1A7X1 Aerial Gunner

1A7X1 is the military occupation code for an aerial gunner in the United States Air Force.

Aerial Gunners are tasked with inspecting, operating, and securing armament systems and subsystems across various mission types, including training, combat, or testing conditions. They play a vital role in instructing unit gunners on airborne weapon systems, procedures, and tactics. This role falls under the DoD Occupational Subgroup: 164600.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Weapon Systems Operation: Aerial Gunners operate airborne weapon systems and associated equipment, ensuring their readiness and functionality during missions.
  • Inspections: Conduct preflight and postflight inspections of guns, defensive systems, and related aircraft equipment, ensuring all armaments are mission-ready.
  • Crew Coordination: Participates as an active crewmember during training, combat, and test missions, coordinating with other positions to ensure safe employment of weapons and equipment.
  • NVG Operations: Utilizes night vision goggles (NVGs) to perform scanner duties tailored to specific aircraft types and missions.
  • Maintenance: Performs in-flight maintenance of airborne weapons systems and associated equipment, quickly restoring any malfunctioning systems to operational condition.
  • Safety and Training: Adheres to flying, weapon, and explosive safety standards, conducting in-flight and ground training covering all aspects of aircrew duties and equipment operation.

Specialty Qualifications

  • Knowledge: Proficiency in the theory and application of electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic principles as they apply to airborne weapons and equipment. Understanding of ammunition and armament systems, gun employment principles, and ballistic factors is essential.
  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is mandatory, with mechanical or electrical courses highly desirable.
  • Training: Completion of the basic aerial gunner course is required for entry into this AFSC.
  • Experience: Progressive experience in aircrew roles, with expertise in inspecting, operating, and troubleshooting aircraft and airborne armament systems. Advanced roles require experience in supervising and managing aerial gunner activities.

Entry and Retention Requirements

  • Medical Standards: Physical qualification for aircrew duty as per AFI 48-123, adhering to Class III medical standards.
  • Aviation Service Qualification: Must meet the standards according to AFI 11-402 for aviation and parachutist service, including aeronautical ratings and badges.
  • Security Clearance: Routine access to Secret materials necessitates a National Agency Check, Local Agency Checks and Credit (NACLC) as per AFI 31‑501. An interim Secret security clearance is required for the award of the 3-skill level.

Career Progression

Aerial Gunners start with basic operation and maintenance of weapon systems, advancing through experience to perform and supervise complex functions related to aerial gunnery and armament systems. Leadership roles involve managing aerial gunner activities, ensuring operational efficiency and safety across missions.

Similar MOS