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Air Force Enlisted Job Descriptions

3C2X1 - COMMUNICATIONS - COMPUTER SYSTEMS CONTROL

By Rod Powers, About.com

Specialty Summary: Operates, monitors, secures, and controls the physical, data link, network, and transport layers of garrison and tactical Communications-Computer Systems (C-CS) encompassing local and wide area networks, end-to-end telecommunications and circuit switching systems, long-haul transmission, and the global information grid. Performs, coordinates, and supervises their design, configuration, operation, restoration, and improvements. Analyzes their capabilities and performance, identifies problems, and takes corrective action. Operates cryptographic equipment. Fabricates cable assemblies. Performs C-CS control facility quality assurance evaluation. Directs and makes operational adjustments to C-CS equipment. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 120100.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Monitors and controls C-CS performance. Operates processor assisted diagnostic and control equipment and software to perform network, technical, and configuration control, surveillance, and security. Monitors status and performance of transmission and switching systems, local and wide area networks, and subscriber equipment. Operates test equipment to verify end-to-end circuit, system, and network signals meet minimum standards. Operates network management hardware and software to ensure compliance with security standards and service levels. Configures circuits, systems, and networks based on standards, traffic patterns, and results of quality assurance tests. Performs circuit, system, and network patching and cross connecting to establish, sustain, and restore service. Localizes failures, performs operational adjustments, and reconfigures circuit, system, and network equipment. Fabricates copper and fiber optics cable assemblies. Operates cryptographic equipment to test, reset, and rekey.

Directs and coordinates C-CS configuration, operation, security, restoration, and improvements. Communicates with subscribers, contractors, lateral agencies, and higher headquarters using secure and unsecure voice, data, electronic mail, web, or facsimile communications to schedule down-time and quality assurance tests, isolate faults or degradation, restore services and effect repairs, maintain situational awareness, and inform of status changes. Directs and controls maintenance to minimize impacts. Provides technical advice and assistance.

Monitors C-CS to ensure efficiency and compliance with technical orders, manufacturer handbooks, local procedures, codes, and directives. Uses manual and computerized techniques to analyze and record C-CS capabilities, operation, security, and performance. Identifies causes of C-CS limitations, failures, or degradation and takes corrective actions. Modifies C-CS equipment and configuration according to directives and time compliance technical orders. Controls configuration, plans and analyzes systems, and recommends improvements to ensure systems meet current and future mission requirements. Monitors C-CS control facility contractor compliance with contract requirements.

Protects C-CS security through proper cryptographic and boundary control interconnections using effective security procedures. Uses electronic combat procedures and computer crime protocols to protect equipment, software, and data before, during, and subsequent to crimes, viruses, and attacks.

Specialty Qualifications:

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: C-CS protocols and interface techniques, open systems interconnection reference model; design, optimization, security, and operating principles of packet, local area, wide area, and circuit switching networks; operating principles of routing, and circuit, frame, and packet switching devices; operating principles of computers, peripherals, and interface devices; operating principles and signal characteristics of electronic components and data interfaces; modulation and encoding techniques; time, frequency, and optical division multiplexing techniques; digital circuit signal characteristics; operating principles of copper and fiber optic cable; operating principles of transmission equipment and antennas; transmission media theory.

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