CSO compared to WSO

[NDW]

Afternoon all,

With the introduction of the RC-135, is there ever possibility of the role of Combat Systems Officer (as opposed to WSO) to come into play? Not necessarily for recruitment purposes, but for WSO's who are currently in service - the possibility of becoming a CSO. I know the USAF have such a role, but could it ever venture into the Royal Aaaaar Force!

Sorry, it's a Sunday and I came across the role whilst googling things! I'm trying to appease some boredom!

[Lima Juliet]

The original plan for WSOs was that it was for FJ navs only. It was going to be a 2 winged brevet for FJ backseaters. Then other VSOs got involved and looked to make a single brevet for all rear crew - although at that point commisioned WSOs were to get a crown on their brevets and WO/SNCOs would not get the crown. It's all a bit of a "dog's dinner" now IMHO and we would be better adopting the RAAF system of Air Combat Officers (ACOs):

Air Combat Officer - Defence Jobs Australia (http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/airforce/jobs/AirCombatOfficer/)

They have quite a nice looking brevet as well that could compliment the recent introduction of the RPAS pilot brevet in the RAF:

http://militaria-sales.com.au/images/AM00247.jpg

Or maybe just go to 3 brevets for the RAF (which would save money in the supply chain):

Pilot
http://www.rafweb.org/Uniform_Images/QWings.jpg

RPAS Pilot and Rear Crew:
http://www.rafweb.org/images/RPAS%20Wings.jpg

VGS Gliding Pilot:
http://www.618vgs.net/images/g1.jpg

Or get rid of the gliding badge and just go for the 2...

Anyway, looking forward to the 'incoming'...

LJ

[camelspyyder]

CSO in the RAN sounds a bit less than pointy to me.

I'd lump it in with Tactical Admin Wing and all the other blunty organisations you meet on det.



CSO in the USAF is just a replacement term for Nav, WSO, EWO - all combined into 1 trade.

[NDW]

Thanks gents!

Just how long before CSOp. :ok:

[camelspyyder]

WSOp in the RAF is already a catch-all for most of the older NCA trades except AG and QM - I don't think there are any of either left in.

[teeteringhead]

Then other VSOs got involved and looked to make a single brevet for all rear crew - although at that point commisioned WSOs were to get a crown on their brevets and WO/SNCOs would not get the crown. Indeed so - one was (peripherally) involved in the MoD staffing of the WSO/WSOp badge saga in the "odd jobs" part of the AFD.

When we pointed out that SNCO/WO pilots had had the crown on their flying badges, there was much embarrassed foot-shuffling by VSOs!! A small victory of common sense over the "Airships"! :ok:

[BEagle]

Whatever term and badge is used for GIBs, it should be different to the drone operators' badge.

Tactical Admin Whinge - did they use DPM typewriter ribbon?