Performs system resource management, manages system user accounts, performs system-wide backups, and load and capacity planning and management. Installs, implements, configures, and maintains functional system components. Connects systems to infrastructure. Administers database operations, implements conversions, and investigates problems in database environment. Conducts local functional and connectivity testing to ensure continuing operability, provides ongoing optimization and problem- solving support, and recovers systems from malfunctions and security intrusions. Provides customer assistance and informal training for assigned systems. Utilizes network components (e.g., trusted routers, bastion hosts, gateways, firewalls, etc.) or information systems to enforce mandatory access control. Applies computer security requirements to safeguard systems and information.
Securely processes, tracks, and oversees delivery of classified and unclassified message traffic via Defense Message System (DMS) and Exchange E-mail System. Manages domain and exchange administration and trains customers on Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNET) usage when SIPRNET systems are collocated in message centers. Provides operational support and guidance for legacy messaging systems (e.g., Automatic Digital Network (AUTODIN), Message Distribution Terminal (MDT) and Communications System Processor (CSP)). Verifies users security clearance and "need to know" to classified message material.
The "real deal:" (Provided by DANIEL1127, a member of our message forum):
There are a lot of different aspects to the 3C0X1 job, and your day will be slightly different depending on what your job is.
3C0's are Comm. Computer Systems Operators. You could end up doing any of the following duties:
1. Helpdesk-basically answering phones and troubleshooting computer problems for users. You're the 1st line of "defense". Everyone on base that has trouble with their computer will be calling the helpdesk first. It's stressful and busy, but the days fly by. Anyone, from the base commander to the dining hall cashiers, might call with a problem. Normally you'll spend a few minutes trying to diagnose and fix the problem with them, and if you can't get it fixed, you'll open a work order for one of the technicians to go look at and fix.
2. Small Computer Technician- Here you'll be responsible for actually doing hands on troubleshooting and repair work. Normally the helpdesk will open a problem report and you'll actually go out to the office or location of the problem and fix it there. If it can't be fixed there, you'll bring it back to the shop and work on it there. The shop I worked in was kinda split. There were people who preferred not to go out and fix things, so we'd just bring the computers that needed fixed back to the shop and they stayed and worked on them, while we took care of things out in the field. It's always busy.
3. LAN Install- LAN Installers are responsible for installing network hardware such as routers, hubs, new network cabling, etc. For example if a new building or office was opened or reconstructed, etc, the LAN installers would have to go in and install the network ports in the walls, run the network cable, hook them up to the hubs that give network access. These folks get to crawl through ceilings and other fun places tor run wire for the network.
4. LAN Admin- This is where the network administrators work. They're in charge of running the servers, configuring the network, creating accounts, giving network security, etc. Lots of responsibility here, and if something goes wrong with the network, these folks are running around like mad.
When I was in ('94-'98) all these sections were grouped together under the name of the AFNCC (Air Force Network Control Center). Basically anything computer related came through us. Mostly, these jobs worked from 7:30am til 4:30 pm, with an hour lunch. No nights, weekends, or holidays (usually).
Another aspect of the 3C0 job is working in a communications center. The comm center folks are in charge of transmitting and recieving messages from and to the base. Basically they operate a classified email system where secret, top secret, sensitive messages are sent and recieved. This shop runs 24hrs a day 365 days a year, so you might be doing some shift work. This aspect of the job is why you'll need a top secret security clearance.
After I separated from the Air Force, I worked as a computer technician for a bank in Bethesda, Maryland, then as computer consultant for a college in upstate NY, and now as a Network Analyst for a hospital in Northern PA. My experience in the Air Force was definitely the reason I got these jobs. You will definitely learn a lot if you want to. I knew 0 about computers before I went into the AF.
