OS Operations Specialist

Operations Specialists (OS) are enlisted personnel in the United States Navy who are responsible for: Locating, identifying, and tracking potential targets using sophisticated electronic devices Advising on shipboard warfare operations and navigation Maintaining Combat Information Center (CIC)/Combat Direction Center (CDC) displays Providing strategic plotting for warfare areas, weapons control, and navigation Operating surveillance radars, identification equipment, and communications

OS’s normally work in the CIC, which has the most complex array of communications and sensory gear on a ship. They observe potential enemy targets, on land, sea, or air, and are prepared to use a variety of weapons to neutralize a threat.

OS’s are sea duty-intensive in the Navy, while most of Coast Guard OS’s are at ashore Command Centers.

Some training and education for OS’s is mandatory, including: Recruit Training OS School at Great Lakes NKO (E-Learning)

Other training and education may be directed by your chain of command, such as Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint courses. The remainder is voluntary, such as NKO, E-Learning, and college courses.

Typically, the first Sea Tour for OS Sailors lasts sixty months and is followed by a three-year shore tour. On average, they spend only two-fifths of a twenty-year career assigned to shore duty.