Weather observers collect information about weather and sea conditions for use by meteorologists. They make visual observations and take readings from weather equipment, radar scans, and satellite photographs. Most meteorology officers work in weather stations or weather support units at military bases in the U.S. and overseas. Some work in global weather centers. Others work in command and control centers aboard ships at sea.
Civilian meteorologists work for government agencies, radio and television stations, and airlines.
They perform duties similar to those performed by military meteorologists. Meteorologists usually work in weather stations or operations centers where weather information can be collected, analyzed, and plotted using computers. These stations and centers are either on land or aboard ships. They work outdoors when making visual weather observations. The military services have about 6,000 weather observers and 1,500 meteorologists.