Navigators in the 21st Century
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Australia
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RAAF Air Combat Officers (ACO's)
It is very sad indeed, to read of the imminent demise of the WSO specialisation in the RAF. Thankfully, the RAAF hasn't had to suffer the same indignant demise !
In 2007, the RAAF graduated the last dedicated 'Navigator' course.
Subsequent to this - all Navigators'; Air Electronics Officers' and Air Defence Officers' (Fighter Controllers) were re-categorised into one specialisation. This amalgamated category was named: "Air Combat Officer" (ACO).
The 'School of Air Navigation' (SAN) was renamed 'School of Air Warfare' (SAW) and the syllabus rewritten to reflect a movement towards developing mission and battle space commanders.
SAW also trains all 'Observers' and Instructors for the Royal Australian Navy and Air Warfare Officers/Instructors for the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The role of Air Combat Officer (ACO) today is highly specialised and thankfully, in no immediate threat of 'extinction'. More over, the category is both "evolutionary" and representative of a genuine & stable career path.
With platforms such as the F/A-18F (Super Hornet); AEW&C (Wedgetail); AP-3C Orion (to be replaced by P-8 Poseidon ?) & UAV's ramping up in the RAAF inventory - the role of ACO is set to become ever increasingly dependant.
ACO's also perform the traditional 'NAV' role onboard our C-130H platforms; however, these are due for retirement over the next few years and along with that, comes the demise of the ACO/NAV from Hercules operations. (RAAF C-130J's do not carry NAV or FE aircrew.)
So, I guess in terms of RAAF operations - the ACO is here to stay !
In 2007, the RAAF graduated the last dedicated 'Navigator' course.
Subsequent to this - all Navigators'; Air Electronics Officers' and Air Defence Officers' (Fighter Controllers) were re-categorised into one specialisation. This amalgamated category was named: "Air Combat Officer" (ACO).
The 'School of Air Navigation' (SAN) was renamed 'School of Air Warfare' (SAW) and the syllabus rewritten to reflect a movement towards developing mission and battle space commanders.
SAW also trains all 'Observers' and Instructors for the Royal Australian Navy and Air Warfare Officers/Instructors for the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The role of Air Combat Officer (ACO) today is highly specialised and thankfully, in no immediate threat of 'extinction'. More over, the category is both "evolutionary" and representative of a genuine & stable career path.
With platforms such as the F/A-18F (Super Hornet); AEW&C (Wedgetail); AP-3C Orion (to be replaced by P-8 Poseidon ?) & UAV's ramping up in the RAAF inventory - the role of ACO is set to become ever increasingly dependant.
ACO's also perform the traditional 'NAV' role onboard our C-130H platforms; however, these are due for retirement over the next few years and along with that, comes the demise of the ACO/NAV from Hercules operations. (RAAF C-130J's do not carry NAV or FE aircrew.)
So, I guess in terms of RAAF operations - the ACO is here to stay !
I don't own this space under my name. I should have leased it while I still could
iRaven, I didn't repeat what I said pre-SDSR. The GR4 was the more sensible disbandment option if the need was to save money and virtually the whole Navigation training system could be disestablished and most navigators made redundant.
Elsewhere on Pprune the GR9 defence covers the disparity in costings.
Capabilities OTOH is something else. In a way they have managed to cut the cake, keep what they want, and pay less at the same time.
Elsewhere on Pprune the GR9 defence covers the disparity in costings.
Capabilities OTOH is something else. In a way they have managed to cut the cake, keep what they want, and pay less at the same time.
