WSO & WSOp

[aviat179]

Could anyone please clarify the difference between the two roles of WSO and WSOp?

A 'day in the life' of either would be much appreciated.

Many thanks.

[buoy15]

A WSO is commissioned, A WSOp is non-commissioned, but both do very demanding jobs in a team-crew environment, sharing the same tents, duties, rations and, God forbid, dragging each other out of the fire at the crash site
Hope this is helpful
Regards B15

[aviat179]

Thanks buoy, I heard the role of the WSO is a dying one, would you recommend pursuing WSOp even though it's a non-commissioned?

[JAG3]

I like you are aiming for WSO but i was told by Frodo(tornado nav) that I should put my first preference as Pilot because it is becoming increasingly downsized and they will be only taking 6 applicants every year which is very harsh. I reccomend going for officer every time, nothing against non-commissioned personnel.:)

[ratty1]

They are downsizing Pilot? Only taking 6 a year? What about all those Typhoon places they have to fill.

[ZH875]

They are downsizing Pilot? Only taking 6 a year? What about all those Typhoon places they have to fill.That's easy......The Saudis are recruiting pilots to fly in (ex)RAF Typhoon aircraft

[JAG3]

Sorry Guys! I was talking about WSO's getting downsized and thats why I will go for pilot.

[ratty1]

So you are not going to apply for WSO because they are getting smaller? Just how tall are you Jag3?

[Confucius]

After W.W., pretty much any WSO is a downsize.

[Radar Riser]

WSO or WSOp
WSO is the new name for navigator and any commissioned aircrew who is not a pilot, whilst WSOps are all senior NCO aircrew, sometimes referred to as NCA, non commissioned aircrew.
The WSOp branch is further split into 3 groups,
1. EW being the old air electronic operator, AEOp, and normally works on the Nimrod but also AWACs, SAR Sea Kings, Aster.
2. AL being the air load masters on the transport and support helo fleets.
3. Air Eng, supposedly a dieing trade due to glass cockpits, as the modern air force has loads of new aeroplanes!
Hope this helps, but if you're really interested, use your noggin and get down to the CIO and get the leaflets.
RR

[Mad_Mark]

WSO or WSOp
The WSOp branch is further split into 3 groups,
1. EW being the old air electronic operator, AEOp, and normally works on the Nimrod but also AWACs, SAR Sea Kings, Aster.
2. AL being the air load masters on the transport and support helo fleets.
3. Air Eng, supposedly a dieing trade due to glass cockpits, as the modern air force has loads of new aeroplanes!

I hope there are no wetties or siggies reading that you have disbanded their specialisations :=
Correct RR's and add numbers 4 and 5 as follows:
1. "EW" being the old AEOp (R) operating non-acoustic sensors (radar, electronic warfare, communications and self defence, etc, equipment).
2. "Cmn" (Crewman) being the air load masters on the transport and support helo fleets.
3. "E", formally Air Eng, supposedly a dieing trade due to glass cockpits, as the modern air force has loads of new aeroplanes!
4. "Aco" being the old AEOp (S) operating the acoustic sensors (sonar equipment).
5. "L" (Linguistics), formally the Air Signals trade.
MadMark!!! :mad:

[ratty1]

I am sure ALM's or WSOP(Cmn) are also employed on SAR helicopters.

[snaggletooth]

Ratty you are correct. We're there to keep an eye on the dangerous intellectuals that form the other three members of the crew.

[ratty1]

What exactly do you do on the SAR helicopters? Is it dangerous?

[buoy15]

Can we just take stock please before this thread disparrages any more hopefuls of joining the RAF
In recent years the MOD have not only excelled in shooting themselves in the foot, they've always used a big calibre gun
I know, I am a victim of my own success
Before the change of titles - Pilots, WSO, WSOp (2003) I applied for a further extension of Service. Previous to this I had achieved 3 extentions of service past my NRD of 55 - prior to this last application, I wrote to my Desk Off explaining I was gapping on the Sqns and still filling an OCU post because they were short of my particular trade. He agreed with me said he would put my case before the Extention Board
The Board asked my trade and said we have no more of me but we have plenty of WSO's - so I said "Thank You" grabbed the money and ran
Mark - the message is simple - as long as the RAF have multi-ac type, there will always be a place for a WSO or WSOP, so go for it
Best of luck!