CEM Code 1A300 Journeyman AFSC 1A351
AFSC 1A391, Superintendent Apprentice AFSC 1A331
AFSC 1A371, Craftsman Helper AFSC 1A311
AIRBORNE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
1. Specialty Summary. Operates transmitting and receiving equipment on airborne platforms to conduct air-to-ground
and air-to-air communications; and operates airborne electronic reconnaissance equipment. Performs preflight and
postflight inspections of flight director, navigation, and weather radar systems, and all airborne communications
systems. Supervises airborne communications systems operations. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 201.
2. Duties and Responsibilities:
2.1. Performs aircrew duties. Analyzes airborne communications records, technical reports, frequencies, and connectivity
reports. Ensures in-flight communications.
2.2. Performs communications systems inspection before and after airborne communications missions. Inspects and
operates airborne communications and navigation equipment and associated systems. Discusses findings with maintenance
personnel, and recommends corrective action. Reviews inspection reports submitted by other activities, and initiates
corrective action. Performs aircraft preflight, in-flight, and postflight inspections. Troubleshoots and isolates
airborne communications and navigation equipment malfunctions. Operates and supervises operation of aircraft secure
voice equipment; secure and non-secure teletype equipment; data link equipment; radio relay equipment; satellite
communications equipment; airborne unconventional warfare systems; multiplex equipment; recording equipment; electronic
countermeasures equipment; high frequency, very high frequency, ultra high frequency, extremely high frequency,
super high frequency, low frequency, very low frequency, and frequency modulation systems; international Morse
code; and navigation systems; weather radar, flight director systems, inertial navigation system, and Doppler systems.
2.3. Supervises airborne communications systems operations. Checks methods used in transmitting, receiving, and
recording airborne communications signals. Conducts communications briefings. Determines training requirements.
Supervises communications activities.
2.4. Manages airborne communications systems operations. Plans and conducts conferences and classes in operating
methods. Manages communications activities. Resolves problems encountered by communications personnel. Ensures
mission objectives regarding personnel adequacy, equipment status, and operating efficiency are attained. Establishes
operational and training policies.
2.5. Plans, organizes, and directs airborne communications activities. Determines and provides for using and
controlling space, equipment, time, and supplies. Determines and distributes required to operate each communications
team, and for specific duties and positions.
3. Specialty Qualifications:
3.1. Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: functions and operation of airborne communications systems equipment;
worldwide communications procedures; direction-finding procedures; and multiplex switchboard, teletype, voice,
and international Morse code procedures.
3.2. Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in typing, speech, and
English is desirable.
3.3. Training. For award of AFSC 1A331, completion of the airborne communications systems operator course is
mandatory.
3.4. Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
3.4.1. 1A351. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A331. Also, experience in operating airborne communications
equipment and associated systems.
3.4.2. 1A371. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A351. Also, experience performing or supervising functions
such as airborne communications systems operation.
3.4.3. 1A391. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 1A371. Also, experience managing airborne communications
operations.
3.5. Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:
3.5.1. For entry, award, and retention of these AFSCs:
3.5.1.1. Qualification for aviation service according to AFI 11-402, Aviation And Parachutist Service, Aeronautical
Ratings and Badges.
3.5.1.2. Physical qualification for aircrew duty according to AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards.
3.5.2. For entry, award, and retention of AFSCs 1A311/31/51/71, physical qualification for voice communications
operations.
3.5.3. For award of AFSC 1A331, ability to type at a minimum rate of 25 words per minute.
3.5.4. For award and retention of AFSCs 1A331/51/71/91/00, eligibility for a Top Secret security clearance according
to AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management.
