Combat Systems Officer (CSO)

What is a CSO?

A CSO is a tactical expert in their aircraft, specializing in weapon systems employment, electronic warfare operations, and navigation. CSO training merges Weapons System Officer (WSO), Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO), and Navigator training into one centralized pipeline producing versatile aeronautically rated officers for tomorrow’s Air Force. CSOs are trained experts on employing both kinetic and non-kinetic effects at the right place and the right time supporting operations across the spectrum of conflict. Whether dropping ordnance, delivering humanitarian aid, carrying out Special Operations, dominating the electromagnetic spectrum, or collecting intelligence, CSOs are at the tip of the spear executing Air Force operations around the world.

Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training

Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training (UCT) is conducted aboard beautiful Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL. Once on station, all students will enter the Primary Syllabus which includes classes on basic airmanship, weather, physiology, and navigation. Students then move to the T-25 simulator, which can simulate a range of navigation, weapons employment, and electronic warfare missions. Primary culminates in several flights in a T-6B Texan II, flying contact sorties in which students are acclimated to the aerobatic flight environment, high level sorties practicing instrument procedures, and low level visual navigation flights. At the end of primary, students “track” to EWO, Navigator, SO (Special Operations) or WSO.

Naval Air Station, Pensacola, home of Undergraduate CSO Training

The advanced side of UCT is where students learn the tools of their trade. EWOs learn advanced electronic attack and support, WSOs learn weaponeering and radio communications, Navigators learn advanced navigation and crew coordination, and Special Operations students learn sensor operation and how to operate in a special ops environment. All students fly with one another during the flight line portion of advanced phase in a specially modified version of the T-1A Jayhawk. One student sits in the copilot seat and operates aircraft systems, talks on the radios, and runs checklists, while the student in the back of the aircraft operates electronic warfare systems, defends the aircraft from simulated enemy threats, and employs weapons. Missions in the T-1A include visual low level navigation, dynamic tasking, and fighter intercept. Near the end of advanced phase, students select or “drop” their assigned aircraft and finish the syllabus with “top-off” training specific to that mission set. The training culminates in students receiving their wings and the Combat Systems Officer rating.

Operational Combat Systems Officers

Once graduated from Undergraduate Combat Systems Officer Training, newly minted CSOs will go to their assigned base where they will receive between 4 and 10 months of additional mission training on their specific aircraft. Once combat mission ready, CSOs are prepared to deploy worldwide in support of USAF and joint operations. CSOs are mission leaders with a keen air sense and expertise in the electromagnetic spectrum, sensor operations, targeting, mission planning, and tactical communication, ready to fight the wars of tomorrow.

For more information, visit the Official Air Force CSO Career Page . Also, check out these videos of CSOs in action. 

  • Weapons System Officer (WSO)

  • Navigator (Nav)

    • Responsible for mission planning, aircraft navigation, and crew coordination

    • B-52 Navigator (non-governmental)

  • Combat Systems Officer (CSO).

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