12X Combat Systems Officer. (They drop BOMBS).

Pilots operate the aircraft, but it's the Combat Systems Officer (CSO) who gets to actually do the cool stuff. After completing Undergraduate CSO Training (UCT), they become a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO), Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO), or Navigator.
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[@Mr67Stanger]

Goose (from Top Gun) was a CSO

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

*pushes up my nerd glasses* technically Goose was a radar intercept officer (RIO). same same, but different.

[@jakesanchez3355]

Great video! Slight corrections needed for the info here having gone through the pipeline:
Combat Systems Officer (CSO) is an “umbrella” title until a student is assigned a track/ aircraft. As well, Initial Flight Training (IFT) at Pueblo has been removed for about a year (no idea why)
The current tracks available to students are Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) , Weapons Systems Officer (WSO), Navigator (NAV)and Special Operations (SO) which will heavily dictate the duties performed
- EWO: RC-135 variants mainly executing offensive/ defensive electronic warfare , threat detection and signal intelligence collection
- WSO: B-1, B-52, F-15E, EA-18 or RQ-170 (new option) focusing on weapons employment for strategic targets and threat detection as well as air-to-air interdiction / escort
- Navigator: AWACS, JSTARS , EC-130 and WC-130 (Guard) controlling mission planning/execution, air refueling, navigation of the aircraft and more
- SO: U-28, AC-130, MC-130 or HC-130 as a Combat Systems Officer or Fire Control Officer (gunships). Depending on aircraft, duties can include sensor operation, executing close air support (CAS), tracking high value individuals (HVIs)/targets, aerial/ troop drops, cargo transport, MEDEVAC etc.
As mentioned in the video already and regardless of track / aircraft assignment, the fundamental duty is as Mission Commander: backing up the pilot (s) (Aircraft Commander) and crew through mission planning, execution/ control, increasing situational awareness in flight, executing emergency procedures and more.
Awesome that this career field is getting more exposure 🤘

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

great update! thanks for sharing.

[@hockey36]

Quick question-how do these roles get assigned?

[@jakesanchez3355]

@@hockey36 it’s just dependent on what track you get and what aircraft you’re assigned before graduation. If that doesn’t answer your question let me know.
Air Force (like other branches) has a ton of aircraft and they all have different roles (cargo transport, ISR, MEDEVAC) which is why the roles/ duties are different. “Combat Systems Officer” is the aeronautical rating regardless, but your job could be as a Navigator, Weapons Systems Officer or others mentioned in my original post.

[@grant4360]

When the hell did the AF get the growler and how did they manage to pry it from the Navy? I think the E-18 would probs also be classified under EWO instead of WSO

[@MadMikeDelta]

The CSO makes sure the co-pilot doesn't get us lost.

[@ozalfert2216]

Great career field. I was an EWO in the F-4G Wild Weasel. Amazing mission.

[@grant4360]

The wild weasel is by far one of the best aircraft names I have ever heard...

[@elli0tbriggs]

Dope channel! Thanks for your work on these videos.

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

glad you like them!

[@Victory88012]

Nice!

[@rnuval00]

I just got rated as CSO and this information was very informative since I wasn't sure what exactly CSO jobs were. Thank you!!

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

glad you found it helpful!

[@jamesnclemmons1]

Great video! Can you tell me what type of flight physical is needed for CSOs?

[@airforceofficerpodcast]

Flying Class I: www.afrl.af.mil/711HPW/USAFSAM/FCI/

[@denvercolorado811]

I was a 12S. If you have the eyesight be a pilot. If you dont have the eyesight be a CSO.

[@vairboy]

Heritage Room? It's called a bar, dude. Sorry to comment on an old vid, but had to give a bad time.

[@SethMFKirbo]

ahhh MSAB

[@elizabethcolombo3086]

How does this work for the Air National Guard?

[@MadMikeDelta]

Same, just part time. You select your Base.

[@grant4360]

I think this is one of those designators that requires you go active duty first, no?