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  • 1D7X2 – Spectrum Defense Operations AFSC

1D7X2 – Spectrum Defense Operations AFSC

Summary

The Spectrum Operations technician analyzes requirements and requests frequencies to support terrestrial, aircraft, and space systems and coordinates radio, radar, land, and other electromagnetic radiating or receiving requirements.

They possess a solid understanding of wireless communications systems technologies and Electronic Warfare (EW) tactics, techniques, and procedures, and serve as counsel to commanders and combatant commanders on all spectrum issues.

They also provide guidance to program offices, developers, and potential users of spectrum dependent equipment planned for purchase or modification before being introduced into the Air Force inventory.

Manages and performs defensive cyber operations and cyber support functions (DoDIN operations) in-garrison and at deployed locations. Surveys, secures, protects, defends, preserves, designs, builds, operates, and extends data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems.

This Air Force Specialty Code description incorporates the use of DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) Codes to tie this specialty description to the framework. The DCWF was developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the DoD to establish a common lexicon and model for all cyber work.

The DCWF will universalize training and education between academia, industry, and military. It will also enable talent management by ensuring the right Airmen, for the right assignment, at the right time.

Additional AFSC Resources

Technical School

Days: Varies
Locations: Keesler, Mississippi

Other Names

3D1X4

Bonus

4-Year Bonus: None

6-Year Bonus: $5,000

Badge

Cyberspace Support Badge

Cyberspace Support Badge

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Duty Identifier

CYBER Duty Identifier

CYBER Duty Identifier

XCOMM Duty Identifier

XCOMM Duty Identifier

Clearance

None

Open Aptitude Category

Electrical or Mechanical

AFSC Entry Requirements

Demographics

Unknown

Community College of the Air Force Degree

Information Systems Technology

CCAF Degree Plan

AFSC YouTube Videos

None

AFSC Reddit Posts

None

Duties and Responsibilities

General 1D7XX/X overlapping duties:
  • Performs Defensive Cyber activities and operations.
  • Conducts Defensive Cyber Operations (DCO) and associated support activities to defend DoD and other friendly cyber.
  • DCO includes passive and active cyber defense operations to preserve the ability to utilize friendly cyber capabilities and protect data, networks, net-centric capabilities, and other designated systems as well as passive defense measures intended to maintain and operate the DoDIN and other networks such as configuration control, patching and firewall operations.
  • Support activities includes but not limited to maintenance of cyber weapons systems, functional mission analysis, mission mapping, tool development, stan-eval, mission planning and data analysis.
  • Engineers, nominates, assigns, and proactively ensures access to frequencies that support communications and operational requirements.
  • Coordinates frequency needs with Federal, military, and civil spectrum management agencies. Secures operating authority, and ensures the least possible interference is caused or received by Air Force electromagnetic systems.
  • Drafts and reviews spectrum interference reports.
  • Resolves electromagnetic interference problems with the use of spectrum analysis software, and spectrum scanning equipment.
  • Determines risk assessment and provides sound advice to commanders and combatant commanders on mission impacts and collateral damage.
  • Collaborates with signals intelligence specialists in the identification, monitoring, and exploitation of emissions, in order to better control the electromagnetic battlespace.
  • Analyzes radio frequency spectrum requirements and determines compatibility with other users considering transmitter and receiver specifications, antenna data, emission characteristics, and modes of radio wave propagation.
  • Examines radio link deficiencies and recommends corrective action to improve system performance. Recommends solutions to electromagnetic compatibility problems.
  • Manages and updates frequency records in a classified database shared by the joint spectrum community in order to provide a global understanding of the spectrum environment.
  • Provides guidance on the spectrum certification process for electromagnetic spectrum dependent equipment planned for introduction into the Air Force inventory, and for modifications to existing equipment.
  • Reviews planning and program documents to determine whether spectrum support is required.
  • Prepares frequency annexes for contingency and operations plans. Examines spectrum allocation data and frequency assignment records to ascertain suitability of specific equipment planned for deployment.
  • Performs as joint task force spectrum manager. Provides spectrum management guidance to units deploying radio frequency equipment to support contingency, exercise, or wartime requirements.
  • Analyzes and de-conflicts frequency assignments and databases to develop joint communications and electronics operating instructions.
  • Evaluates and assists electromagnetic spectrum management activities. Determines if spectrum support is adequate and recommends changes.
  • Educates customers on optimal and proper use of the electromagnetic spectrum. Plans for current and future electromagnetic spectrum needs.
  • Identifies and locates Radio Frequency interference sources using spectrum analysis software, and spectrum scanning equipment.
  • Specialty Qualifications

    Knowledge- 

    Knowledge is mandatory of:

    • Radio propagation factors, including effects of antenna design, power, emission type, frequency, and effects of terrain.
    • National, international, and military regulations governing use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    • Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or general educational development equivalency is mandatory.
    • Additional courses in algebra, geometry, and physics is desirable.
    Training-
    The following training is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
    • For award of AFSC 1D732, completion of Spectrum Operations initial skills course is mandatory.
    Experience-
    The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
    • 1D751. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1D732. Also, experience performing spectrum management engineering, selection, negotiation, and resolution of interference problems.
    • 1D771. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1D751. Also, increased experience performing and/or supervising personnel in problem solving, electromagnetic spectrum management, engineering, selection and negotiation techniques, and resolution of interference problems.
    • Possesses a good understanding of offensive spectrum operating environments and is able to advise commanders/stakeholders on risk issues during these offensive activities.
    Other-
    The following are mandatory as indicated.For award and retention of this AFSC:
    • Must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.
    • Specialty requires routine access to Tier 5 (T5) information, systems, or similar classified environments.
    • When required for a current or future assignment, must successfully complete and pass a Counterintelligence (CI) polygraph test.
    • Completion of a background investigation according to DoDM 5200.01 - DAFMAN 16-1405, Personnel Security Program Management, is mandatory.
    • Must maintain & sustain highest security clearance level received up to Top Secret (Tier 5) or based on current position requirements.
    • Must attain and maintain a minimum cybersecurity baseline certification based on position requirements IAW DAFMAN 17-1303, Cybersecurity Workforce Improvement Program as specified by AFSC shred and/or work role SEI:
      • For 1D7X2, a minimum of position requirements.
    NOTE: Award of the 3-skill level without a completed investigation is authorized provided minimum of interim Tier 5 (Top-Secret) clearance has been granted according to DoDM 5200.01 - AFMAN 16-1405.

    Civilian Career Options

    High Salary: $103,590

    Low Salary: $103,590

    • Information Security Analysts: $103,590

    ***This information was retrieved from Veterans Job Matcher at CareerOneStop (www.careeronestop.org), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

    Shreadouts

    - 1D7X2F - Spectrum Operations

    Assignments

    Career Field Education and Training Plan

    Other Links

    None