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Military Airborne Combat Navigators

Military Career

General Information

Description

Airborne combat navigators use radar, radio, and other navigation equipment to determine position, direction of travel, intended course, and other operations of aircraft. They also operate other mission critical systems on aircraft such as surveillance, communications, electronic warfare, and other weapon systems. Additionally, they monitor, evaluate, and direct flying operations and training programs. 

Work Environment

Airborne combat navigators perform their work in aircraft. They may be stationed at air bases or aboard aircraft carriers anywhere around the world.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Officer
    • Managerial/professional
    • College degree required

Military Workforce

Airborne Combat Navigators in the Military

5,229

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

$57,822

What makes up a military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Military training

Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Airborne combat navigators may have an education in engineering or a related field. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Practical experience in navigation is gained through training in aircraft simulators and through actual flying time. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Training content may include: Principles and methods of navigationOperation of communication, weapon, and radar systemsInspection and testing of navigation equipment and systemsCombat and bombing navigation procedures and tactics

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Military training

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Officers typically enter the Military after they have completed a four-year college degree; enlisted service members can transition to officer positions through a variety of pathways and earn a degree while serving. Airborne combat navigators may have an education in engineering or a related field. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Practical experience in navigation is gained through training in aircraft simulators and through actual flying time. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Training content may include:

  • Principles and methods of navigation
  • Operation of communication, weapon, and radar systems
  • Inspection and testing of navigation equipment and systems
  • Combat and bombing navigation procedures and tactics

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership
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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.