Duties and Responsibilities:
Observes, records, and disseminates weather data and information. Uses fixed and deployable meteorological sensors to measure and evaluate atmospheric and space weather conditions.
Uses satellite and radar imagery, computer generated graphics, and weather communication equipment and instruments to analyze atmospheric and space data and information.
Forecasts atmospheric and space weather conditions. Issues warnings and advisories to alert users to mission critical weather. Exploits weather analysis and data to enhance combat operations and training.
Tailors and communicates weather information to meet operational requirements.
Manages weather operations. Adapts weather resources to meet mission requirements. Ensures standardization and quality weather products, operations, and activities.
Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: combat weather skills; characteristics and principles of atmospheric and space weather; observation, analysis, prediction, and dissemination of weather information; operation of fixed and deployable meteorological or space weather systems; weather communications systems; use of weather products; and operator maintenance of weather equipment and instruments.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in physics, chemistry, earth sciences, geography, computer sciences, and mathematics is desirable.
Training. Completion of the following training is mandatory as indicated:
For award of AFSC 1W031, completion of a basic weather course.
For award of suffix A at the 3- or 5-skill level, completion of an advanced weather course.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: (Note: See Explanation of Air Force Specialty Codes).
1W051. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W031. Also, experience performing functions such as observing, analyzing, and disseminating atmospheric or space weather data and information; or performing meteorological watch.
1W051A. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W031A. Also, experience performing functions such as observing, forecasting, analyzing, and disseminating atmospheric or space weather data and information; or performing meteorological watch.
1W071A. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W051A. Also, experience performing functions such as forecasting or supervising space or atmospheric weather operations.
1W091. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1W071A. Also, experience performing functions such as directing or managing atmospheric or space weather operations.
Other.The following are mandatory as indicated:
For entry into this specialty:
1. Normal color vision as defined in
AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.
2. Ability to speak distinctly.
For entry, award, and retention of these AFSCs:
Visual acuity correctable to 20/20.
Eligibility for a Secret
security clearance, according to
AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Management Program, is mandatory.
Specialty Shredouts
Suffix Portion of AFS to Which Related
A Forecaster
Note: Suffix A is applicable only to the 3-, 5-, and 7-skill levels. The 7-skill level AFSC is not authorized for use without suffix A.
Strength Req : H
Physical Profile: 231221
Citizenship: Yes
Required Appitude Score : G-64 and E-50 (Changes to G-66 and E-50, effective 1 Jul 04).
Technical Training:
Course #: J3ABR1T131 003
Length: Approximately 8 months.
Location : K
Note: Assignments for new weather troops are done a little differently than for most Air Force Jobs. Weather troops who graduate from the 8-month technical school at Keesler AFB, MS are assigned to one of eight major Air Force Weather "Hubs" (which are major regional weather forcasting stations) to undergo intensive on-the-job training for a period of 15 to 24 months. For Example, Barksdale AFB, LA, forcasts for the South Central United States, as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Shaw AFB in SC does Southeast US and the Middle East. The eight Air Force Weather "Hub" bases are: Barksdale AFB, LA, Shaw AFB, SC, Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, Scott AFB, IL, Sembach AB, Germany, Yakota AB, Japan, Hickam AFB, HI, and Elmendorff AFB, AK.
Following this OJT, they return to Keesler to attend the 3-month Weather Observer course, and are usually then reassigned to an Air Force Weather Squadron or detachment (see possible assignment locations, below).
Also see Air Force Combat Weather, which is a special duty assignment available to personnel who hold this AFSC.
Detailed Career & Training Information for This Job
Space Weather Troops- A Sunny Outlook.
