features:

• Operations centers with big screens, maps, radar and satellite loops
• Classified facilities when supporting sensitive missions
• Mix of office time, briefing rooms and occasional trips to the flightline, ship deck or field sites
• Shift work, including nights, weekends and holidays, because weather never stops

Some roles deploy with units to austere locations, where you might run a small weather station in a tent or on a remote airstrip, sending back observations and forecasts under tough conditions.

Entry requirements and training paths

Requirements vary slightly by branch and officer versus enlisted, but there is a common pattern.

Baseline enlisted requirements

For a role like Air Force 1W0X1 Weather Specialist or Navy Aerographer’s Mate:

• Meet standard enlistment requirements for your service (citizenship or status, age, medical fitness)
• High school diploma or GED
• Strong math, science and English skills
• Good ASVAB scores, especially in general and technical line areas

The Air Force calls out physics, earth science, computer applications, geography and math as helpful preparation.

Enlisted training pipeline

Air Force 1W0X1 Weather

• Basic Military Training (about 7 and a half weeks)
• Technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi
  • Official site lists about 133 days of tech school for weather operations
  • The Weather Forecaster Apprentice Course runs roughly eight months for full forecasting training
  • Subjects: meteorology fundamentals, forecasting methods, radar and satellite interpretation, weather codes, briefing skills

Navy Aerographer’s Mate (AG)

• Boot camp at Great Lakes
• AG “A” School at Keesler AFB, about three months focused on weather observing and basic meteorology
• Later AG “C” School, about nine months focused on forecasting, usually at the four to six year point in your career

Other branches have similar pipelines: boot camp followed by meteorology and oceanography training and then on the job training at operational units.

Officer meteorologist path

To be a Weather and Environmental Sciences Officer or similar officer meteorologist:

• Bachelor degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or closely related field that meets World Meteorological Organization or service academic requirements
• Commission via ROTC, service academy or Officer Training School
• Additional officer weather training and leadership courses

Officer billets usually involve managing weather operations, integrating forecasts into planning and leading enlisted weather teams.

Core skills and personal traits

Good military weather specialists tend to share:

• Strong analytical skills
  You enjoy working with data, models and patterns rather than guessing or going with your gut.
• Attention to detail
  Small differences in temperature, pressure or wind can radically change a forecast.
• Comfort with science and math
  Meteorology relies on physics, calculus, thermodynamics and fluid dynamics behind the scenes, even if you are not solving differential equations every day.
• Clear communication
  You must brief complex information in simple terms, often to tired, stressed leaders who need the bottom line fast.
• Calm under pressure
  When a mission is on the line and conditions are changing, everyone is looking at you.
• Curiosity and love of weather
  If you already track storms, watch radar loops for fun or geek out on snow forecasts, you are ahead of the game.

If you hate math and science or get bored with charts, this may not be your path. If you like blending technical analysis with real world impact, it is a great fit.

Education and long term development

Minimum enlistment is high school, but your career will benefit from more education.

While serving, you can:

• Use Tuition Assistance and the GI Bill to work toward:
  • An associate or bachelor degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, environmental science or geography
  • Degrees in related fields like oceanography, climatology, GIS or data science
• Use service credentialing programs (COOL) to connect training with civilian certifications, such as broadcast meteorology or technical certificates.

If you want to become an officer meteorologist or pursue advanced civilian roles later, plan on a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science and possibly graduate study in specialized areas like severe storms, climate or air quality.

Earnings potential

While in uniform

As an enlisted weather specialist, pay is based on your rank and years of service, plus housing and food allowances. There is no separate “meteorologist pay,” but this field can qualify for some selective bonuses in certain years because of its technical nature.

Roughly:

• Early career enlisted (E3–E4) often see total compensation, including tax advantaged allowances, in the high 30,000 to mid 40,000 dollar per year range, depending on duty station and dependents.
• Mid grade NCOs (E5–E6) often reach 45,000 to 70,000 dollars or more in total value with allowances and benefits.

Officer meteorologists earn in line with other officers:

• A junior weather officer (O2–O3) often reaches 80,000 to 120,000 dollars in total compensation, especially in higher housing cost areas, with further increases at O4 and above.

These are ballpark ranges based on current pay tables plus typical allowances. Actual numbers depend on location, family status and promotions.

Civilian meteorology and atmospheric science pay

On the civilian side, the closest category is atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• The median annual wage for atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, was 97,450 dollars in May 2024.
• The lowest 10 percent earned less than 49,990 dollars, while the highest 10 percent earned more than 160,710 dollars.

Recent summaries of BLS data and career guides also cite median salaries in the upper 90,000 to 100,000 dollar range, with experienced specialists and managers clearing 150,000 dollars or more in some sectors.

Pay varies by:

• Sector (federal government, private weather services, broadcast, energy, aviation, research)
• Education level (bachelor, master, PhD)
• Location and cost of living

Your military forecasting experience, especially if combined with a degree and security clearance, is attractive to:

• Federal weather and climate agencies
• Defense contractors and aerospace firms
• Airlines and energy companies
• Private forecast and risk consulting firms

Day in the life of a military weather specialist

Here is a realistic day for an Air Force or Navy enlisted forecaster at a base weather unit.

Start of shift

• Arrive at the operations center, get a turnover brief from the previous shift
• Review current observations, radar, satellite loops and model runs for your area of responsibility
• Check any active warnings, watches or advisories

Morning tasks

• Update terminal forecasts for the airfield and mission specific forecasts for scheduled flights
• Brief a morning flight crew on expected winds, turbulence, icing and alternate options
• Provide a short weather update at the morning operations brief for base leadership

Midday

• Monitor real time conditions as a front or storm approaches
• Adjust forecasts and issue warnings if wind, lightning or low visibility thresholds are triggered
• Answer calls from pilots, ship crews or ground units who need quick updates

Afternoon and evening

• Prepare and issue evening forecasts and updates for night operations
• Work with higher headquarters or regional forecast centers to coordinate on big systems
• Train junior airmen or sailors on new tools, codes and forecast techniques

Throughout the shift

• Log observations and forecast updates in computer systems
• Watch radar and satellite trends for convective development or unexpected changes
• Keep an eye on space weather if your unit supports satellite or high frequency communication operations

In a deployed or special operations setting, add:

• More emphasis on small area, high detail forecasts for mission routes
• Briefing teams in tents or on the flightline rather than in a comfortable ops center
• Short notice, high consequence decisions such as whether weather is acceptable for an infiltration or extraction window

Career growth and promotion path

Weather careers have clear technical and leadership ladders.

Enlisted path

• Apprentice observer / forecaster
  • Focus on accurate observations and basic forecasts under supervision
  • Learn tools, codes and briefing skills
• Journeyman forecaster
  • Handle more complex forecast responsibilities
  • Lead shifts or small teams in the ops center
  • Train junior personnel
• NCOIC / senior forecaster
  • Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of weather flight or detachment
  • Manage schedules, quality control and coordination with supported units
  • Advise commanders more directly on weather risk
• Senior NCO and beyond
  • Manage weather operations across larger regions or commands
  • Move into policy, training development or technical management roles

Officer meteorologist path

• Weather officer, flight level
  • Lead a small weather team, integrate forecasts into squadron or battalion operations
• Staff weather officer
  • Serve at wing, division, fleet or joint task force level
  • Manage larger forecast and analysis teams, advise senior commanders
• Senior leadership
  • Command weather squadrons or detachments
  • Serve in headquarters roles shaping doctrine, systems and policy

After leaving service, you can step into:

• Operational meteorology roles at government or private forecast centers
• Aviation or marine forecasting for airlines and shipping companies
• Environmental consulting, risk analysis or climate services
• Broadcast meteorology, especially if you enjoy on camera communication

Employment outlook

The outlook for meteorology and atmospheric science is steady and positive.

• BLS projects employment of atmospheric scientists, including meteorologists, to grow around 4 to 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, roughly similar to or slightly faster than average for all occupations.
• Drivers include:
  • Ongoing demand for accurate weather forecasting for aviation, shipping and agriculture
  • Increased need for climate and environmental monitoring
  • Specialized services for energy, insurance and risk management sectors

Within the military, weather and environmental support is not optional. Modern operations rely heavily on accurate weather and ocean data, and space weather is increasingly important for satellites and communications.

As long as there are aircraft, ships, missiles and sensors, there will be demand for meteorology professionals who can translate atmospheric science into operational decisions.

Advantages of a military weather career

• High impact: your forecast can launch or delay missions, move ships and protect lives and equipment.
• Deep technical skills in meteorology, data analysis, radar and satellite interpretation.
• Clear civilian crossover into a specialized, reasonably well paid science career.
• Variety of assignments from base ops centers to ships, carriers and joint commands.
• Opportunities for advanced education and, for officers, funded degrees in atmospheric science.

Challenges and realities

• Shift work including nights, weekends and holidays. Weather does not keep office hours.
• High responsibility: when you say it is safe to fly or not, people listen. Mistakes can have serious consequences.
• Constant learning as models, tools and climatology research evolve.
• Occasional monotony during long quiet periods, broken by sudden spikes of intense activity.
• Limited control over duty locations, like any military career.

If you like the idea of being “on point” for mission go or no go calls, and you enjoy combining science with judgment, these challenges are part of the appeal.

Is this career a good fit for you?

You might be a strong fit for a military weather specialist or meteorologist role if you:

• Are genuinely interested in weather, climate and the environment
• Enjoy math, physics and data, not just watching storm videos
• Can stay focused on screens, charts and code groups for long periods
• Communicate clearly and confidently, especially when briefing seniors
• Want a technical career that has direct operational impact and a civilian future

If you are torn between meteorology, aviation, intel, cyber or other technical fields, it helps to go deeper than “I like storms” and look at your core motivational pattern.

Is this career a good fit for you?
Take the MAPP assessment at www.assessment.com to see how your motivational profile aligns with analytical, science based roles like weather operations, and how it compares to other military and civilian careers.

The MAPP assessment can show whether you are energized more by data and analysis, by hands on mechanical work, by people centered helping roles, or by leadership and operations. That clarity makes it much easier to decide whether meteorology should be your primary track or part of a broader plan.

How to get started

1. Take the MAPP assessment
   Use your results as a starting point to confirm that analytical, science and briefing work fits your motivational pattern.
2. Build your academic foundation
   • Focus on math, physics, earth science and computer skills in high school.
   • If you aim for officer meteorologist roles, plan for a bachelor degree in meteorology or atmospheric science.
3. Talk to a recruiter about weather codes specifically
   • Ask Air Force or Air National Guard recruiters about AFSC 1W0X1 Weather and weather officer programs.
   • Ask Navy recruiters about Aerographer’s Mate (AG) rating and where AGs are stationed.
4. Get familiar with weather tools
   • Learn to read basic surface maps, radar and satellite imagery from public sources.
   • Follow major storms and compare media forecasts to what actually happens.
5. Plan for education and credentials
   • While serving, use Tuition Assistance to move toward a degree if you do not already have one.
   • Explore COOL and other credentialing programs tied to your weather specialty.
6. Think through your long term path
   • Do you want to be an enlisted forecaster, an officer meteorologist, or eventually a civilian scientist, broadcaster or consultant?
   • Let that answer guide your choices about degrees, assignments and additional training.

With deliberate planning, a military weather career can give you world class forecasting experience, a strong science skill set, and a clear runway into civilian meteorology, aviation, energy or climate work when you eventually take off the uniform.

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