Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

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, 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…

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 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!

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.

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, 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.…

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?

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.

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 …

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!

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?

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).

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.

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

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.

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’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?

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