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Operations Specialist (OS)

 

General Description
Function as plotters, radio-telephone and Command and Control sound-powered telephone talkers and maintain Combat Information Center (CIC) displays of strategic and tactical information. Operate surveillance and altitude radars Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and associated equipment. Serve as Air Traffic Controllers for helicopters and fixed-wing supersonic jet aircraft. Serve as watch supervisors and section leaders; interpret and evaluate presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to supervisors during watch conditions. Apply a thorough knowledge of doctrine and procedures applicable to CIC operations contained in U. S. Navy Instructions and Allied or U.S. Navy Publications and procedures necessary for radar navigation contained in Naval Oceanographic Office publications. Provide to the command technical information and assistance related to Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, and search and rescue operations, and other matters pertaining to the Operations Specialist's area.

What They Do
The duties performed by Operations Specialists include:
plot a ship's position, heading, and speed; operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems;
provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices.

Working Environment
Operations Specialists usually work in a clean, air-conditioned electronic equipment space or computer room, and frequently perform their work as part of a team, but may work on individual projects. Their work is mostly mental analysis and problem solving. USN OSs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, FTS OSs are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations. Upon completion of the course, OSs will be able to plot a ship's position, heading, and speed; operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems; and provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices. Since Navy programs and courses are revised at times, the information contained on this rating card is subject to change. 

 ASVAB REQUIREMENTS: VE + MK + CS = 157 OR AR + 2MK + GS = 210
Must have normal color perception
Must have normal hearing
Must have no speech impediment
Security clearance required
Must be a U.S. Citizen 

Note: Advancement opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in un
dermanned ratings have greater opportunity than those in overmanned ratings). Rating conversions will normally only be considered for those who are in appropriately manned or overmanned ratings who seek entry into undermanned ratings. Please see a career counselor for more information. 
 
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