NEC
702A
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Payload Operator
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Description
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Payload Operators control electro optical and infrared sensors throughout all phases of flight. They collect, stabilize, record, and report imagery that supports surveillance, reconnaissance, targeting, and mission assessment.
Core Skills
- electro optical sensor operation
- infrared imagery collection
- uav mission support
- video and image analysis
- target detection
- sensor calibration
- imagery reporting
- aircrew communication
- mission data management
Common Certifications
- FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
- CompTIA Security+
- ASPRS Certified Mapping Scientist Remote Sensing
- Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate Certification
- Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent Training
- GIAC Geospatial Intelligence Certification
- Pix4D Mapper Certification
Civilian Career Paths
- UNMANNED SYSTEMS
- GEOSPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
- INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS
- COMMERCIAL AVIATION
Training & Development
Getting Started
- FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
- Part 107 Small UAS Recurrent Training
- Esri ArcGIS Pro Associate Certification
- CompTIA Security+
Career Growth
- ASPRS Certified Mapping Scientist Remote Sensing
- GIAC Geospatial Intelligence Certification
- Pix4D Mapper Certification
Similar Specialties
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Navy 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.