Operation Specialists (OS's) function as plotters, radio-telephone and Command and Control sound-powered telephone talkers and maintain Combat Information Center (CIC) displays of strategic and tactical information. They operate surveillance and altitude radars Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and associated equipment.
They also serve as Air Traffic Controllers for helicopters and fixed-wing supersonic jet aircraft. OS Sailors serve as watch supervisors and section leaders; interpret and evaluate presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to supervisors during watch conditions.
They apply a thorough knowledge of doctrine and procedures applicable to CIC operations contained in U. S. Navy Instructions and Allied or U.S. Navy Publications and procedures necessary for radar navigation contained in Naval Oceanographic Office publications. OSs provide to the command technical information and assistance related to Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, and search and rescue operations, and other matters pertaining to the Operations Specialist's area.
The duties performed by Operations Specialists include:
- plot a ship's position, heading, and speed;
- operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems;
- provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices.
Working Environment
Operations Specialists usually work in a clean, air-conditioned electronic equipment space or computer room, and frequently perform their work as part of a team, but may work on individual projects. Their work is mostly mental analysis and problem solving. USN OSs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, FTS OSs are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations. Upon completion of the course, OSs will be able to plot a ship’s position, heading, and speed; operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems; and provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices.
Qualifications
Operations Specialists must be U.S. citizens and be able to meet all security clearance requirements. A good working knowledge of arithmetic, the capability for understanding modern computing devices, the ability to speak and write well and function as a member of an integrated team, do detailed work and keep accurate records, some physical strength and good manual dexterity are important qualifications.
Advancement
Enlistees enter the Navy as E-1s (seaman recruits). Advancement to E-2 (seaman apprentice may be achieved after nine months of successful naval service, with advancement to E-3 (seaman) after an additional nine months. Re-enlistment bonuses for eligible personnel are paid at the time of re-enlistment. All bonuses are in addition to Navy salary and allowances for food and housing.
Opportunities
Because of the skills and expertise needed by the Operations Specialist, acceptance is limited to highly motivated and qualified applicants. About 8,000 men and women work in the OS rating. Graduates of OS "A" School will be assigned to ships in the United States or overseas.
OS - Combat Air Controller
Combat Air Controllers control assigned aircraft in simple or multiple warfare environments by using radios, radars, and other means. They control fixed wing and/or rotary aircraft from land, carrier based or own ships assets. They provide safety of flight, passing of information, directions and necessary assistance to aircraft in the event of emergencies, They also utilize assigned aircraft as an extension of own ships weapons capabilities.
OS - Electronic Systems Operator
Electronic Systems Operators initialize, configure, operate and monitor the functions of various electronics and command and control systems to include but not limited to the operations of consoles, computers, radars and radar display equipment and systems. They operate Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment, various data link systems, communication equipment and electronic charting systems.
OS - Navigation And Plotting Specialist
Navigation and Plotting Specialists are responsible to the Navigation Officer in providing assistance for the safe navigation of the ship for inland and open ocean navigation. They also calculate and compute maneuvering boards for safe navigation around shipping contacts. They maintain various displays and plots to include but not limited to Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Air Warfare (AW), and Surface Warfare (SUW) Plots, navigation, weather and anchoring operations.
OS - Operations Administrator
Operations Administrators develop and execute shipboard communications plans and unit Search and Rescue (SAR) efforts. They perform the administration of chart maintenance, drafting of Naval messages, classified material control, and the maintenance and review of various watch stations logs and records. They conduct briefs, debriefs, and assist in the coordination of combat systems training scenarios as well as special evolutions preparations.
OS - Warfare Operator
Warfare Operators recommend defensive and offensive actions against air, surface and subsurface threats to concerned command and control watch stations. They coordinate and operate data link systems, internal and external communications equipment, and plot and report contact information. They interpret and evaluate geographical, strategic and summary plots and procedures to make recommendations to supervisors during watch conditions. They gather, process and disseminate information to various ship control stations. They operate up-to-date tactical and strategic warfare systems while coordinating air and surface warfare situational awareness.
030408-N-6501M-001 Zamboanga City, Republic of the Philippines (Apr. 8, 2003) -- Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class Jill M. Gammon watches air traffic from her radar station aboard a P-3C Orion during a return flight from Edwin-Andrews Air Base located in Zamboanga City. Petty Officer Gammon is attached to Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) and deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Edward G. Martens. (RELEASED)
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