An electronic warfare officer (EWO) has various roles depending on the military branch and country of service. They work with measures and countermeasures used in weapons and support systems, including radar, radio, laser, electro-optical, and ultraviolet technology. The US Army has an entire electronic warfare (EW) division, while the US Navy calls the position a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) calls the position an Overseas Electronic Warfare Officer (OEMO). Requirements for most officer positions include a four-year degree, age, citizenship, and high security clearance.
An electronic warfare officer (EWO) can have a variety of roles depending on the military branch and country of service. The exact job title also has variations. Generally, electronic warfare encompasses measures and countermeasures used in weapons and support systems, including radar, radio, laser, electro-optical, and ultraviolet technology. These systems are in use during times of war and peace. The technology can be used in air, land and sea operations.
An electronic warfare officer’s duties can encompass surveillance and reconnaissance as well as intelligence gathering. Personnel may work with jamming devices designed to block or counter radio signals sent by cell phones and other devices. At the same time, they must ensure that the desired signals are not impeded. The EWO may be responsible for operating radio-controlled devices, including robots used to diffuse improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The US Army has an entire electronic warfare (EW) division. This special department includes enlisted personnel and officers. In this particular branch of the military, an electronic warfare officer may be responsible for the development and testing of equipment used by soldiers in the field. The US Army’s EW division started in late 2010. Prior to that, the Army relied on US Navy and Air Force personnel to complete this work.
In the United States Navy, the Electronic Warfare Officer position may also be called a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO). An officer position, in and of itself, may involve directing personnel and operations involved on aircraft carriers, destroyers, and other warships. Responsibilities may include maintaining engineering, electronics, and weapons systems. Highly skilled SWOs can advance to the role of engineering duty officer (EDO) or even eventually command their own ships.
The US Marine Corps has a similar position for entry-level intelligence officers. During initial training, officers may study air intelligence, signals, and human sources or ground programs. The signals portion of the training usually includes electronic warfare. The title of Land Maritime Air Force (MAGTF) intelligence officer is awarded to those who have reached the rank of Major.
In the United Kingdom (UK) Royal Air Force (RAF), this position is called OEMO or Overseas Electronic Warfare Officer. The RAF training program is open to officers at an international level. It includes studies of interference and detection of radio and radar signals, as well as protection measures. Upon completion, students should be versed in defensive and offensive electronic warfare and be able to command units involved in these operations.
Requirements for most US officer positions include a four-year degree from an approved university or college or equivalent military education. In addition, age and citizenship requirements must be met. In the Navy, for example, the minimum age is 19 and US citizenship is mandatory. An electronic warfare officer is also generally required to obtain a high security clearance.
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