Weather

What does the Weather career field do?

Performs and manages the collection, analysis, and forecast of atmospheric weather and space environmental, including sea state, conditions to enable decision superiority and application of land, air, space, and cyberspace power across the full spectrum of military operations. Integrates current and forecasted atmospheric and space weather conditions into all phases of operations and operational planning, while performing weather and environmental operations for Air Force, Army, and Space Force support organizations and activities. Possesses understanding of joint planning processes to effectively integrate weather considerations into joint operations. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 142000.

Duties and responsibilities

• Collect, analyze, and integrate atmospheric and space environmental information, including sea state, into military decision-making processes and operational planning, at all levels (strategic, operational, tactical).
• Operate atmospheric and space-sensing instruments and computer systems to interrogate data from weather radars, meteorological satellites, and products provided by military, national, and international weather agencies.
• Issue advisories, watches, and warnings to alert users of dangerous, inclement, or operationally significant terrestrial, space weather, and sea state events.
• Understand war fighter tactics, techniques, and procedures to maximize air, space, cyberspace combat power. Integrate weather tactics, techniques, and procedures to into the decision-making at all levels to mitigate and exploit weather impact on operations.
• Integrate weather and environmental considerations into joint operation planning in coordination with Army and Space Force partners.
• Provide tailored weather support to Air Force, Army, and Space Force units, including specific forecasts and impact assessments relevant to their respective missions.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge of the following is mandatory: characteristics and principles of atmospheric weather and space environment; observation, analysis, prediction, and integration of weather and space environment information; operation and operator maintenance of fixed and deployable meteorological and space weather instruments and systems; operation and operator maintenance of communications and computer systems; use of weather products from operational and strategic centers; military weapons systems and decision-making processes; and combat field skills (ability to survive and operate on the battlefield and use of tactical equipment).

Education. For entry into this specialty, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Courses in physics, chemistry, earth sciences, geography, computer sciences, and mathematics are desirable.

Training. The following training is mandatory for skill level upgrade.

• 1W031. Completion of the Meterological and Oceanographic (METOC) Operations Course (Weather Initial Skills Course) E8ARB1W031 0A1F.
• 1W051. Completion of 5-level Weather Journeyman Course (WJC) E6ANW1W051 00AA and all applicable UTC tasks as outlined in the CFETP. NOTE for ARC only: All ARC (ANG and AFRC) 1W031 personnel must complete ANGWRTC 010 Weather Applications Course immediately following METOC Operations Course for qualification and upgrade training before awarding of the 5-skill level.
• 1W071. Completion of 7-level Weather Craftsman Course (WCC) E6ANW1W071 00AA and all applicable UTC tasks as outlined in the CFETP.

Experience. The following experience is for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 1W051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W031. Also, experience in collecting and analyzing atmospheric data, performing meteorological watch, preparing forecast products, and issuing weather watches, warnings, and advisories.
• 1W071. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W051. Also, experience in managing weather integration into operations, determining observation criteria, preparing special support requests, scheduling personnel, providing technical leadership, and directing training and orientation of new personnel.
• 1W091. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W071. Also, experience in tailoring unit capabilities, managing weather resources to meet mission requirements, coordinating with MAJCOM and Air Staff, and exploiting the enterprise level capabilities of the Weather career field to advance operational and strategic goals of the AF.
• 1W000. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W091 and must be a CMSgt or CMSgt select.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into 1W0X1:
• Ability to speak distinctly.
• Visual acuity correctible to 20/20.
• See attachment 4 for additional mandatory requirements for AFSC entry.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs:
• Specialty requires routine access to Tier 3 (T3) information, systems, or similar classified environment. Award and retention of AFSCs requires completion of a current T3 Investigation IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program.
• Some assignments require routine access to Top Secret material or similar environment. For those assignments and position certification of AFSCs 1W0X1, completion of a current T5 Investigation formerly a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) according to DAFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory.
• For award and retention of these AFSCs, must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and DAFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security. NOTE 1: Award of the entry level without a completed T3 Investigation is authorized provided an interim Secret security clearance has been granted according to AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program. NOTE 2: Army Weather Support Course (E5OSA15W3 0A1A) is mandatory for weather operations in support of Army missions. NOTE 3: Evasion and Conduct After Capture (ECAC) (S-V88-AL) is mandatory for weather operations in support of Army missions. NOTE 4: Advanced Weather Management Course Part 1-3 (E6AAW1W071 0A1A, E6AAL1W071 0A2A, E3AAR1W071 0A3A) is mandatory for TSgts and MSgts assigned to and/or projected to assume Flight Chief, Detachment Senior Enlisted Leader, or Section Chief leadership positions. NOTE 5: Exception to policy for “experience” and award of AFSC will differ by unit. Approval/award of AFSC will lie directly with unit commander (paragraph 3.5).

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $37,050–$137,940 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Atmospheric and Space Scientists: $99,740
• Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers: $47,130
• Light Truck Drivers: $37,050
• Natural Sciences Managers: $137,940
• Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists: $107,210
• Remote Sensing Technicians: $52,460