Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

Hey all! First post on these forums, so let me introduce myself. I'm currently working on a PPL (solo'd in a Cessna 172P on 8 Aug 2015) and I'm enrolled at the University of Maryland (College Park), I hold a Private Pilot-Glider license, and have been chair flying on video games since the age of six. I'm a current AFROTC freshman cadet w/ a Type 2 AFROTC scholarship at UMCP and haven't been able to really get a nice straight answer from my Det on this: benefits and cool stuff about being a CSO. I'm definitely looking at being a pilot, but vision is likely to let me down (20/80 w/o glasses at my last checkup), so I was hoping on still flying anyway as a CSO. There are some…

3 x U-28 1 x AC-130U 1 x JSTARS 1 x EC-130 3 x F-15E Plus 2 x Guard C-130's Nice!

Are there any current/qualified HC-130 Navs that can expand on capabilities, deployments, quality of life and Nav leadership possibilities in your community? I'm a Strike Eagle SEFE WSO that had back surgery looking to transition (to a non-ejection seat aircraft), but I don't know anyone in your community. My email is mapolus at gmail if that makes it easier. Thanks, Smokus

I’m only a month or so away from submitting my “dream sheet” in UCT, and I’ve been doing a good amount of research on the planes I’m interested in. The U-28 mission interests me a lot, but I’m concerned with the lifespan of the airframe and the CSO’s role in the mission. I’ve read a lot of articles and heard a lot of rumors around the squadrons here about the mission going away for the CSO and it all going to the MC-12s, etc. I can’t find a lot of solid information on the topic so I’m hoping someone on here can shed some light on the subject. Thanks for your help. https://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&dbname=cp113&sid=cp1130zsNS&refer=&r_n=sr176.113&a…

I was looking for the graduation dates for the FY16 UCT classes. However, I was told that they tend to "float" and won't be set until a few weeks prior. That contradicts other sources told me the AF sets the graduation dates from the start, and they don't "float". Can anyone shed light on this? And/or post the FY 16 grad dates?

A large survey done on the 12XX career field comparing job skills to those taught at the schoolhouse...lots of data and some humorous write-in comments. Worth a perusal if you are looking for some time to burn. https://www.filedropper.com/12xxoardec13 For the lurkers wondering about their own AFSC, check here: https://oa.aetc.af.mil/

Hello, I've been considering going CSO for a while since I apparently have a better chance at landing a slot than pilot. Most pilots seem to fly for a living outside the Guard/Reserve (G/R). However, what do CSOs do on the other side? I reckon since they don't do much actual flying, landing a flying job based on their flying experience in the G/R does not seem as likely. I'm not asking because I'm on the fast track to becoming some airline guy or whatever. I'm just genuinely curious to see if CSO would open up any other doors for me in the civilian world. I work for the government at the moment, so I'm thinking I might still be in security as a CSO. Which is fine.…

i tried to find some direct opinions on the matter. however, my question is what ya'll think the future of navigators/CSO is going to be. certainly technology can replace them. why are they in high demand now? are they going to be groomed into UAV pilots? has the curriculum changed at UNT drastically/often?

Hi there, This is my first post here but I have been lurking for a while (researching and learning as many others on the road to Air Force rated jobs have). I don't mean to be inflammatory or to cause any disrespect but I have a genuine question about the differences between being a CSO or a 1A9 (enlisted). I understand that one is an officer, rated and flying while the other is enlisted (but still flight crew). They both seem to be a mix of Flight Engineer and combat systems management roles, so what am I missing? Best regards, Andrew

I'm told CSO candidates going through the Pueblo IFT syllabus spend more time in reading maps/charts than the pilot syllabus. If anyone has more detail, would you post it? Are they using Sectional Charts? What altitude (AGL) are the flights done at? Is there anything else significant that we should take note of? Thanks!

The 193rd SOS is accepting applications for traditional guard Combat Systems Officers (CSO). A hiring board will be conducted over Nov 2014 UTA. Applications are due by close of business of 31 October 2014. The 193rd SOS CSO section is seeking highly motivated individuals with strong technical backgrounds and degrees who desire and accept the challenges ahead of becoming and AFSOC aviator. If you are a qualified individual seeking this opportunity, please request application requirement information from Capt Matt Hogg at matthew.hogg@ang.af.mil or 717-948-2473.

Hi, I'm currently a cadet at the Zoo with about three more semesters to go, so I apologize in advance for any ignorance. I am ranked decently high enough to guarantee myself a pilot slot but would much rather be a CSO. I would like to bounce off my rationale in hopes I don't screw myself over: I do not really love flying and feel I do not have the "monkey skills" to rank high enough in UPT. A lot of cadets are satisfied with flying anything, but I am really adamant on AFSOC platforms. My rationale is that I will be able to perform better in CSO training to hopefully get the aircraft I want. Just by browsing the track assignments for CSOs and UPT, I can gauge I have…

k

A question for those of you who have gone through IFS before attending UCT. I'm aware that the beginning of IFS is the same for Pilot/CSO candidates, what makes the rest of the course curriculm? Also, what is the attrition rate like? I've heard that IFS has a different failure rate compared to the RPA and Pilot program. I've seen other people recommend studying alot and chair flying with fellow classmates is the key to success. Just trying to get a gouge of the program.

I have recently been selected as a CSO for the Missouri Air National Guard and am simply curious as to what I could do to prepare myself for the next 2-3 years. I took my initial physical at MEPS yesterday (that could be a whole other topic), will be sworn in on Tuesday, and then work on my Top Secret Clearance. It is my understanding that I will ship off to AMS in roughly 6-12 months, and the rest of my training will fall in line. What can I do physically and mentally to prepare myself for the next couple of years. Thanks guys.

Does anybody know how or when to get selected to get a WSO slot? I have a Nav slot--I just don't know how to get into the strike nav category. It may be too late. The second question is this: If I am going to Randolph how do I secure one of those new CSO slots? I just read about the CSO the the ASA magazine. I wonder if it is all that it is cracked up to be.

Hey, Former ICSO here. I used to work on the T-1A CSO modification. Actually, I was asked back to help out my replacement who broke his leg for a few weeks. Anyway, I taught myself how to code, and decided to use screenshots of the software you will be using in the mod (by permission) to teach myself. I was thinking of converting these to iPhone apps, but haven't gone through the trouble yet. I have the accelerometers on Android working, but it needs a little work if you tilt too far. So, if you are someone who keeps saying "break left" when you meant "break right", or if you are an instructor that wants a simple teaching tool, this may help you. Don't worry, ther…

I know that many people feel that it is unwise to start a Master's program while in training but if it is possible I would like to try. After getting settled in Pensacola I would really like to at least take a class or two online. I would appreciate anyone's input on this, negative or positive. I just want an honest idea on how much time you spent actively training per week to include voluntary and non-voluntary study time. My view is that if while at training you were able to spend 8 hours a week playing video games or going to the bar, I shouldn't have a problem finishing an easy online course. I went to tech school in Pensacola and my Squadron would not let me …

Down here at the school house we hear a lot of rumors about the FTUs. I'm looking to grab some/ any info about how the separate airframes are receiving the new Pensacola grads, and any tips about the local areas around the FTUs that might be useful.

Howdy all, I'm looking ahead at assignments after a term at Ellsworth as a B1 WSO. I've heard a lot about ALO and of course going back to Pensacola. Any thoughts on a b1 test squadron? I have BS in computer engineering technology (not the best grades, but I have the paper on my wall).