Combat Systems Officers (CSOs) operate navigation and weapons systems on military aircraft, serving as mission commanders and assisting with mission planning. They must possess a four-year degree and complete rigorous training, including hands-on experience with aircraft and simulators. CSOs can be assigned to a variety of military aircraft and may engage in reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
A Combat Systems Officer (CSO) is responsible for the operation of navigation and weapons systems on a military aircraft. OSCs are officials of the United States Air Force and provide important information to pilots and other flight personnel. These officers usually work aboard an aircraft such as a bomber or fighter. This Air Force classification is also known by its former name, “Navigator”.
These officers serve as mission commanders for Air Force aircraft. This means they must manage a mission and maintain air battle area awareness. These officers are in constant communication with aircraft pilots and are usually responsible for navigation and weapons systems. A combat systems officer assists with mission planning and also helps pilots communicate and react to threats effectively.
In addition to assisting the pilot with vital mission management tasks, CSOs can also engage in reconnaissance and electronic warfare. These tasks typically require the officer to use sophisticated devices such as jamming radio equipment and digital photography equipment. Combat systems officers can use these tools to gain valuable information about an area or to prevent an enemy force from communicating.
All Air Force officers, including CSOs, must possess a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals must also complete a training program that teaches them leadership skills and military bearing. Officers who wish to become OSCs must also meet rigorous intellectual and physical requirements to qualify for aircrew work.
After being selected for a combat systems officer position, soldiers receive advanced training. This usually takes place at Pensacola Air Station in Florida. Here, trainees practice navigation and flying skills using aircraft such as the T-6 Texan II and the T-1A Jayhawk. Hands-on training on these aircraft allows officers to practice intercepting enemy planes and communicating with pilots in very realistic environments. Trainees also use special simulators to practice complex maneuvers and operations that are dangerous to perform in the air.
Upon completion of training, combat systems officers can be assigned to a wide variety of military aircraft. Some CSOs work on bombers like the B-52. Officers assigned to a tanker must help with complicated in-flight refueling procedures, while small fighter OSCs have the challenge of being isolated on an aircraft with only one other crew member. Some officers serve aboard Special Operations aircraft and may undertake reconnaissance or attack missions behind enemy lines.
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