What do weapons systems officers do?
A weapon systems officer (“WSO”, pronounced “wizzo”) is an air flight officer directly involved in all air operations and weapon systems of an aircraft. In the United States Navy, they are responsible for manning the weapon systems of a fighter.
Can WSO fly plane?
In the U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, the WSO can pilot the aircraft when required, although this is typically during non-tactical portions of the mission (e.g., en route to mission area or returning to base).
How do I become a combat system officer?
QUALIFICATIONS
- Completion of a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI)
- Completion of Officer Training School (OTS), Air Force Academy (AFA) or Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)
- Must have begun Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) between the ages of 18 and 33.
How long is CSO school?
The change yielded 85 days of fundamental training with exposure to core CSO skillsets and then up to 143 specialized training days more for WSOs, 88 more days for navigators and sensor operators, and 91 more days for EWOs.
Do Combat Systems Officers fly?
Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training Primary culminates in several flights in a T-6B Texan II, flying contact sorties in which students are acclimated to the aerobatic flight environment, high level sorties practicing instrument procedures, and low level visual navigation flights.
Where do CSO train?
Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL
Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) is conducted aboard beautiful Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. Once on station, all students will enter the Primary Syllabus which includes classes on basic airmanship, weather, physiology, and navigation.
Where is combat systems officer training?
How long is CSO training?
Course Length The duration of this course is 70 hours over 10 classroom days.
Is a CSO a pilot?
CSOs are trained in piloting, navigation, the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, and are experts in weapon system employment on their specific airframe. Aircrew responsibilities include mission planning, mission timing, weapons targeting and employment, threat reactions, aircraft communications, and hazard avoidance.