Description
Operations Specialists (OS) advise on shipboard warfare operations and navigation; maintain Combat Information Center (CIC)/Combat Direction Center (CDC) displays and provide strategic plotting for warfare areas, weapons control and navigation; operate surveillance radars, identification equipment, communications equipment, and associated Command and Control (C2) equipment; interpret and evaluate radar presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to senior leadership; apply current procedures and doctrine to CIC/CDC operations as specified by Joint/Allied/U.S. Navy publications and instructions; and display and disseminate tactical information during Surface Warfare (SUW), Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD), Undersea Warfare (USW), Amphibious Warfare (AMW), Mine Warfare (MIW), Littoral Warfare (LW), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
Core Skills
- radar operation and interpretation
- tactical data analysis
- situational awareness
- command and control support
- plotting and tracking
- radio and voice communications
- reporting and logging
- multi-tasking under pressure
- incident and threat reporting
- procedural compliance
- teamwork and coordination
- basic computer literacy
- information management
- briefing and communication skills
Common Certifications
- Physical Security Professional (PSP)
- Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
- Certified Emergency Manager (CEM)
- FEMA Emergency Management Certifications (ICS 100/200/700/800)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- State POST Certification (for law enforcement roles)
- First Aid/CPR/AED
Civilian Career Paths
- NETWORK OPERATIONS
- CYBERSECURITY
- EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Defense contractor jobs for OS
Browse openings matched to this specialty on military.contractors
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.