Occupation · SOC 55-1011

Air Crew Officers

Perform and direct in-flight duties to ensure the successful completion of combat, reconnaissance, transport, and search and rescue missions. Duties include operating aircraft communications and radar equipment, such as establishing satellite linkages and jamming enemy communications capabilities; operating aircraft weapons and defensive systems; conducting preflight, in-flight, and postflight inspections of onboard equipment; and directing cargo and personnel drops.

Median wage
Projected growth
Annual openings
per year
Employed (US)
Job Zone —
Typical preparation
Stackable credential programs
0 mapped

Core skills

Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordination

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training

Technology & tools

Data base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software

Representative tasks

Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, reMaintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and r

Competency framework

Skill expectations by proficiency level.

emerging
Inmate counts — conduct periodic headcounts under direct supervision in assigned housing units following established count protocols.Institutional regulations — review and apply basic rules and procedures with guidance from senior officers during initial post assignments.Facility order — monitor assigned areas for disturbances and report observations to supervising personnel in a correctional setting.Emergency response procedures — recognize escape indicators and immediately notify supervisory staff in accordance with facility protocol.Active listening skills — receive and relay inmate requests and communications accurately during routine shift interactions.Incident documentation — record basic observations and count results using word processing or office suite software in the facility records system.Public safety protocols — follow posted security procedures and access-control checklists under direct officer supervision at assigned posts.Situational awareness — identify routine versus unusual inmate behavior patterns and escalate concerns to a senior officer on shift.Oral communication — convey clear, concise verbal instructions to inmates regarding facility rules under supervisor guidance.Technology tools — enter count data and shift notes into database user interface software with assistance from experienced crew officers.
developing
Inmate counts — independently execute and verify scheduled periodic counts across multiple assigned areas with minimal supervisory oversight.Discipline and security — maintain order within assigned areas during routine operations by applying institutional rules and regulations consistently.Policy compliance — apply knowledge of current institutional policies and procedures to daily enforcement decisions without needing frequent guidance.Emergency response — respond to escape attempts or disturbances using established emergency protocols, coordinating with fellow officers on shift.Social perceptiveness — assess inmate demeanor and group dynamics during routine patrols to anticipate potential conflicts before escalation.Incident reporting — prepare accurate shift reports and incident logs using spreadsheet and word processing software for supervisor review.Coordination — synchronize count schedules and post rotations with colleagues to ensure continuous security coverage across the facility.Critical thinking — evaluate ambiguous situations encountered during rounds and determine appropriate enforcement actions under general supervision.Deductive reasoning — apply facility regulations to specific inmate conduct cases and select the correct disciplinary response from available options.Communication technology — use electronic mail software to distribute shift summaries and flag security concerns to relevant facility personnel.
proficient
Count integrity — design and lead complex multi-unit count procedures, reconciling discrepancies and ensuring accuracy across an entire shift without oversight.Security management — autonomously maintain discipline and order in high-risk or volatile housing units by applying advanced knowledge of law and institutional policy.Policy mastery — interpret, apply, and enforce the full scope of institutional regulations including edge cases and non-routine disciplinary situations.Emergency command — take charge of emergency responses such as escapes or major disturbances, directing staff actions and communicating with external agencies.Judgment and decision making — independently assess complex, rapidly evolving security scenarios and implement decisive interventions to protect facility safety.Psychological acuity — apply knowledge of psychology to de-escalate inmate conflicts and manage individuals exhibiting distressed or aggressive behavior.Regulatory analysis — read and interpret updated government and law enforcement directives, integrating changes into daily enforcement practice.Data management — generate comprehensive operational reports using database query and spreadsheet software to support facility administration and audits.Training delivery — mentor newly assigned officers on count procedures, emergency protocols, and conduct standards during on-the-job training rotations.Cross-functional coordination — collaborate with medical, administrative, and external law enforcement personnel to manage complex incidents across the facility.
advanced
Operational leadership — set strategic security priorities for the facility, translating institutional mission into actionable policies that govern all crew officer operations.Policy development — author and revise facility-wide rules, regulations, and procedures, ensuring alignment with law, government standards, and public safety requirements.Emergency preparedness — lead the design and exercise of facility-wide emergency response plans, including escape scenarios, riot protocols, and external agency coordination.Workforce development — build and oversee structured training curricula for air crew and correctional officers, elevating competency standards across all mastery levels.Accountability systems — establish count verification systems and audit mechanisms that ensure count integrity and security compliance at the organizational level.Organizational culture — model and institutionalize values of integrity, dependability, and self-control to shape professional standards across the officer workforce.Senior decision authority — exercise final judgment on high-stakes disciplinary cases, emergency escalations, and critical security breaches affecting the entire facility.Technology strategy — evaluate and direct the adoption of database, presentation, and communication software platforms to improve facility operations and reporting efficiency.Interagency relations — represent the facility in negotiations and coordination with law enforcement, government bodies, and oversight agencies on security and compliance matters.Performance oversight — analyze facility-wide security metrics and incident data to identify systemic risks and drive continuous improvement across all operational units.

Also known as

10 alternate job titles map to this occupation.

Airdrop Systems TechnicianAstronaut, Mission SpecialistHelicopter OfficerNaval Flight Officer, Airborne Reconnaissance OfficerNaval Flight Officer, Bombardier/NavigatorNaval Flight Officer, Electronic Warfare OfficerNaval Flight Officer, Qualified Supporting Arms Coordinator (Airborne)Naval Flight Officer, Radar Intercept OfficerNaval Flight Officer, Weapons Systems OfficerSpecial Project Airborne Electronics Evaluator
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