2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

your future in the air force
Every Air Force assignment involves hard work and increasing responsibilities. Yet, each assignment offers many personal and
professional rewards. Your unique skills and talents will match you to an appropriate Air Force officer career field.
Over half of Academy graduates may be selected for flying training. These graduates serve in approximately 15 flying- related
careers as navigators and pilots. We’ve outlined some of them for you. No matter which career you choose, it offers unique and
exciting opportunities after graduation.
Fighter Pilot
Defining the Air Force by their expertise and courage are the Fighter Pilots. These denizens of the air are trained in the latest
and most powerful jet fighters in the world. As fighter pilots you’ll command crews to complete combat and training missions.
Your responsibilities will include reviewing mission tasking, intelligence/weather information and ensuring that mission
preparation is complete. During missions, you’ll operate aircraft controls and equipment, direct or supervise navigation,
monitor in-flight refueling and oversee weapon delivery. You’ll ensure the readiness of the crew by conducting or supervising
mission-specific crewmember training.
Combat Systems Officer
At the forefront of Air Force operations are Combat Systems
Officers. You might be a weapons systems officer (WSO) or
electronic warfare officer (EWO), or a panel navigator who
successfully completes combat and training missions.
WSOs are assigned to the F-15E and B-1 aircraft. EWOs have the
opportunity to fill positions in the RC-135, E-3A, EC-130, MC-130,
and the B-52. Navigators are assigned to RC-135, B-52, C-130, and
E-3A airframes. In preparing for missions you’ll review mission
tasking, intelligence/weather information, mission and flight
operations, and conduct crew briefings. Additionally, you’ll ensure
the aircraft is properly equipped and crewmembers are “missionready.”
Air Battle Managers
All Air Force air operations require the command and control
function to be successful. Air Battle Managers are assigned to the
E-3A or the E-8 aircraft. In preparing for missions you’ll review
mission tasking, intelligence/weather information, mission and flight
operations, and conduct crew briefings. Additionally, you’ll ensure
the aircraft is properly equipped and crewmembers are “missionready."
Bomber Pilot
Bombing missions require expert flying skills, nerves of steel, and
training available only in the Air Force. As a bomber pilot you’ll
command aircraft and crew during combat and training missions.
You are responsible for mission planning—reviewing mission
tasking, intelligence/weather information, and supervision of
overall mission preparation. During missions you’ll operate aircraft
controls and equipment, and supervise/direct navigation activities.
In-flight refueling and weapon delivery are also your responsibility.
Bomber pilots ensure operational readiness of aircraft and crew by
conducting or supervising mission-specific crewmember training.
Airlift Pilot
Airlift Pilots transport equipment and personnel in order to safely
and successfully complete assigned missions. Included in your
responsibilities are mission planning/preparation, operation of
aircraft and equipment, supervision of navigation, in-flight refueling,
% of
Category/Specialty Officers Non-Flying
Operations: . 11%
Air Traffic Controller 1%
Air Battle Manager 1%
Combat System Operator 1%
Space and Missile Operations 8%
Scientific/Technical: . 45%
Weather 1%
Scientific 6%
Civil Engineering 7%
Development Engineering 11%
Acquisition Management 7%
Communications/Computers 13%
Sortie Generation/Logistics:. . 14%
Missile Maintenance 1%
Aircraft Maintenance 4%
Logistics Plans/Programs 3%
Intelligence 6%
Mission Support: . 30%
Contracting 7%
Financial 3%
Manpower/Personnel 3%
Security Police 2%
Services 1%
Information Management 4%
Public Affairs 1%
Special Investigations 1%
Health Services Administration 5%
Biomedical Services 1%
Other 2%
United States Air Force Academy Catalog 19