Marine Corps
AVIATION

Code

7524

Naval Flight Officer (NFO), FRS Basic F/A-18D Weapons Systems Officer (WSO)

Description

NFOs as members of aircraft crews assist in the employment of the aircraft offensive and defensive weapons. NFOs assigned as Supporting Arms Coordinator's (SAC(A)) will also direct supporting fires for ground forces to include artillery, naval gunfire and close air support. Advise commanders of ground units on matters pertaining to aerial observation and provide information of intelligence value not readily available from normal sources.

Core Skills

  • tactical data analysis
  • sensor fusion and targeting
  • mission planning and debriefing
  • radio communications and voice procedures
  • airborne C2 and battle management
  • threat assessment and risk management
  • close air support coordination
  • joint fires and supporting arms integration
  • situational awareness under stress
  • intelligence reporting and exploitation
  • technical report writing
  • briefing senior leaders
  • checklist and procedure discipline
  • crew resource management
  • cross-functional coordination with ground units

Common Certifications

  • FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
  • Aircraft Type Rating (F/A-18 or similar, if pursuing contract flying)
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
  • Crew Resource Management (CRM) Certification

Civilian Career Paths

  • INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS
  • AVIATION MANAGEMENT
  • PROJECT MANAGEMENT
  • TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Defense contractor jobs for 7524

Browse openings matched to this specialty on military.contractors

Data sourced from official Marine Corps publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.