Operations specialist (United States Navy)
An Operations Specialist (OS) is a United States Navy enlisted rating responsible for operating advanced electronic equipment and displays used to gather, process, analyze, and disseminate tactical information to command and control authorities. They serve as the combat information center (CIC) watch team, coordinating and controlling all surface, subsurface, and air operations.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Operations Specialists perform a wide range of duties, including:
- Tactical Data Management: Monitoring and interpreting data from radar, sonar, electronic warfare systems, and other sensors to identify and track potential threats and friendly forces.
- Communications: Transmitting and receiving voice and data communications via various radio and satellite communication systems.
- Navigation: Assisting in navigation by plotting courses, monitoring ship's position, and providing recommendations to the bridge watch team.
- Electronic Warfare Support: Assisting in the operation and maintenance of electronic warfare equipment.
- Weapons Control: Assisting in the control and coordination of shipboard weapons systems during combat operations.
- Air Traffic Control: In some instances, providing air traffic control services for shipboard helicopter operations.
- Search and Rescue: Participating in search and rescue operations.
- Intelligence Analysis: Analyzing tactical data to identify patterns and trends that may indicate enemy activity.
- Training: Providing training to other personnel on the operation and maintenance of CIC equipment.
- Watchstanding: Maintaining a continuous watch in the CIC, providing situational awareness to the commanding officer and other decision-makers.
Working Environment:
Operations Specialists typically work in the Combat Information Center (CIC), a secure and climate-controlled space equipped with sophisticated electronic equipment. The CIC can be a high-stress environment, particularly during combat operations or exercises. They may work long hours and irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. OSs can be stationed on a wide variety of Navy vessels, including aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, submarines, and amphibious warfare ships, as well as shore-based commands.
Training and Qualifications:
To become an Operations Specialist, recruits must complete basic military training (boot camp) followed by specialized training at a Navy technical school. The length of the school varies depending on the specific area of specialization. Training includes instruction in radar theory, sonar principles, communications procedures, tactical data management, and electronic warfare. Further on-the-job training is provided throughout their careers.
Related Civilian Occupations:
The skills and experience gained as an Operations Specialist can be valuable in a variety of civilian occupations, including:
- Air Traffic Controller
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Intelligence Analyst
- Security Specialist
- Law Enforcement Dispatcher
- Emergency Management Specialist