WSO or OBSERVERS?? A heads up....
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"What, I am trying to say, longwindedly, is that we should consider "best person for the job" and not "best branch" - that, IMHO, is why there have been some fine RW Navs"
I'm sorry.
Have you gone mad or have I.
I'm sorry.
Have you gone mad or have I.
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Tourist has a point when he says:
"To be fair, the scope of the roles of both navigator and observer have narrowed."
But this is a rather superficial view. The operational scope of the navigstor's job has - if we let it - actually widened as he is relieved of his almost full-time preoccupation with position-finding. Now he can have better situational awarenes and grasp of the tactical scene.
"To be fair, the scope of the roles of both navigator and observer have narrowed."
But this is a rather superficial view. The operational scope of the navigstor's job has - if we let it - actually widened as he is relieved of his almost full-time preoccupation with position-finding. Now he can have better situational awarenes and grasp of the tactical scene.
USAF's Gen Jumper recognised the Nav/WSO role in future Air Power and renamed their branch to Combat Systems Officer (CSO) - see link http://www.airforce-magazine.com/Mag...07/0807cso.pdf
I guess the RAF is always behind the USAF these days so we'll have to wait for the "dummies" making the policy to catch up with the times! That means ensuring that we take quality candidates and offer them full careers on 18/40 terms.
Here is a quote on the USAF CSO branch from their website.
I guess the RAF is always behind the USAF these days so we'll have to wait for the "dummies" making the policy to catch up with the times! That means ensuring that we take quality candidates and offer them full careers on 18/40 terms.
Here is a quote on the USAF CSO branch from their website.
Combat Systems Officer (CSO)
A career as an Air Force CSO requires tremendous efficiency, attention to detail and strong leadership skills. You're the eyes of your fellow Airmen and Aviators, using high-tech equipment to ensure mission completion. You're also responsible for training Airmen in your particular area of expertise. To learn more about career opportunities as a Combat Systems Officer, browse through the job descriptions below.
Bomber CSO:Performs Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) and/or Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) duties to accomplish joint combat missions, training and other assigned missions.
Test CSO:Plans, conducts, directs and reports on flight test programs associated with the design, development and modification of aircraft, aerospace vehicles, flight simulators and related systems.
Fighter CSO:Performs Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and/or Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) duties to accomplish joint combat missions, training and other assigned missions.
Generalist CSO:Develops plans and policies, monitors and evaluates operations, coordinates staff activities and advises commanders.
Trainer CSO:Performs duties to accomplish primary, intermediate and advanced CSO training and other assigned missions.
Mobility CSO:Performs duties to accomplish joint mobility operations, training and other assigned missions.
Reconnaissance/Surveillance/Electronic Warfare CSO:Performs duties of Reconnaissance/Surveillance/Electronic Warfare CSO or Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) to accomplish reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, electronic combat, training and other assigned missions.
Special Operations CSO:Performs duties of CSO, Fire Control Officer (FCO), or Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) to accomplish joint special operations missions, training and other assigned missions.
Tanker CSO:Performs duties to accomplish air refueling, training and other assigned missions.
Remotely Operated Aircraft (ROA):An ROA CSO operates specialized mission aircraft and commands flight crews to accomplish joint reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, training and other missions. PAY CHART
All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability
A career as an Air Force CSO requires tremendous efficiency, attention to detail and strong leadership skills. You're the eyes of your fellow Airmen and Aviators, using high-tech equipment to ensure mission completion. You're also responsible for training Airmen in your particular area of expertise. To learn more about career opportunities as a Combat Systems Officer, browse through the job descriptions below.
Bomber CSO:Performs Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) and/or Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) duties to accomplish joint combat missions, training and other assigned missions.
Test CSO:Plans, conducts, directs and reports on flight test programs associated with the design, development and modification of aircraft, aerospace vehicles, flight simulators and related systems.
Fighter CSO:Performs Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and/or Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) duties to accomplish joint combat missions, training and other assigned missions.
Generalist CSO:Develops plans and policies, monitors and evaluates operations, coordinates staff activities and advises commanders.
Trainer CSO:Performs duties to accomplish primary, intermediate and advanced CSO training and other assigned missions.
Mobility CSO:Performs duties to accomplish joint mobility operations, training and other assigned missions.
Reconnaissance/Surveillance/Electronic Warfare CSO:Performs duties of Reconnaissance/Surveillance/Electronic Warfare CSO or Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) to accomplish reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue, electronic combat, training and other assigned missions.
Special Operations CSO:Performs duties of CSO, Fire Control Officer (FCO), or Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) to accomplish joint special operations missions, training and other assigned missions.
Tanker CSO:Performs duties to accomplish air refueling, training and other assigned missions.
Remotely Operated Aircraft (ROA):An ROA CSO operates specialized mission aircraft and commands flight crews to accomplish joint reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, training and other missions. PAY CHART
All Air Force career fields are based on qualifications and job availability
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Vee en
"Now he can have better situational awarenes and grasp of the tactical scene. "
I totally agree with what you say there, but would disagree that this is a widening of scope.
This is a narrowing and focusing in on the war fighting. As you say, he is relieved of one of his jobs, allowing him to devote his attention entirely to what was previously one of many tasks. A good thing, I would contend.
"Now he can have better situational awarenes and grasp of the tactical scene. "
I totally agree with what you say there, but would disagree that this is a widening of scope.
This is a narrowing and focusing in on the war fighting. As you say, he is relieved of one of his jobs, allowing him to devote his attention entirely to what was previously one of many tasks. A good thing, I would contend.
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Tourist.
I agree with you. Maybe there is a semantic issue between scope and focus. It is a good thing that the navigator can now focus more sharply on the tactical situation - and may even have a better grasp of it in certain situations where the demands of aircraft-handling become critical.
I agree with you. Maybe there is a semantic issue between scope and focus. It is a good thing that the navigator can now focus more sharply on the tactical situation - and may even have a better grasp of it in certain situations where the demands of aircraft-handling become critical.
