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AFSC 61S4, Staff
AFSC 61S3, Qualified
AFSC 61S1, Entry

Specialty Summary. Conducts or manages programs, projects, and activities to perform research. Research includes defining a problem, selecting methods of approach, performing experiments, accumulating and interpreting data, and publishing results. Research management includes formulating, planning, fiscal programming, monitoring, evaluating, coordinating, and administering programs, projects, and activities. Related DoD Occupational Group: 5A (5E for behavioral scientist).

Duties and Responsibilities:

Conducts and manages research. Plans research projects, determines theoretical aspects of problem, and selects methods of approach. Constructs experimental models, conducts experiments, devises instrumentation and techniques to record and collect test results, correlates data compiled in research, and interprets results. Is cognizant of and applies interdisciplinary scientific knowledge to plan and conduct research programs.

Develops new concepts, methods, and techniques to solve scientific problems. Analyzes theories and research findings to determine applications. Engages in continuous development and modification to improve performance and suitability of products and production processes. Employs mathematical techniques including probability and statistics, simulation, optimization theories, and computer systems to analyze, depict, and display data and analysis results. Develops design studies and monitors contracts.

Recommends research and development projects, and acceptance or non-acceptance of research products. Prepares technical reports, including recommendations for additional research and development projects. Maintains research records and development project records. Serves as technical consultant or representative on scientific and technical boards and committees. Maintains liaison with private sector research organizations, Air Force research and operational organizations, Army, Navy, and other government agencies.

Manages scientific programs, projects, and activities. Coordinates research efforts with related and interested agencies. Plans, organizes, and directs laboratories, field units, and staff agencies. Provides staff supervision over activities and programs. Performs as staff officer and manager in positions requiring technical specialization.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of Air Force acquisition and research policies, procedures, and management practices as they apply to the specialty overall or the specific scientific suffix.

Education. For entry into this AFSC, an undergraduate academic degree in the specialization identified by the suffix is mandatory.

Training. For award of AFSC 61S3X, completion of the Defense Acquisition University Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition Management (ACQ 101) course or Acquisition Fundamentals Course (L3OQR63A1).

Experience. For award of AFSC 61S3X, a minimum of 24 months of experience is mandatory. It is mandatory that experience include assignments in such activities as research, development, design, and technical writing in the suffix specialization. A master’s degree in the suffix specialization may be substituted for 12 of the required 24 months experience. A Doctor of Philosophy degree in the suffix specialization fulfills the 24 month requirement.

Other. None.

Specialty Shredouts:

A....................Analytical
B....................Behavioral
C....................Chemist
D....................Physicist
E....................Mathematician

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Above Information Derived from AFMAN 36-2105