What does a CSO do air force?

A Combat Systems Officer (or CSO, differs from CSOp) is a flight member of an aircrew in the United States Air Force and is the mission commander in many multi-crew aircraft. Initial Flight Screening (IFS) has continued as previously established at Pueblo with the transition of USAF Navs to CSOs.

What planes do CSOs fly on?

Some CSOs work on bombers such as the B-52. Officers who are assigned to a tanker must assist with complicated in-flight refueling procedures, while CSOs on small fighter have the challenge of being isolated in an aircraft with only one other crew member.

How long is Air Force CSO training?

To begin flying operationally, you will need to complete your training as a CSO, which can take anywhere from one to two and a half years.

Is a navigator a pilot?

As nouns the difference between pilot and navigator is that pilot is pilot while navigator is a person who navigates, especially an officer with that responsibility on a ship or an aircrew member with that responsibility on an aircraft.

Does the Air Force still have navigators?

The Air Force has airlift navigators, bomber navigators, fighter navigators, tanker navigators, experimental test plane navigators, special operations navigators and generalist navigators. There are also navigators trained in reconnaissance, surveillance and electronic warfare aircraft.

How much do Air Force navigators make?

The average salary for a Navigator is $42,891 per year in United States, which is 51% lower than the average US Air Force salary of $88,212 per year for this job.

How long do pilots have to stay in the Air Force?

Although the length of commitment depends on a cadet’s career and other opportunities, including graduate or medical school, all graduates must serve at least five years on active duty and three as inactive reserve after graduation. Graduates who complete pilot training have a longer service commitment.

What does a CSO stand for in the Air Force?

Combat systems officer. A combat systems officer (or CSO) is an aeronautically rated commissioned aviator in the United States Air Force and is the mission commander in many multi-crew aircraft.

What does a Combat Systems Officer DO in the Air Force?

Combat Systems Officer. Powering our powerful technology. Combat and air operations move at incredible speed, so it’s essential our Airmen do the same. Serving as the mission commanders for electronic warfare, weapons systems and navigation, Combat Systems Officers are the eyes of their fellow Airmen.

What is a command pilot wings in the Air Force?

USAF Command Pilot wings. U.S. Air Force aeronautical ratings are military aviation skill standards established and awarded by the United States Air Force for commissioned officers participating in “regular and frequent flight”, either aerially or in space, in performance of their duties.

Who is the most senior CSO in the US military?

The most senior CSO currently on active duty is Lieutenant General Bradley A. Heithold, USAF, previously Deputy Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and previous Commander of Air Force Special Operations Command ( AFSOC ).