Mission Aircrew
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Day in the life
Typical tasks and responsibilities
Depending on your role, you could find yourself in the back seat of a fastjet operating a variety of weapons and systems. You could lead a team on board a P-8A Poseidon using advanced technology to find hidden submarines or to conduct search and rescue operations. Or, you could specialise in managing the refuelling of aircraft in mid-air to allow them to complete their missions.
There are three different Mission Aircrew roles, each with varying responsibilities:
1. Weapon Systems Officer (WSO)
Weapons Systems Officers, or 'WSOs', are employed as aircrew on the F/A-18F Super Hornet or on the EA-18G Growler. On the Super Hornet and Growler, you will team up with the Pilot, who'll control the aircraft while you operate state-of-the-art mission systems like electronic warfare equipment, infra-red targeting systems and weapons.
2. Maritime Patrol and Response Officer (MPRO)
MPROs perform the duties of a mission commander, otherwise known as a Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) on board the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. You'll operate as part of a crew performing a variety of missions including anti-surface strike, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue; and maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
You'll also be involved in maritime and over-land operations, providing critical intelligence to both conventional and special operations forces. You may also be involved in the detection of unlawful maritime activities such as illegal fishing, smuggling or piracy.
3. Air Mobility Officer (AMO)
As an AMO, it will be your primary job to refuel aircraft. Sound simple? Now imagine doing it in mid-air. Your goal is to keep fighters, airborne early warning and control aircraft, and surveillance and response aircraft in the air and on task for longer, allowing them to complete their missions.
AMOs are also involved in the planning and execution of combat airlift or humanitarian operations that could occur anywhere within Australia or around the world. Like MRPOs, you may also be involved in maritime and over-land operations.