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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources
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Military Combat Support Officers

Median Salary
107,617
Workforce Count
69,855

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Combat support officers oversee 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.

What is the work environment like?

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.

How many people have this role in the Military?

69,855

Compensation

Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Always fixed based on rank and service time.
  • Distributed monthly.
Learn More About Military Benefits

What is the typical salary range?

Salary by Years of Service

$131,926

2 Years

$99,141

6 Years

$131,926

10+ Years
Median Salary
107,617

Military Details

What Service Branches offer this role?

Learn More About Service Branches

Is this a staff or leadership role?

Enlisted
Officer
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer Paths

What does the training for this role entail?

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 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

Education

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare
  • Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Other
  • Command & Control (C3, C4I) Systems and Operations
  • Information/Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations
  • Joint Command/Task Force (C3, C4I) Systems

Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree

The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For College

Skills and Interest

What skills will set you up for success?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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