Accurate weather forecasts can save lives and equipment in military operations. Meteorologists study weather conditions and prepare current and long range weather forecasts. You begin your career directing data collection and interpreting weather maps, observation data, and satellite information. As you gain leadership and forecasting skills, you will serve in positions of increasing responsibility. As a meteorologist, you also supervise enlisted weather observers.
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.