A Combat Systems Officer (CSO) is in charge of a military aircraft’s navigational and weapons systems. CSOs are United States Air Force officers who provide critical information to pilots and other flight crew members. These officers are usually stationed onboard a bomber or fighter plane. This Air Force rating was previously known as “Navigator.”
Mission Commanders for Air Force aircraft are these officers. This requires them to manage a mission while also remaining aware of the air battle area. These officers are in constant contact with pilots and are frequently in charge of navigation and weapons systems. A Combat Systems Officer assists with mission planning as well as assisting pilots in effectively communicating and reacting to threats.
CSOs may perform reconnaissance and electronic warfare in addition to assisting the pilot with critical mission management tasks. These tasks usually necessitate the use of sophisticated devices such as radio jamming equipment and digital photography equipment by the officer. These tools can be used by Combat Systems Officers to gather valuable intelligence about an area or to prevent an enemy force from communicating.
CSOs, like all other Air Force officers, must have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Individuals must also complete a training program that teaches them how to carry themselves in a military environment and how to lead others. Officers interested in becoming CSOs must also meet stringent intellectual and physical requirements in order to be eligible for air crew duty.
Military members who are chosen for a position as a Combat Systems Officer receive advanced training. This usually takes place at Florida’s Pensacola Air Station. Trainees use aircraft like the T-6 Texan II and the T-1A Jayhawk to practice navigation and flying skills. Officers can practice intercepting enemy planes and communicating with pilots in very realistic settings thanks to hands-on training in these aircraft. Trainees also practice complex maneuvers and operations that are dangerous to perform in the air using special simulators.
Combat Systems Officers can be assigned to a variety of military aircraft after completing their training. Some CSOs are assigned to bombers like the B-52. Officers assigned to tankers must assist with complex in-flight refueling procedures, whereas CSOs assigned to small fighters face the challenge of being alone in an aircraft with only one other crew member. Some officers are assigned to Special Operations aircraft, which may be used to conduct reconnaissance or attack missions behind enemy lines.