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Navy NEC · Aviation

702A Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Payload Operator

Current service use not established

This code is listed in the directory. Inclusion alone does not confirm current service use.

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

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Overview

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Payload Operator operates the EO/IR sensor aboard a UAV. They operate this sensor throughout every phase of flight.

Core Skills

  • Electro-optical and infrared UAV sensor operation

Civilian Career Paths

Career associations are editorial assessments of the cited evidence, not an official crosswalk unless the evidence explicitly says so. O*NET supplies civilian occupation information, not proof of a military match. Related experience does not confer civilian qualifications. Tasks and tools below describe civilian work, not military training.

GA-ASI UAS Sensor Operator

Operating EO/IR UAV sensors through all phases of flight directly overlaps with the sensor-operator component of GA-ASI UAS aircrew work.

How to prepare: Confirm current sensor-operator training entry criteria with GA-ASI before pursuing this route. Its August 2016 program required a commercial pilot rating or private pilot license, the ability to maintain a Class II FAA medical certificate, and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance; the supplied evidence does not establish whether those criteria remain in force.

What the civilian work involves
  • Support flight operations for Predator-series UAS as a GA-ASI sensor operator aircrew member

Remote Sensing Technicians

Operating airborne EO/IR sensors provides a foundation for remote sensing data collection, with geospatial processing representing an additional skill area.

How to prepare: Complete a practical GIS project using aerial or thermal imagery to practice checking data accuracy and integrating imagery with other geospatial data.

What the civilian work involves
  • Collect geospatial data, using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems.
  • Verify integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysis systems.
  • Integrate remotely sensed data with other geospatial data.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
  • ESRI ArcGIS software

Notes & Sources

Evidence for this guidance (3 documents)
  1. NAVPERS 18068F Vol II (NEOCS, Jul 2026 edition): NEC 702A

    [1] NEC entry "702A - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Payload Operator"; cached text line 16485; NAVPERS 18068F Vol II, 2026-07 edition

    Supports: Electro-optical and infrared UAV sensor operation, GA-ASI UAS Sensor Operator, Remote Sensing Technicians (O*NET 19-4099.03)

  2. GA-ASI: UAS Flight Training Academy graduates first aircrews

    [2] Aircrew training and entry requirements paragraphs; news release dated 2016-08-25; retrieved 2026-09-23

    Supports: GA-ASI UAS Sensor Operator

  3. O*NET: Remote Sensing Technicians

    [3] O*NET 30.3 occupational data

    Supports: Remote Sensing Technicians (O*NET 19-4099.03)

Defense contractor jobs for 702A

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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