Space Systems Operations USAF?
Asked by aaron a
I am currently in the AF and looking at cross training. I have only been in 4 years. Anyone done this job and what are your thoughts? Right now I'm in maintenance and I do not enjoy it. I don't enjoy troubleshooting and replacing parts. I want to be an operator and actually use the equipment. Also, what is the career progression? For example, I went from maintenance tech, to supervisor, to staff position where I'm no longer in the work center. I enjoy actually being in the work center. Is this the same for this job? All AF jobs? Really, I'm tired of all the checklists and inspections in maintenance, do operators have extensive inspections and checklists? How does this job translate to the civillian world? I should say that I don't mind checklists as part of a process. For example, a checklist to perform a certain task. What I don't like are the additional duty checklists. For example, is your tech data library in this specific order, do you have these certain books, is the cover sheet initialed properly, so on and so forth.

Best Answer:
While I was not a 1C6, I was in 3 units with them working communications-computer support, so I'm fairly familiar with them. #1 - If you're sick of checklists, this is *NOT* the career field for you. 1C6's are not allowed to go to the bathroom on duty without their checklist with them! (j/k grin) Truthfully, they are VERY checklist oriented and, given the responsibility of their job, it is purposely structured. Career progression... it's a smaller career field, so the #s are lower. Percentage wise, I think they're a bit above the curve percentage-wise, but fewer slots is still fewer slots. Assignment wise... limited compared to other AFSCs. Most 1C6s will end up in Colorado at least once (Peterson, Buckley, Schriever or Cheyenne Mountain). If not in CO, you'll be out at Vandenberg, Eglin, Cape Cod, Cavelier, Thule or Fylingdales. There are also several space survaillence detachments spread here & there & everywhere. Oh yeah... I hope you're in good shape... otherwise you're going to look awful in that 'oh-so-needed' flightsuit to keep you safe in the computer office!!! :) Civilian wise... hope you like working for NASA, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, etc.
retired 3C0 -- stationed w/ 5SWS in Australia & twice w/ 2SWS at Buckley
Answered by bluemesa159