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

Flight engineers make the aerospace vehicle work. CSOs make the mission work.

^What he said. I was a prior 1A2(loadmaster) and I am now a CSO. To dissect it a little further, you need to figure out exactly what you want to do. 1A9 will do flight engineer/loadmaste/gunner on spec ops platforms. A CSO can be a weapons officer and drop bombs, an electronic warfare officer, a navigator, or a blend of them all. On some platforms the CSO and 1A9 share some of the responsibilities.

Plus, a CSO will get paid way more.

What's the difference between a gay guy and a CSO? The gay guy has future in the Air Force....

*F-15E WSO here....