USAF

Specialty Summary.  Integrates, operates, monitors, secures, and controls the physical (wired, optical or wireless), data link, network, and transport layers of garrison and tactical Communications-Computer Systems (C-CS) encompassing local and wide area networks, end-to-end telecommunications and circuit switching systems, long-haul circuits, and the Global Information Grid (GIG).  Performs, coordinates, and supervises their design, configuration, operation, restoration, and improvements.  Analyzes their capabilities and performance, identifies problems, and takes corrective action.  Operates cryptographic equipment.  Fabricates cable assemblies.  Performs C-CS quality control and trend analysis.  Directs and makes operational adjustments to C-CS equipment. 

Duties and Responsibilities:
Monitors and controls C-CS performance.  Operates equipment and software to perform network, technical, and configuration control  and security.  Monitors status and performance of long-haul circuits and switching systems, local and wide area networks, and subscriber equipment.  Operates test equipment to verify end-to-end circuit, system, and network signals meet minimum standards.  Operates network management hardware and software to ensure compliance with security standards and service levels.  Configures circuits, systems, and networks based on standards, traffic patterns, and results of quality assurance tests.  Performs circuit, system, and network patching and cross connecting to establish, sustain, and restore service.  Localizes failures, performs operational adjustments, and reconfigures circuit, system, and network equipment.  Fabricates copper and fiber optics cable assemblies.  Operates cryptographic equipment to test, reset, and rekey.

Directs and coordinates C-CS configuration, operation, security, restoration, and improvements.  Communicates with subscribers, contractors, lateral agencies, and higher headquarters to schedule down-time and quality assurance tests, isolate faults or degradation, restore services and effect repairs, maintain situational awareness, and reports status changes.  Directs and controls maintenance to minimize impacts.  Provides technical advice and assistance.

Ensures C-CS compliance with technical orders, manufacturer handbooks, local procedures, codes, and directives.  Uses manual and computerized techniques to analyze and record C-CS capabilities, operations, security, and performance.  Identifies causes of C-CS limitations, failures, or degradation and takes corrective actions.  Modifies C-CS equipment and configuration according to directives and time compliance technical orders.  Controls configuration, plans and analyzes systems, and recommends improvements to ensure systems meet current and future mission requirements.  Monitors C-CS control facility contractor compliance with contract requirements.  Creates, modifies and maintains network and circuit records and diagrams.

Conducts Information Assurance through encryption and boundary control interconnections using established security procedures.  Conducts Information Operations (IO) to protect equipment, software, and data before, during, and subsequent to crimes, viruses, and attacks.

Specialty Qualifications:
Knowledge.  Knowledge is mandatory of: C-CS protocols, encryption and interface techniques, open systems interconnection reference model; design, optimization, security, and operating principles of packet, local area, wide area, and circuit switching networks; operating principles of routing for circuit, frame, and packet switching devices; operating principles of computers, peripherals, and interface devices; operating principles of signal characteristics, electronic fundamentals and data interfaces; modulation, encoding and multiplexing techniques; digital circuit signal characteristics; operating principles of wired, optical or wireless transmission technology; advanced troubleshooting procedures; operation and use of test equipment; use of technical data, wiring diagrams, and schematic drawings.

Education.  For entry into this specialty, completion of high school with courses in physics, mathematics, and computer networking is desirable.
Training.  The following training is mandatory for award and retention of the AFSC indicated:
3C231.  Completion of the basic Network Integration course.
3C271.  Completion of the advanced Network Integration course.

Experience.  The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:
3C251.  Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C231.  Also experience in integrating voice, data and video networks; operating fixed, mobile, or transportable C-CS circuits, equipment, transmission media, test equipment, and network management.
3C271.  Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C251.  Also, experience performing or supervising functions such as help desk, C-CS control, network management, and operations facilities.
3C291.  Qualification in and possession of AFSC 3C271.  Also, experience managing C-CS control facilities or multiple C-CS functions.

Other.  The following are mandatory as indicated:  For entry, award, and retention, individuals must maintain eligibility to mobilize worldwide.  Specialty requires routine access to Top Secret material or similar environment.  For award and retention of AFSCs 3C2X1, completion of a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) according to AFI 31-501, Personnel Security Program Management.  NOTE:  Award of the 3-skill level without a completed SSBI is authorized provided an interim Top Secret clearance has been granted according to AFI 31-501.

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