Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

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.

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…

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

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.

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.

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

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 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?

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

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…

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!

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.

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.

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…

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/

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.

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…

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!

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.

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.