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How much do joint fires observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for joint fires observer in the United States is $21.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Joint Fires Observer?

Joint Fires Observers (JFOs) are specially trained military personnel responsible for coordinating and directing various types of fire support, such as artillery, mortars, naval gunfire, and close air support, onto enemy targets. They serve as critical links between ground forces and supporting fire assets, ensuring that fire missions are accurate and effective while minimizing the risk of friendly fire. JFOs work closely with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) and other fire support teams to enhance the lethality and safety of military operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Joint Fires Observer?

To thrive as a Joint Fires Observer, you need a solid understanding of fire support operations, target identification, and military tactics, often gained through specialized military training and certification. Familiarity with advanced targeting systems, communication equipment, and digital mapping tools is essential for effective mission execution. Strong situational awareness, precise communication, and teamwork are critical soft skills for coordinating complex joint operations. These skills and qualities ensure accurate and safe delivery of fire support, which is vital for mission success and minimizing friendly casualties.

What are some of the common challenges Joint Fires Observers face in coordinating with multiple units during operations?

Joint Fires Observers (JFOs) often work in fast-paced and high-pressure environments, requiring them to coordinate effectively with various ground and air units. One common challenge is ensuring real-time communication and accuracy of information across different teams, especially when integrating artillery, aviation, and naval fire support. JFOs must be adept at quickly assessing situations, relaying target data, and adapting to changing mission parameters to prevent miscommunication and ensure mission success. Building strong working relationships and maintaining situational awareness are key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Joint Fires Observer vs Forward Observer?

AspectJoint Fires ObserverForward Observer
CertificationsMilitary fire support and communication certificationsMilitary fire support and communication certifications
Work EnvironmentJoint military operations, often in diverse terrainsFrontline combat zones, close to troops
Employer/IndustryMilitary, defense, and joint operationsMilitary, primarily Army units
Search/Comparison IntentHigh overlap in duties and certificationsCommonly compared with Joint Fires Observer in military contexts

Both Joint Fires Observers and Forward Observers are vital military roles involving fire support coordination. While they share similar certifications and operate in military environments, Joint Fires Observers typically work across joint services in diverse terrains, whereas Forward Observers are primarily attached to Army units close to combat zones. Understanding these differences helps clarify their specific responsibilities and deployment contexts.

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Joint Fires Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Joint Fires Observer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,178 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Senior Instructor - Joint Advanced Fires - Targeting

Hurlburt Field, FL

B3H Corporation
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about B3H Corporationexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 12 hours ago

Job description

B3H Corporation is seeking a highly experienced Senior Instructor - Joint Advanced Fires - Targeting to support the USAF 505th Tactical Training Group at Hurlburt Field, FL.

B3H supports the 505th Command and Control Wing at Hurlburt Field, FL, in executing its mission of providing operational-level Command and Control training and expertise.  This position supports advanced academics and training for the Joint Advanced Fires Qualification Course (JAFQC) as primary instructional faculty and evaluation.  JAFQC is a Joint Staff directed initial qualification training course for select joint force candidates to prepare them for assignment to Combatant Command Joint Fires Elements.  Additional curriculum emphasizes Joint All-Domain Command & Control principles, multidomain synchronization of effects, and integration of classified and compartmented military capabilities to support Combatant Command objectives. 

B3H is a leader in building winning DoD and corporate teams. B3H provides the full spectrum of strategic planning, program management, acquisitions management, systems engineering & integration, cost analysis, training, systems requirements analysis, and instructional system design for the DoD. B3H delivers quality performance with complete government visibility and control. Corporate headquarters are in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.


  • Primary Duty is to function as part of the instructor/evaluator team providing hands-on guidance, technical support, and performance evaluation of JAFQC students through all Phases of the JAFQC curriculum.  
  • Position requires performance of platform instructor duty, including lesson plan development, research, creation of instructional aides, and lesson delivery.
  • Support Advanced courses for lessons related to their specific area of expertise across the portfolio of courses presented by the 705th Training Squadron (ACC).
  • Develop performance metrics, grading criteria, and evaluation standards for student measurement during practical exercises, Part Task Training, and Full Mission Training events supporting the JAFQC curriculum.  
  • Position may require travel and support to joint force exercises (Tier 1) as an Observer/Trainer or as a role player based on operations tempo and individual availability at the request of the Joint Staff J6 Joint Fires Integration Division.
  • Provide fires and effects planning expertise at command and control and operational-level exercises supporting the 505th Command and Control Wing mission in a non-interference basis to JAFQC preparation and execution.

  • Master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited university or college, including Service professional military education schools.
  • At least 24 months of experience within the past six (6) years in a joint force headquarters (Combatant Command or Joint Task Force) in a Joint Fires Element; Joint Targets Cell (J2T); Service Targeting Center; Fires and Effects Team/Cell; Joint Intel-Operations Center; or a Service Component Intelligence Directorate (ie, J2 equivalent or ISRD).
  • Possess a minimum of 12 years of Department of Defense military experience as a commissioned officer. Must have demonstrated the ability to instruct in a military environment; it is preferred to have at least 1 year of formal platform instruction.
  • Graduate of Service or Joint Targeting School (mandatory). Completion of Professional Military Education for grade (Intermediate Developmental Education) with Joint Qualified Officer designation highly desired. Graduate of a Service Weapons and Tactics Instructor (eg, Weapons Instructor Course, TOP GUN, etc) desired.
  • Demonstrated experience and personal expertise in operational level joint targeting and effects planning, synchronization, and development of Plans and Orders. Experience should include direct involvement in functional application of authorities and effects (ie, Joint Force Land Component; Joint Force Air Component; etc.).

B3H Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability, please send an email to: HR@B3H.com or call 850-651-3443

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About B3h

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Shalimar, FL, US

Year founded

1990

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