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Military Combat Support Officers

Military Career

General Information

Description

Combat support officers command or perform duties that encompass a broad understanding of combat doctrine, policy, procedures, and initiatives, and may possess skills and experience in Special Forces, Civil Affairs, or Psychological Operations. They supervise operations including mission planning, mission payload operation, launching, remote piloting, and recovery. They provide battle management from specialized aircraft, ground locations, and ships.

Work Environment

Combat support officers work in a variety of settings. Some work in offices or command and control centers. Others work primarily outdoors in the field during training exercises and actual combat situations. Depending on the service branch and specialty, combat support officers may work in aircraft and aboard ships.

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

Combat Support Officers in the Military

31,502

No Information for this section

Salary

Average Salary

$92,161

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. Like other officers, combat support officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Additional training consists of classroom and field training under simulated combat situations. Job-specific training content may include: Relationships among air, ground, and naval forcesCapabilities of weapon systemsCommand, control, and communications systemsBattle tactics and managementElectronic warfare operations

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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. Like other officers, combat support officers complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development. Additional training consists of classroom and field training under simulated combat situations. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Relationships among air, ground, and naval forces
  • Capabilities of weapon systems
  • Command, control, and communications systems
  • Battle tactics and management
  • Electronic warfare operations

Related College Majors

Select major to see colleges that offer it

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
No Information for this section

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.