Job: Aviation Operations Specialist (15P)

JOIN THE U.S. ARMY!
To be a U.S. Army Soldier is to be a part of the strongest fighting force in the world. You'll spend your days training, working and serving together to protect America's freedoms. But you'll also have time after work for family, friends and personal interests. From recruitment to retirement, the U.S. Army provides a unique and diverse lifestyle for Soldiers.


Aviation Operations Specialists help operate one of the largest fleets of aircraft in the world. Hundreds of transport, passenger and combat airplanes and helicopters fly missions every day. Accurate flight information keeps operations safe and efficient. Aviation Operations Specialists prepare and provide flight information for air and ground crews. The Aviation Operations Specialist is primarily responsible for scheduling and dispatching tactical aircraft missions. Some of your duties as an Aviation Operations Specialist may include:

* Process local and cross-country flight clearances
* Check accuracy of flight plans
* Coordinate flight plans
* Maintain flight logs on incoming and outgoing flights
* Alert crash crews of emergencies
* Safeguard classified materials
* Interpret and post weather reports
* Maintain individual flight records and functional files

Job training for an Aviation Operations Specialist requires nine weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and eight weeks of Advanced Individual Training and on-the-job training. Part of this time is spent in a classroom and part in the field under simulated combat. Some of the skills you'll learn are:

* Introduction to Army aviation operations
* Procedures for scheduling aircraft and assigning air crews
* Flight planning and airfield operations
* Preparing flight operation reports and records

Helpful attributes include:

* Interest in work involving computers
* Ability to use typewriters and office machines
* Interest in aircraft and air traffic
* Ability to keep accurate records
* Interest in mathematics

Advanced level Aviation Operations Specialists provides guidance, supervises and trains other Soldiers within the same discipline. As an advanced level Aviation Operations Specialist, you may be involved in:

* Review, consolidate and prepare technical reports
* Know procedures for reporting flight violations
* Prepare situation maps
* Supervise the receipt and transfer of classified materials
* Participate in the development of tactical crash rescue systems

Your training as an Aviation Operations Specialist will provide you with the skills that will make it possible for you to pursue a civilian career in aviation. Civilian flight operations specialists often work for commercial and private airlines, air transport companies and airports.

* Air Defense C4I Tactical Operations Center Enhanced Operator Maintainer (14J)
* Radio Operator-Maintainer (25C)

Learn more about the relationship between military training and civilian certification requirements.