I take a lot of pride in the job that I do, and to work with very modern, cutting-edge equipment is definitely an advantage that a lot of people don’t have. It would blow your mind if you knew all the capabilities we had. I’m Senior Airman, Sammie Joseph Sierra, and I’m an Airborne Mission System Specialist in the US Air Force.
The Airborne Mission Systems field consists of four different specialties: communications, computers, radar, and surveillance. I’m Senior Master Sergeant Justin Stacey, and I’m an Airborne Mission System Specialist in the United States Air Force. My specialty is computers. I work directly with the radar technician to process that radar data and ensure that it is properly displayed on the screens, which is what the surveillance operators use to see what’s out there.
My specific job title is Senior Leadership Communication System Specialist and Technical Controller. The Senior Leadership Communication Systems Operator is a technician for any communication equipment you can think of onboard an aircraft. You’re in charge of both secure and non-secure communications, both person to person and entity to entity.
The type of person that would thrive in this field would be someone who likes to work with their hands really enjoys the technical aspect of working with different hardware pieces, but also enjoys dealing with computers.
I think flexibility is really important because the enemy is always changing, and you got to be alongside the enemy. The key training milestones for an AMS are technical training down in San Antonio, survival training in Washington, and then an initial qualification training at your assigned duty location.
This job really spoke to me because it was a way to be trained on computer systems and do something super cool.
My favorite part of being an airborne mission system specialist is dealing with all the cutting edge, constantly evolving equipment that we have on board the weapon system. I I apply on the E4B. The main mission of the E4B is to provide a survivable mobile command center in the sky for the government. Flying on board such a unique weapon system is definitely a big point of pride for me. I definitely never thought I’d have an opportunity to be the manager, the system administrator for such advanced modern technology.
My favorite part of the job, it’s an adventure, being able to have the opportunity to travel all over the world and meet people all over the world, interact with people all over the world, and contributing to a mission that is to protect the country.
When I get to look back on my flying days in the Air Force when I’m old and gray, it’ll definitely be very fond memories.