Specialty Summary: Manages, supervises, and performs electromagnetic spectrum management activities. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 201. (Note: This is not an entry-level job).
Duties and Responsibilities:
Engineers, nominates, and assigns frequencies to support communications and operational requirements. Coordinates frequency needs with federal, military, and civil spectrum management offices. Secures operating authority, and ensures minimum interference is caused or received by Air Force radio frequency (RF) operations. Reviews spectrum interference reports and helps resolve electromagnetic interference problems.
Analyzes RF spectrum requirements and determines compatibility with other users considering transmitter and receiver specifications, antenna data, emission characteristics, and modes of radio wave propagation. Examines radio link deficiencies and recommends corrective action to improve system performance. Reviews involved, unusual, and difficult spectrum engineering requirements. Recommends solutions to electromagnetic compatibility problems.
Maintains frequency records and associated data bases. Provides guidance on the spectrum certification process for electromagnetic radiating and receiving equipment planned for introduction into the Air Force inventory, and for modifications to existing equipment. Reviews plans and programming documents spectrum management actions. Prepares frequency annexes for contingency and operations plans. Examines spectrum allocation data and frequency assignment records to ascertain suitability of specific equipment planned for deployment.
Performs as joint task force spectrum manager. Provides spectrum management guidance to units deploying RF radiating equipment to support contingency, exercise, or wartime requirements. Analyzes and de-conflicts frequency assignments and databases to develop joint communications and electronics operating instructions.
Evaluates and assists electromagnetic spectrum management activities. Determines if spectrum support is adequate and recommends changes. Educates customers on optimal and proper use of the RF spectrum. Plans for current and future RF spectrum needs.
Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: radio propagation factors, including effects of antenna design, power, type of emission, frequency, and effects of terrain; national, international, and military regulations governing use of the RF spectrum.
Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in algebra, geometry, and physics is desirable.
Training. For award of AFSC 3C132, completion of the electromagnetic spectrum management course is mandatory.
Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated: (Note: See Explanation of Air Force Specialty Codes).
3C152. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C132. Also, experience performing spectrum management engineering, selection, negotiation, and interference problems.
3C172. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C152. Also, experience performing or supervising problem solving electromagnetic spectrum engineering, selection, negotiation, and interference.
3C192. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C172. Also, experience managing solution of electromagnetic spectrum engineering, selection, negotiation, and interference problems.
Other. For entry into this specialty, prior qualification at the 5-skill level in AFSC 1A3X1, 2A1X3, 2EXXX, or 3C1X1.
For award and retention of AFSCs 3C132/52/72/92, eligibility for a Secret security clearance according to AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management.
Strength Req: G
Physical Profile: 333233
Citizenship: Yes
Required Appitude Score : G-43 (Changed to G-44, effective 1 Jul 04).
Technical Training:
Course #: E3ALR3C132 001
Length (Days): 70
Location: K
