2008-2009 Catalog - United States Air Force Academy

traffic, ground control approach, and air base towers. You’ll oversee air traffic flying operations and systems; you’ll serve as a
staff officer on matters concerning air traffic control; and you’ll advise flying units on air traffic control support.
Space Operations
It has been said that space is the ultimate high ground. If you are interested in space, using space, or even being in this high
ground, then the Academy is the place for you! The Air Force Academy is the premier undergraduate institution, educating and
training its graduates to understand and exploit space in defense of the United States. From core classes that all cadets take,
to advanced classes aimed specifically at building satellites and rockets for Air Force missions, the Academy is a “hotbed” of
space activity. After graduation there are a host of opportunities to actually work in the space career field. Here are a few of the
exciting space related careers, and a short description of each:
Space And Missile Operations
Using space capabilities to defend our nation, covers the full spectrum of space related jobs in launch vehicle and launch pad
operations, space range control, satellite command and control, orbit analysis, space surveillance or space object tracking,
missile warning, space control, and missile combat crew. Space operators perform duties around the world. This career needs
people who are technologically savvy—able to manage people and hardware to meet national security objectives. Missile
combat crew involves responsibility for the nation’s most powerful weapon system—Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs).
Space Engineers
The space community relies not only on astronautical engineers but mechanical, electrical, environmental, civil, and systems
engineers to produce cutting edge systems. The astronautical engineer is uniquely prepared for Air Force duty with space
systems as they are specialists in research, design, development, test, and analysis of space technology and aerospace avionics.
Space engineers are needed throughout the space community and serve around the United States.
Space Aggressors
Understanding space systems’ vulnerabilities to attack is the job of the Space Aggressor. Highly skilled warriors, they design
and participate in war games to better understand our space system’s strengths and weaknesses. From their work we develop
next generation systems as well as cutting edge tactics and technology to protect U.S. space assets and defeat enemy space
systems. These jobs are located in the Colorado Springs area.
Science And Engineering
Our engineers are planning the Air Force of tomorrow—today! If it has to be designed, built, tested, moved, or remodeled, our
engineers will do it. Whether it’s constructing a 30,000-squarefoot building on an Air Force base, developing the guidance and
control systems for spacecraft and missiles, or doing flight and wind tunnel testing on new aircraft, Air Force engineers are
there. Some engineering opportunities include: aeronautical, astronautical, architectural, civil, electrical, and nuclear. Hundreds
of diverse specialties are included in a variety of work settings.
Acquisition Management
Acquisition management officers may be involved in life-cycle management of a major system or subsystem. You’ll participate
in a project from its beginning through the validation and engineering phases. You may continue to monitor a project during
production or deployment.
Communications And Computers
Air Force technology is speeding into the 21st century. As an Air Force communications computer officer, you’ll be a part of
this exciting process-tracing electrical impulses to a computer’s brain, fine-tuning aircraft navigational aids, or translating ideas
for communications-computer systems into engineering specifications.
You’ll be at the forefront of technology, implementing and maintaining software, firmware, and databases to support functional
mission requirements. With the rapid advances in communication, computer, and video technology, your expertise will
influence the day-to-day activities of nearly all Air Force organizations.
Weather
As a weather officer you’ll be utilizing cutting edge technology in providing timely, accurate, and relevant weather information
to our nation’s war fighters. You’ll be an integral part of operational mission planning to provide critical weather information
needed to make accurate decisions worldwide. Whether providing support from centralized, unit, or forward locations, weather
officers exploit the weather to ensure mission success!
Aircraft Maintenance
Maintaining a squadron of high-tech aircraft in mission-ready status requires the dedication of skilled aircraft maintenance
United States Air Force Academy Catalog 21