The Scientific/Research Utilization Field encompasses the scientific research function associated with research and exploratory development in support of Air Force requirements. In general, it requires very specific and extensive educational preparation. Each specialty includes responsibilities for conducting or managing programs, projects and activities established to perform research pertinent to that specialty. Research includes the functions of defining a problem, selecting methods of approach, performing experiments, accumulating and interpreting data, and publishing the results. Research management includes such functions as formulating, planning, fiscal programming, monitoring, evaluating, coordinating and administering programs, projects, and activities. These specialties, excluding AFSC 61S4, are used when research management requires technical specialization and an appropriate academic degree in a particular specialty and academic field. Scientific positions are primarily laboratory oriented; however, these specialties are found throughout the research and development community and related areas.
AFSC 61S4, Scientist, is normally limited to the identification of senior management positions where duties and responsibilities are broad in nature, commensurate with grade, and include management of multiple programs, projects, or activities involving diverse scientific fields or endeavor.
Excluded from this field are functions dedicated to research on computer hardware and software. These specialties are found in the Communications-Computer Systems Career Area.
Functions requiring only a general knowledge of science or research and development operations are described under AFSCs 63A3 and 62E3G.
