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$12

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$44

How much do joint fires observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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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What job categories do people searching Joint Fires Observer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Joint Fires Observer jobs are:

Joint Fires Observer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Joint Fires Observer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,178 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Analyst Trainer- Legal and Authorities

Valiant Integrated Services

Suffolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Valiant Integrated Services rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Valiant is looking for a Joint Force Authorities Analyst Trainer supporting the Collective Joint Training (CJT) contract for the Joint Staff J7 Deputy Directorate Joint Training and Exercises (JS J7 DD JTE) in Suffolk, VA. The CJT contract provides analytical, operational, technical, and administrative support for the execution of all phases of the Joint Training System (JTS) for large joint and combined military exercises. Emphasis is on the five stages of the Joint Event Life Cycle (JELC) for Joint Staff and Combatant Command (CCMD) exercise events. This position supports the Deployable Training & Lessons Division (DTLD) for observation, training, and feedback to Joint Force Commanders and their staffs during joint and multi-national training, exercises, and staff assist visits (SAVs). The focus will involve the sharing of operational authorities best practices to advance the effectiveness and readiness of the Joint Force to plan for and respond to crisis and conflict.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Participates as a member of Deployable Training Teams (DTTs) comprised of active duty and civilian Observer Trainers (OTs) and contract Analyst Trainers (ATs) observing, training, and providing feedback to Combatant Commanders, component commanders, and Joint Task Force commanders and their staffs during Chairman's Exercise Program (CEP) exercises and other joint and multinational exercises, as well as for Mission Rehearsal Exercises and Staff Assistance Visits for named operations.
  • Ascertains key command authorities challenges at the operational and strategic levels of war and conducts cross-functional analysis of information gathered from joint exercises and training events for the development of lessons learned, insights, and best practices.
  • Understands strategic thought and direction as it guides and is influenced by campaign, deliberate, and crisis planning at the operational level.
  • Researches national strategic documents, historical exercise documents, real world operations, the operating environment, command mission, authorities, organization, plans, and orders, as well as interagency and coalition authorities, policies, strategies, and plans.
  • Conducts trend analysis, understands and improves battle rhythm processes and staff development of timely decision quality information and ties phased operational planning to strategic guidance and thought.
  • Acts as a subject matter expert and trainer in one or more functional area: Plans and Assessment, Sustainment, Intelligence, Command and Control, Current Operations, Operational Law and Authorities, Inter-organizational/Interagency Cooperation, Fires and Targeting, Operations in the Information Environment, Cyberspace Operations, Space Operations, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and/or Force Protection in joint, multinational, interagency, and globally integrated planning and operations.
  • Integrates into, contributes to, and provides functional continuity in the Deployable Training Division.
  • Mentors, trains, and supports new OTs.
  • Assists in the development of the Commander's Facilitated After-Action Review (FAAR); Executive Summary Report (ESR); Combined Functional Report (CFR); Internal After Action Review (IAAR); post-event debriefs and summaries; and input to Joint Lessons Learned Information System (JLLIS), Joint Warfighting Concept development, and Joint Doctrine.
  • Updates and maintains documents, articles, and periodicals such as "Joint Operations Insights and Best Practices" and joint functional area focus papers.
  • Develops and facilitates seminars for the National Defense University's Senior Leader Education Program Joint Operations Modules (PINNACLE, CAPSTONE, and KEYSTONE).
  • Other duties as assigned.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Active Secret with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI, Active TS/SCI preferred.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Juris Doctorate OR
  • One of the following: Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience; or Masters degree with a minimum of 8 years of experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Requires knowledge of one or more of the following functional areas: Plans and Assessment, Sustainment, Intelligence, Command and Control, Current Operations, Operational Law and Authorities, Inter-organizational/Interagency Cooperation, Fires and Targeting, Operations in the Information Environment, Cyberspace Operations, Space Operations, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and/or Force Protection.
  • Thorough understanding of, and experience in one or more functional areas: Plans and Assessment, Sustainment, Intelligence, Command and Control, Current Operations, Operational Law and Authorities, Inter-organizational/Interagency Cooperation, Fires and Targeting, Operations in the Information Environment, Cyberspace Operations, Space Operations, Integrated Air and Missile Defense, and/or Force Protection. provided above, C2 at the operational level.
  • Ability to write concisely at an executive level.
  • Must be willing to travel worldwide, to include areas considered hazardous duty (up to 30% of the time).
  • Must be able to attain a Company Travel Card.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Prior military experience as an operational law attorney or interagency equivalent strongly preferred.
  • L.L.M in either national security, operational or international law.
  • Experience as staff judge advocate/deputy staff judge advocate.
  • Combatant Command, Joint Task Force, Division, Afloat staff, or Wing staff experience.
  • Understanding of the requirements for staffs to support the commander's decision cycle.
  • Understanding of the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
  • Knowledge of advanced war fighting concepts.
  • Experience with the preparation and conduct of seminars or study groups for flag officers.
  • Ability to write and prepare operational orders and plans.
  • Experience in the compilation and presentation in both written and oral formats of lessons learned and after-action review material.
  • Experience with operational planning efforts at the operational and strategic level.

Physical Requirements:
  • Physical requirements may include, but are not limited to, lifting, ascending, and descending stairs, climbing, extended sitting or standing, to various degrees

Valiant Integrated Services is an employer who hires in accordance with applicable state and federal law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in compliance with those laws.

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