Certified Missile Targeting & Fire Control Specialist (CMTFCS)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Certified Missile Targeting & Fire Control Specialist (CMTFCS) certification is designed for:

• Military & Defense Personnel: Operators, technicians, and engineers responsible for missile fire control and targeting systems in roles such as Air Force 2W2X1, Army 94A, Navy Fire Control Technicians, and Space Force missile guidance specialists.

• Aerospace & Defense Engineers: Professionals specializing in radar systems, electro-optical targeting, and fire control integration for missile systems.

• Electronic Warfare & Targeting Specialists: Individuals responsible for integrating radar, IR, and EO sensors into missile guidance and targeting architectures.

• Cybersecurity & Networked Fire Control Engineers: Professionals securing missile targeting networks and ensuring resilient sensor fusion against electronic warfare threats.

• Defense Contractors & R&D Professionals: Engineers and analysts working on advanced fire control technologies, AI-driven targeting systems, and multi-domain targeting solutions.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or defense technology programs seeking specialization in missile targeting systems.

ELIGIBILITY

The Certified Missile Targeting & Fire Control Specialist (CMTFCS) certification is designed for professionals working with advanced fire control, targeting, and missile guidance systems. Ideal candidates must:

• Verify they fit one of the “who is this for” categories.

• Meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person).

• Be able to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators.

• Operate a computer for email, browsing, logging in, Zoom or similar, and other basic functions.

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front-facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Fundamentals of Missile Targeting & Fire Control

1.1. Define fire control principles and their role in missile targeting.
1.2. Explain the key components of fire control systems, including radars, electro-optical sensors, and data links.
1.3. Describe multi-sensor fusion and its role in precision missile guidance.

2. Fire Control Radar Systems

2.1. Identify radar types used in missile fire control, including pulse-Doppler and AESA radars.
2.2. Explain radar tracking methods, including monopulse, conical scanning, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
2.3. Describe countermeasures against jamming and electronic warfare threats.

3. Electro-Optical & Infrared Targeting

3.1. Explain EO/IR sensor functionality and applications in missile guidance.
3.2. Describe laser designation and laser rangefinding principles.
3.3. Identify IR homing and multi-spectral targeting techniques.

4. Sensor Fusion & Target Acquisition

4.1. Explain data fusion techniques integrating radar, EO/IR, and GPS.
4.2. Describe automated target recognition (ATR) and AI-assisted targeting algorithms.
4.3. Identify data link integration for real-time targeting updates.

5. Fire Control Algorithms & Engagement Planning

5.1. Define proportional navigation, lead pursuit, and other missile guidance algorithms.
5.2. Explain fire control computations for moving and fixed targets.
5.3. Describe predictive tracking and adaptive targeting technologies.

6. Secure Targeting Systems & Networked Fire Control

6.1. Identify encryption methods for secure targeting data transmission.
6.2. Explain cyber threats to fire control networks and mitigation strategies.
6.3. Describe distributed fire control architectures and networked combat solutions.

7. Tactical Targeting Applications

7.1. Describe air-to-air, air-to-ground, and surface-to-air missile targeting strategies.
7.2. Explain the role of missile fire control systems in integrated air defense networks (IADS).
7.3. Identify counter-stealth and counter-hypersonic targeting methodologies.

8. Testing, Calibration & System Validation

8.1. Explain fire control radar and targeting sensor calibration procedures.
8.2. Describe missile seeker testing and validation techniques.
8.3. Identify key parameters for evaluating fire control system performance.

9. Ethical & Strategic Considerations in Missile Targeting

9.1. Define rules of engagement (ROE) and their impact on missile targeting.
9.2. Describe collateral damage mitigation strategies in missile guidance.
9.3. Identify emerging trends in autonomous targeting and AI decision-making ethics.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Certified Missile Targeting & Fire Control Specialist (CMTFCS) certification aligns with military and defense roles specializing in missile fire control, targeting systems, and sensor fusion. Relevant military job codes include:

• 2W2X1 – Air Force Nuclear Weapons Maintenance Specialist

• 2A3X5 – Air Force Airborne Mission Systems Specialist (Fire Control)

• 94A – Army Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer

• 94S – Army Patriot Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer

• Fire Control Technicians (FC) – U.S. Navy Missile Fire Control Operators

• Space Force Targeting & Fire Control Operations Roles

• Aerospace & Defense Engineers in Missile Targeting & Fire Control Systems

This certification is valuable for engineers, operators, and defense contractors working on advanced fire control radar, electro-optical targeting, and networked missile engagement systems.