What does a OS (Operations Specialist) do in the Navy?

Question

and how fast do they move up in rank.

Answer 1

Check out the USN website for the full scoop. Advancement is based upon testing & evals.

It's not just a job, it;s the NAVY

Answer 2

They look at a monitor/screen basically the same as an air traffic controllers and look for things like missles, torpedos and other stuff that is within range of the ship. It is not as simple as that, but that is the preschool level of an explanation for you. Ask your recruiter for a job description sheet for OS, that will explain it at a much higher level.

As far as moving up in rank it is all based on your Navy Advancement Exam. The harder you study and the better you do on the test each time you are eligible to take it the higher the probability that you will be advanced to the next pay grade. You are competing with every other person in your current pay grade in your same rate, OS in this case, for a limited number of spaces open in the next pay grade for OS. If you sit back and never study you will make the advancement process very slow for yourself. So, it is up to you how well you do.

Answer 3

When I was in the Navy there were only three ratings that worked primarily in CIC aboard ship.
FC's
EW's
OS's

FC's or Fire Controlmen sat watch on the weaons. they are the ones who fired the missiles etc..

I was an EW (Electronic Warfare) there were two on watch at a time. We intercepted other radars and if needed, jammed them.

EVERYTHING else was run by OS's. They are the ones who sit at the radars. etc.. As the answerer above me points out, they pretty much run all of CIC.

ST's Sonar Techs Had their own modual just off CIC. A few other Ratings may have duties in CIC but dont actually stand watch there Like DS's who have to work on the equip from time to time.

NOw EW are no longer a rating in the Navy. but the job still exists. I have gotten conflicting info on who does it now. I have heard OS, ET, and CT are the ones that do it now.

Answer 4

Function as plotters, radio-telephone and Command and Control sound-powered telephone talkers and maintain Combat Information Center (CIC) displays of strategic and tactical information. Operate surveillance and altitude radars' Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), and associated equipment. Serve as Air Traffic Controllers for helicopters and fixed-wing supersonic jet aircraft. Serve as watch supervisors and section leaders; interpret and evaluate presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to supervisors during watch conditions. Apply a thorough knowledge of doctrine and procedures applicable to CIC operations contained in U. S. Navy Instructions and Allied or U.S. Navy Publications and procedures necessary for radar navigation contained in Naval Oceanographic Office publications. Provide to the command technical information and assistance related to Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Amphibious Warfare, Mine Warfare, Naval Gunfire Support, and search and rescue operations, and other matters pertaining to the Operations Specialist's area.
What They Do:

The duties performed by Operations Specialists include:

plot a ship's position, heading, and speed;
operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems;
provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices.
Detailed List of Required Duties

ASVAB Score:

VE+MK+CS=157 or AR+2MK+GS=210

Other Requirements:

Must have normal color perception. Must have normal hearing. Must have no speech impediment. Security Clearance, (SECRET) Requirement. Must be U.S. citizen .

Technical Training Information:

Enlistees are taught the fundamentals of this rating through on-the-job training or formal Navy schooling. Advanced technical and operational training is available in this rating during later stages of career development including air traffic controller positions controlling helicopters and fixed wing supersonic jet aircraft.


Virginia Beach, VA -- 61 calendar days

Upon completion of the course, OSs will be able to plot a ship's position, heading, and speed; operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems; and provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices.

After "A" school, Operations Specialists are assigned to all types of ships. TAR Operations Specialists are assigned to NRF ships in CONUS. Upon completion of sea tours, TAR OSs will be assigned to reserve centers across the country including the heartland. While assigned to reserve centers TAR OSs will train and administer Selected Reserve Personnel. During a 20-year period in the Navy, OSs spend about 60 percent of their time assigned to fleet units and 40 percent to shore stations.

Working Environment:Operations Specialists usually work in a clean, air-conditioned electronic equipment space or computer room, and frequently perform their work as part of a team, but may work on individual projects. Their work is mostly mental analysis and problem solving. USN OSs are stationed primarily aboard USN deploying ships, TAR OSs are stationed aboard Naval Reserve Force (NRF) ships that deploy or conduct local operations. Upon completion of the course, OSs will be able to plot a ship's position, heading, and speed; operate common marine electronic navigation instruments including radar systems; and provide target plotting data to the combat information center based on information received from target tracking devices.