Summary
Performs duties as a mission crew member on Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) or manned aircraft. Sensor Operators employs airborne sensors in manual or computer-assisted modes to actively and/or passively acquire, track, and monitor airborne, maritime, and ground objects.
Operates mission equipment, systems, and electronic protection (EP) equipment. Personnel conduct operations and procedures IAW Special Instructions (SPINS), Air Tasking Orders (ATO) and Rules of Engagement (ROE). Sensor Operators continually monitor aircraft and weapons systems status to ensure lethal and non-lethal application of airpower.
Technical School
Days: 31
Locations: JBSA Lackland, Texas, JBSA Randolph, Texas
Other Names
None
Bonus
4-Year Bonus: None
6-Year Bonus: $5,000
Badge
Sensor Operator Badge
Duty Identifier
CEA Duty Identifier
Clearance
Top Secret
Open Aptitude Category
General and Electrical
AFSC Entry Requirements
Demographics
Males: 942
Females: 123
Total: 1065
Community College of the Air Force Degree
Air and Space Operations Technology
CCAF Degree Plan
AFSC YouTube Videos
AFSC Reddit Posts
Duties and Responsibilities
Performs mission planning, preflight, in-flight, and post-flight duties in accordance with aircraft technical orders, applicable Air Force Instructions (AFIs), and Unified Combatant Commands’ theater Rules of Engagement (ROE).
Must understand Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) for friendly and enemy Air Order of Battle (AOB) assets.
Operates mission planning ancillary equipment to initialize information for download to airborne mission systems. Receives, interprets, extracts, and disseminates relevant ATO, Airspace Control Order (ACO), and Special Instructions (SPINs) information.
Participates in post-flight debriefing to establish mission accomplishments and potential procedural development.
Performs Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Close Air Support (CAS); Combat Search and Recovery (CSAR); Dynamic Targeting/Time Sensitive Targeting (DT/TST); Air Interdiction (AI); Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR); and Air Operations in Maritime Surface Warfare (AOMSW) utilizing Full Motion Video (FMV) and various sensors, mission equipment, and precision guided munitions.
Detects, analyzes, and discriminates between valid and invalid targets using synthetic aperture radar, electro- optical, low-light, and infrared full-motion video imagery, and other active or passive acquisition and tracking systems.
Assists in air navigation, Air Order of Battle (AOB) integration, fire control planning, and determining effective weapons control and delivery tactics to achieve overall mission objectives.
Receives target briefs (9-lines) for weapons delivery. Conducts immediate first phase Battle Damage Assessments(BDA) for up-channel coordination and potential reattack.
Utilizes laser target marking systems to provide target identification and illumination in support of other combat assets. Responsible for engaging tactical laser for terminal weapons guidance and delivery of onboard weapons and other laser-guided munitions.
Conducts crewmember duties related to deployed and in-garrison launch and recovery operations. Specifically for RPA, a Sensor Operator configures Ground Control Station (GCS) and aircraft systems to effectively conduct handover operations.
All Sensor Operators monitor aircraft systems, notify pilot of system malfunctions, and assists with diagnosis and troubleshooting. Executes all normal and emergency procedure checklists and assists pilot in complying with all applicable technical orders and flight regulations.
Performs training, planning, standardization and evaluation, and other administrative duty functions for system operations. Conducts training for operations systems personnel.
Develops and reviews instructional methods and procedures used in Initial Qualification Training (IQT), Upgrade Training (UGT), and Continuation Training (CT). Reviews training status and recommends remedial training.
Evaluates aircrew academic, simulation, and in-flight performances. Reviews trend analysis of flight evaluations to identify training deficiencies.
Supervises subordinates during the performance of their duties. Reviews training status and arranges additional, remedial, and continuation training. Conducts periodic inspections of aircrew operations and unit activities.
Plans and organizes sensor operator systems apprentice/journeyman/craftsman activities. Develops and improves methods of personnel utilization and aircrew operations economy. Performs staff functions at squadron level and above where sensor operator expertise is required.
Advises commanders and staff officers of important changes and developments in the mission operations area. Identifies problems affecting the capability and efficiency of unit operations.
Facilitates planning, organizing, and executing operational and training missions. Revises personnel distribution within assigned mission functions.
Identifies and corrects faulty operational techniques. Determines mission requirements and recommends operational procedures to meet worldwide contingency and operational tasking.
Specialty Qualifications
Knowledge is mandatory of:
- Active and passive airborne sensor systems fundamentals.
- Air weapons control and delivery operations.
- Electro-optical, infrared, and synthetic aperture radar sensor theory.
- Basic imagery interpretation principles.
- TTPs for detection, recognition, identification and target tracking.
- TTPs for friendly and enemy AOB assets; RPA control procedures.
- Basic aircraft performance characteristics.
- Federal Aviation Regulations and Air Force General Flight Rules, airborne sensors and armaments.
- Maintaining publications.
- Emergency action procedures.
- ATO, ACO, SPINs, and fire support annexes.
For entry into this specialty completion of high school is desirable.
Training-
For award of AFSC 1U031, completion of a Basic Sensor Operator Course is mandatory.
Experience-
The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
- 1U051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1U031.
- 1U071. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1U051.
- 1U091. Qualification in and possession of 1U071, and experience in managing Sensor Operations.
- Flight experience is considered beneficial and desired, but not required for qualification in this AFSC.
The following are mandatory as indicated:
For entry into this specialty:
- Normal color vision and either a Flying Class III Physical, or Ground Based Aircraft Controller Physical according to AFI.
- Medical Examinations and Standards, Section 6H.
- Qualification for aviation service according to AFI 11-402, Aviation and Parachutist Service, Aeronautical Ratings and Aviation Badges.
- 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 environment.
- Completion of a current T5 Investigation IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory.
Civilian Career Options
High Salary: $107,540
Low Salary: $52,460
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondar: $55,620
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists: $68,380
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $67,550
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: $59,800
- General and Operations Managers: $103,650
- Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technician: $92,870
- Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists: $107,540
- Remote Sensing Technician: $52,460
***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
- 1U0X1O - RQ-4
- 1U0X1Q - MQ-1
- 1U0X1R - MQ-9
- 1U0X1T - MC-12
- 1U0X1U - AC-130U
- 1U0X1V - AC-130J
- 1U0X1W - AC-130W
- 1U0X1Y - CAA