Combat systems officers coordinate tactical elements of battle planning, requiring knowledge of navigation, weapons systems, electronic warfare, and air force doctrine. One can become a CSO through a bachelor’s degree, officer training, or reserve officer training programs. Advancement opportunities include promotion and increased benefits.
To become a combat systems officer (CSO), you must have a bachelor’s degree and training as an air force officer. There are several possible career tracks available for people interested in this position. Combat systems officers work as coordinators to handle the tactical elements of battle planning. They need to be familiar with navigation, weapons systems, electronic warfare, and air force doctrine. Numerous air forces around the world use combat systems officers or have similar positions in their ranks.
One option is to attend college in a field with potential relevance to military service, such as political science, and then apply to the air force. Graduates must pass a screening test to determine whether they are eligible for military service. This includes a physical assessment, interviews and character. If accepted, they attend an officer training school and receive additional training specific to combat systems. As they serve in the air force, they can be promoted through a series of positions to reach senior officer status.
Another option is to become a combat systems officer through a reserve officer training program. Such programs pay for students to attend college while receiving military training. Upon graduation, they become commissioned officers and can begin air force service. Combat systems officers may also attend military colleges such as an air force academy to earn their undergraduate degrees. Attendance at a service academy provides an immersion in Air Force life and culture along with a free education.
People currently serving in the air force can also apply to become combat systems officers. The Air Force may pay for college and provide training for exceptional enlisted Air Force officers. Supervisors can observe subordinates who seem to show promise and can approach them to discuss the candidacy application as officers. Active air force experience can be beneficial in training to become a combat systems officer, although people with prior service may also be older when fully qualified.
This job comes with considerable possibilities for promotion and advancement. Air force members are subject to periodic reviews and testing to determine if they are eligible for promotion. At higher ranks, pay increases and people can access more benefits. A high rank can have an especially large impact on retirement benefits, which increase with rank.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
