How is a Two-Seat Fighter’s RIO/WSO Selected?
In a two-seat fighter, the Rear In-Command Officer (RIO) or Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) is typically selected from a pool of naval aviators or officers who have completed their initial training. This selection process can vary by service branch but generally follows a specific pathway, ensuring that these roles are filled with experienced and proficient individuals.
Initial Selection
Candidates for RIO/WSO positions are usually selected from the pool of aviators who have already completed their primary flight training. This selection ensures that the candidates have demonstrated a certain level of proficiency and commitment to flying. Prior to the selection process, these candidates are assigned as Student Naval Aviators (SNAs) or Student Naval Flight Officers (SNFOs).
Training Pipeline
After selection, RIOs/WSOs typically go through a specialized training pipeline that focuses on the specific systems and operational roles of the aircraft they will be flying in. This training is comprehensive and includes classroom instruction, simulator training, and flight training in the two-seat aircraft. The goal is to ensure that these officers are well-prepared for their critical roles as navigators and weapon operators.
No Need for Elementary Pilot Course
While RIOs/WSOs are trained in aircraft systems, navigation, and weapon employment, they do not necessarily have to complete the same elementary pilot course as full-time pilots. This is because many of their duties, such as tactical navigation and weapon systems operation, do not require the same level of stick-rudder skills as a primary pilot. However, they do receive some flight training to better understand the aircraft and its systems.
Experience and Qualifications
Selection for RIO/WSO positions also depends on prior experience, performance in training, and specific qualifications that align with the needs of the squadron. These roles often require a high level of technical expertise and decision-making skills in high-stress environments. Therefore, candidates must demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also leadership and teamwork abilities.
To illustrate the journey of a Student Naval Flight Officer (SNFO), their training begins with ground school survival training, an introductory flight syllabus, and a series of flights in the T-6 Texan primary trainer. The SNFO must know everything a pilot knows, with the exception of the actual stick-rudder skills, because in most Navy aircraft, the NFO performs co-pilot type duties in addition to operating the weapon systems. This "pilot appreciation" syllabus is only a few flights long, after which the student moves to the back seat and begins tactical navigation training.
Role Transition: SNFO to RIO/WSO
Defining SNFOs was clearer in the past when "everything but the eyes" referred to meeting physical and academic criteria for pilot training but lacking excellent eyesight. Modern advancements, such as vision-correction surgery, have made this distinction more fluid. However, the underlying principles remain: if the Navy needs an NFO, they will fulfill that role.
The T-6 Texan primary trainer, operated by Training Squadron Ten (VT-10) at NAS Pensacola, Florida, is the heart of this training. This aircraft is used to instill both the technical knowledge and the confidence needed for NFOs to excel in their roles.
As the Navy phases out F/A-18D and EA-6B aircraft, Marine Corps NFOs are similarly being reassessed. Some are being retrained as pilots, while others are moving into unmanned aircraft operations, reflecting the evolving nature of naval aviation technology.
Conclusion
In summary, while RIOs/WSOs are highly trained aviators, they typically do not go through the same elementary pilot course as pilots but receive specialized training relevant to their roles in the two-seat fighter. This specialized training ensures that they are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the mission of their squadron.