Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

Which airframe? What Crew Position? What base? Aaaaaaand Go.

Anybody know of any guys getting T1s to NAS Pensacola? Any ideas when Whiting is getting T-6s?

Application Package.pdf ***Rated Pilot and Navigator boards are ongoing. Please call for information*** The 192D Airlift Squadron, located at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport is currently accepting applications for C-130 Combat System Operator (CSO) candidates. The ideal applicant is willing to relocate or regularly commute to the local area and actively participate in the flying operations of the unit. The High Rollers of the 192D fly the C-130 Hercules, the premier Tactical Airlifter of the United States Air Force. The C-130 is capable of operating from unprepared and dirt landing strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hos…

I have heard that, unlike with 11X, changing air frames mid career is more common in 12X. Anyone have any insight on how true this is, how frequently it happens, the process etc? As life changes, I could see moving air frames to accommodate my lifestyle as beneficial and want to take that into account as I move into the pipeline and think about my dream sheet.

I just interviewed with a unit and forgot to ask this question. Kinda of wanted to see if I can find some answers here.

Non-rated Capt here, attempting to go CSO at the next rated board, but do any CSOs in the business have any intel on how the Strike Eagle II replacing the F-15 C/Ds will affect the CSO career field? They will all be two-seaters/WSO capable I've read, but not sure if the AF will use WSOs in the air superiority mission. I imagine they still will for the current Strike Eagles getting replaced by Eagle IIs, but not sure. I've not been able to find any info on that, and I've been super curious.

If the end game is to end up at the airlines; can F-15 WSOs log their backseat time to add to their total time? What is needed prior to officially logging that precious (PIC) time? The F-15 is the only jet that affords CSOs actual "stick time" right?

Question for the group...I know for pilot opportunities there are resources like Bogidope to find open positions and boards. Is there anything available for these openings for CSO slots? I'm separating from Active Duty (E-6) in about a year and a half if I don't get picked up for AD OTS. To cover down, I'm also looking at ANG and AFR pilot and CSO opportunities if I strike out for the AD boards. Appreciate the assist and any further info on the CSO career field. This forum has been a huge help thus far for learning and preparing.

Hey guys, I am looking for advice on what to expect or do if I fail my flight physical. I got selected for CSO for OT1903 and I am completing my SF86 before my physical can be scheduled sometime this spring. I did not do so hot on my color vision pip test at MEPS and was wondering what will happen if I fail this during my flight physical (below a score of 55 on CCT, non-waiverable)? Would I be offered another position? or not able to go rated entirely? Would they offer me something non-rated? Thanks for your input!

I was recently selected for OTS with a CSO slot. I’m still unsure about which airframe I’d like to work on, but ISR seems like one of the more interesting jobs you can do as a CSO. Plus, location is among my top, if not my top priorities when choosing an airframe, and RC-135’s have some great bases. Anyone here who has experience on the RC-135 and can speak to what the daily life of an EWO is, your deployment schedule, and the base options for the RC-135?

I am currently a sophomore in high school, and recently began looking at the officer jobs the Air Force has to offer. I have recently set my sights on becoming an Air Force pilot, but I recently failed the depth perception test at my optometrist. After looking at my other options for aviation, I was recommended to look into becoming a CSO. However, I have been unable to find out whether or not this job also needs depth perception, because it is often lumped with the pilot position. Does anyone know if depth perception is required for this job, or know of a document that lists the medical requirements for each job? I know that Naval Flight Officers are not required to have…

Hey all, I recently got selected as a CSO and I'm already thinking about the various airframes I could end up on and their opstempos. I don't personally mind one that deploys a little more often if I like the mission but my wife would obviously prefer I'm home. But it seems like the tempos don't vary that dramatically between platforms. Below are the various ones I could drop (though I understand this list will be smaller come drop night) and what I understand to be their tempos. AFSOC -Gunships (deploy very often) -U-28 (slightly less often than gunships) ISR -AWACS (not sure) -EC-130 (not very often, maybe the least of the list) -RC-135 (often) -WC/OC-135 (not…

https://www.12ftw.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1724030/back-to-basics-for-csos-running-long-deep-fast/fbclid/IwAR2mfhtYeJRXRh2XaVLYMQ9UWxYjJ6-EuyxN5JWtXT5O9ZSeBkUHqeLjS7g/

Looking for anyone that knows of or has been through this process. I have a few pilot friends in the Air Force who have all told me they know of at least 3 or 4 individuals that have done this which leads me to believe it’s a more common process than I originally thought. I understand that after pinning on your CSO wings, there is a minimum requirement of 2.5 years as a CSO before you’re allowed to request a switch to Pilot. I have also heard that the age limit is 33, but is being raised to 35. Are waivers available for this? With Air Force Aviation being what it is with the current pilot shortage, could we see this become a more common thing in the future? Wh…

I've done enough research that I think the CSO training lasts about a year. Can anyone just confirm this for me? I just got picked up from this past summer's board and I'm join spouse so hopefully my wife can find a job at Eglin/Hurlburt. Obviously the duration of the training will determine whether AFPC moves her down to the area or not. Thanks much!

Greetings, I'm currently looking for some insight on what the process for an AD CSO looking to be sent to UPT by a Guard or Reserve unit will look like. I understand this is a touchy subject. To my knowledge, the immediate barriers are: 1. Age requirement (waiverable) 2. Less than 5 years commissioned service requirement (unsure if waiverable) Are there any other considerations that come to mind? I'm not sure if this route is a viable option.

CSAF mandated safety down day complete. At least in one squadron the line bros really drove home the fact that the mentality from leadership is to produce quantity over quality and it needs to stop or the FTUs or an operational unit will suffer the consequences of a shitty CSO... lets see if leadership sends the feedback up as is or filters the piss out of it per SOP.

After much thought and discussion, after getting on the ad alternate pilot list I decided to accept a CSO slot. Though not pilot, I'm just excited to be in a rated career field flying in a plane, wearing a flight suit, and dropping bombs ;). With this being said, I've been trying to find more information, with no luck on what the future of the career field is? Are there any new jets being created with two seats. Seems like all the new jets are single seaters. Also, what should I expect when I get to Pensacola? I'm 26 so I'm hoping to live off base. Any and all information would be great! I'm really excited to actually be in a plane!

Good Evening !! Does any have a list of reserve or ANG units which have fighter CSO/NAV positions. I am digging up every unit's website to find details but not making progress much so I am asking. My apologies if this has been already asked, tried to find it in the forum but it does not pop up in the search. Thanks ! Keep rocking

Hello! First time caller, long time listener. I have been in the ANG for 9 years now. I am a TSgt getting ready to go to TFOT then CSO school. I currently hold a Secret security clearance. Does anyone know if I have to have a TS clearance as a navigator? My commander is questioning my need for one and I have to get a straight answer as I have IFT scheduled for June 19th, 2018. Thanks in advance!

Is it true that the Air Force is currently sending EWOs to Growlers?

Hello! I apologize if I am recreating a thread, as I am new to message boards. Please let me know and I'll do what I can to not suck. Anyways, I have been picked up for UCT as a guardsman and was curious...being unmarried, I am required to stay in UOQ and forego BAH, but I own a home here in my home state that I will have to come back to after training. Will I have to forego my BAH due to PCS, even though I am guard and must eventually come home? Thanks for the help!

Headed to IFS (now IFT) next week. Looking to see if there are any differences since the name change or if it just sounded better? Heard that changing it from screening to training came with some differences. Also, any last minute prep info would be helpful. (Other than knowing bold face/ops limits cold) Thanks -Murch

Hello everyone, I have researched both of these occupations and it seems as though they are very similar do you know of any major differences? I realize that both are in different branches of the military. And from what I have read transitioning from NFO to pilot is not possible whereas CSO to pilot is, however it is no easy task. I've recently realized how narrow-minded my flying goals were (ANG slots only) and decided to open up to a more broad spectrum, AD Navy/Air Force, Reserves/Guard, and most recently the CSO/NFO career path. Sure, piloting an aircraft would be an awesome position to be in, however, I do not want to give up my dreams of flying because I was …

Ok, so i figured this was the best place to post this, as it is not related to the pilot field. I am currently a 33 yo looking to join the AF reserve. I have 8 years prior service army (military police 31B) and a bach degree. I was intrested in joing AF or Navy as a flier back in high school - but was scared off by a recruiter (go figure) because i had glasses (which i was told was a 100% no go - now i know better). Should i even attempt to go for a rated position? Have found very little info regarding CSO selection specifically and age as most info out there relates to pilots. Thanks in advance for your time and info.