Air Force Job Power Rankings
(Not Edited)
Update: Oct. 21st
I added the AirForce.com descriptions and tasks to each job
Well I haven’t had quite the time I’d like to really compile this list with my full thoughts and with full descriptions. However -for anyone curious- you can just simply search these to find a wealth of descriptions and information on what they are more technically, and where and for how long I train.
I’m just trying to get this list all penned so everyone I know can see what I’ve picked, but expect this post to get a little cut up and changed as I free up some time to write a longer description of what MEPS was like, and what my job list really means.
And for those wondering, I don’t have a ship date yet. That comes only after I’ve been assigned one of these jobs, and have that job re-written into a new active duty contract. Then I can finally get a ship date. (So no need to freak out just yet)
1. Knowledge Operations Management
The one tool more powerful than missiles is the information used to launch them. Every department of the Air Force survives on the management and distribution of information and data. As an Information Management specialist, you can be assigned to any unit in the Air Force. From working to create launch manuals in the publications department to storing and disposing of high-level documents in the records department, information management is an integral part of the daily function of the Air Force
* Perform, supervise and manage data, information and knowledge-sharing services in a fixed and expeditionary environment
* Plan, coordinate, share and control an organization’s data and information assets
* Manage technologies to capture, organize and store tacit and explicit knowledge
2. Material Management
From top-secret technology to paper clips, every Airman needs equipment and supplies to do their job. As part of the largest supply operation in the world, Material Management specialists manage the complex logistical puzzle of getting the right thing to the right place at the right time.
* Manage, administer and operate supply systems and activities in order to provide the necessary equipment and supplies for Air Force operations
* Perform item and monetary accounting and inventory stock control
* Responsible for financial planning, funds control, requirements computation, allowances determination, research and identification of supplies and equipment
* Responsible for demand processing, mission support, the customer service unit, retail sales, mobility and training
3. Operations Intelligence
The success of any mission depends just as much on the planning and intelligence behind it as the Airmen who are carrying it out. As an Operations Intelligence Specialist, you’ll work as part of a team to analyze all incoming information, looking for key elements that will help with missions. Through your combined research, you’ll create databases of information as well as materials to support combat mission planning and ensure our Airmen never go into battle blind.
* Analyze and produce intelligence information
* Develop and construct target materials in support of combat mission planning and execution
* Evaluate intelligence information to determine whether it’s accurate and then disseminate to appropriate levels of command
* Create databases for enemy forces, equipment, location and capabilities to aid all levels of command
* Provide intelligence briefings to commanders and aircrews
* Provide information and materials to commanders and mission planners for mission construction and execution
4. Communication Signals Intelligence
“It’s classified” will be your response when anyone asks what you do when you’re a Communications Signals Intelligence specialist. At its core, this job requires you to operate sophisticated equipment in order to intercept electronic signals in various forms.
You’ll have to interpret and analyze those signals to collect intelligence that you’ll then forward up the chain of command. You’ll also have to learn basic maintenance for the equipment you use because you could be in situations where tech support isn’t available or even cleared to help you.
* Proficient in international Morse Code and use receiving and recording equipment
* Find and receive signals from specific stations by selecting the proper antenna for specific frequency ranges or type of signal
* Use both manual and special electronic typewriters
* Use various types of classified reference materials to develop your ability to interpret and analyze communications so you can isolate certain information for detailed analysis and reporting
* Perform maintenance repair on expensive electronic equipment so it operates efficiently
5. Weather
Countless factors can affect the outcome of a mission, including something as simple as the weather. As a Weather Specialist, you’ll predict weather patterns and prepare forecasts, as well as brief pilots and commanders on weather conditions. There are eight weather squadrons around the world supporting our war fighters, which means you could end up doing your job in the United States or overseas.
* Analyze weather conditions, prepare forecasts, issue weather warnings and brief weather information to pilots
* Read and interpret weather satellite imagery, climatology reports, computerized weather prediction models and Doppler weather radar imagery
* Operate a weather radar console and a high-frequency pilot-to-metro radio
* Analyze and forecast weather elements such as clouds, visibility, winds, atmospheric pressure and many other parameters
6. Contracting
The Air Force takes its use of taxpayer money very seriously. That’s why Contracting specialists have strict standards and practices they must follow before awarding any contract. They must be master negotiators and have an exacting attention to detail. This is a critical position in the Air Force as every penny counts in helping us complete our mission.
* Buy equipment, supplies, services and construction to support base activities
* Review the purchase request description for completeness to determine the best method of contracting and advise the requester of problems associated with the purchase
* Select the source for the requirement, which involves checking publications that list companies and their products
* Prepare and send solicitation documents to companies for price quotes
* Analyze prices before preparing an order or contract
* Perform administrative orders and contract files, write letters to companies and base activities, prepare computer input data sheets and check computer data cards
* Learn to resolve contract problems
7. Diagnostic Imaging
The Air Force provides full-service healthcare to every single Airmen. That means having specialists on staff to meet every medical need. As a Diagnostic Imaging specialist, you’ll learn to take x rays of the entire body requiring an intimate knowledge of human anatomy in settings ranging from surgery centers to imaging rooms. As your career progresses, you can specialize in fields such as mammography, ultrasound, MRI and others. Whatever your career path, know that your skills and input will make a big difference in the care of the people you treat.
* Operate various types of imaging equipment to perform many types of radiologic exams
* Engage with sick and injured patients and be able to make decisions affecting their diagnosis and care
* Specialize in radiography, computed tomography, mammography, ultrasound, MRI or nuclear medicine
8. Biomedical Equipment
The Air Force operates medical facilities around the world from level 1 trauma centers to remote field clinics. No matter where the facility is, it has the all the equipment necessary to treat our Airmen, and if something breaks, an Air Force Biomedical Equipment specialist is there to fix it. You won’t just learn how to replace parts; you’ll learn how to repair components and circuit boards because when you’re in the middle of nowhere, you can’t send out for parts, especially when lives are on the line.
* Install, inspect, repair and modify biomedical equipment and support systems
* Knowledge in clinical applications, operation, inspection and maintenance of approximately 40 different medical devices and systems
* Use equipment such as dental operatory systems, steam sterilizers, electrocardiographs, defibrillators, physiological monitors, anesthesia systems, ventilators, clinical chemistry analyzers, fixed and mobile x-ray systems, field support equipment and computers
* Knowledge of advanced principles in electronics, pneumatics, hydraulics, mechanics and other physical sciences as it applies to medical technology
* Perform preventive maintenance and safety inspections, mechanical and electronic troubleshooting to component-level and job-related administrative actions
9. Aerospace Maintenance
Before an Air Force plane gets in the air, it has to first get by an Aerospace Maintenance specialist. In this role, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the plane is in perfect working order. If it’s not, you’ll work with specialists to repair what’s broken and get the plane ready to go. Pre-flight, you’ll give the plane one final look over to make sure it’s serviced with fuel, hydraulic fluid and liquid oxygen before giving it your final approval. Why does an Aerospace Maintenance specialist have so much responsibility? Because it’s not just a plane you’re putting in the air; it’s also a pilot.
* Perform scheduled inspections and preventive maintenance on aircraft and aircraft-installed equipment
* Execute post-flight examination to ensure aircraft is still in operating-ready condition
* Maintain and repair aircraft, performing general mechanical work as opposed to working on a specific system
10. Cyber Surety
A new battlefield has emerged and its conflicts are fought across the internet networks and computers of the world. In Cyber Surety, you’ll use every tool at your disposal from programming to hardware in order to detect and repel cyber attacks on our computer systems and infrastructure. Whether it’s a radar system or an intelligence database, your skills will keep them safe and sound.
* Supervise or operate fixed and deployed information technology (IT) and telecommunications resources to monitor, evaluate and maintain systems, policy and procedures to protect clients, networks, data/voice systems and databases from unauthorized activity
* Identify potential threats and manage resolution of security violations
* Enforce national, DoD, and Air Force security policies and directives; employ hardware and software tools to enhance the security by installing, monitoring, and directing proactive and reactive information protection and defensive measures to ensure Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) of IT resources
* Administer and manage the overall Information Assurance (IA) program to include Communications Security (COMSEC), Emissions Security (EMSEC) and Computer Security (COMPUSEC) programs
11. Cyber Systems Operations
The Air Force relies heavily on advanced computer and software systems, and thus it is paramount to keep those systems safe. Cyber Systems Operations specialists design, install and support our systems to ensure they operate properly and are secure from outside intrusion. The future of warfare relies heavily on having the best, most secure systems, and these specialists work to make sure ours meet the bill.
* Install, support and maintain servers or other computer systems and plan for responding to service outages and interruptions to network operations
* Administer server-based networked systems, distributed applications, network storage, messaging and application monitoring required to provide, sustain, operate and integrate cyber networked systems and applications in garrison and at deployed locations
* Knowledgeable in server operating systems, database administration, web technologies and systems-related project management
* Support identification, reconnaissance and exploitation of vulnerabilities while enhancing capabilities within cyber environments to achieve desired effects
Leave any comments and questions in the box, and I’ll try and answer them the best I can.
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Tags: Air Force, basic, BMT, enlistment, jobs, MEPS, military, ship date, USAF
Frustration Is…
I live in Florence, Kentucky. It’s technically Graeter Cincinnati, but the reason I bring it up is because located in my area, is an Amazon shipping center. Like, so close to where I live, that I applied for a job there. So imagine the frustration of ordering something for somebody, and watching the tracker for your item go from down the street, to Indianapolis, and back to your zip code in two days.
It’s maddening.
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Tags: Amazon, frustration, shipping
