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Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officers

SOC 55-1012.00Job Zone —v.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers correctional security operations in institutional detention settings, spanning routine inmate supervision, emergency response, policy enforcement, and administrative leadership at Job Zone 3 proficiency levels.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Inmate counts — conduct and record periodic headcounts under direct supervisor guidance on a standard housing unit.
  2. Institutional regulations — read and reference posted rules and procedures when responding to routine inmate requests in a correctional facility.
  3. Post orders — follow written post orders to maintain basic security and order within an assigned area under close supervision.
  4. Oral instructions — receive and acknowledge shift briefings and supervisory directives clearly at the start of each duty period.
  5. Incident observation — recognize and report unusual inmate behavior or potential security threats to a supervising officer on the floor.
  6. Basic record-keeping — enter routine activity logs into word processing or office suite software at the end of each shift.
  7. Emergency protocols — identify the correct emergency response procedures for common situations such as fights or medical events when directed.
  8. Communication equipment — operate standard radio and intercom systems to relay information between posts under supervision.
  9. Physical security checks — perform scheduled door, lock, and perimeter inspections following a standardized checklist on a residential housing block.
  10. Interpersonal boundaries — apply active-listening techniques to de-escalate low-level inmate complaints while maintaining professional boundaries on the unit floor.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Inmate population counts — conduct, verify, and reconcile periodic counts independently and report discrepancies to shift supervisors in a multi-unit correctional facility.
  2. Order and discipline enforcement — apply institutional rules consistently to maintain security and inmate compliance with reduced oversight during routine shift operations.
  3. Policy compliance — interpret and enforce relevant regulations and procedures for common non-routine situations, such as contraband discovery, on an active correctional housing block.
  4. Emergency response — coordinate initial first-responder actions during minor emergencies, including disturbances or attempted escapes, by activating facility protocols and notifying command staff.
  5. Behavioral monitoring — observe inmate interactions over time to identify developing tensions or patterns of misconduct and escalate findings through proper reporting channels.
  6. Database entry and retrieval — query and update inmate management database software to track housing assignments, disciplinary records, and incident reports accurately.
  7. Shift documentation — prepare detailed written incident and activity reports using office suite software, ensuring completeness and accuracy for administrative review.
  8. Coordination with staff — communicate and coordinate actions with relief officers and support staff during shift transitions to maintain seamless security coverage.
  9. Regulatory knowledge application — apply knowledge of public safety statutes and institutional policy to assess the appropriateness of inmate privileges and restrictions.
  10. Stress management — maintain composure and self-control during confrontational inmate interactions, modeling professional conduct for newer officers on the housing unit.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Count integrity management — design, oversee, and audit inmate count procedures across multiple housing units to eliminate error and ensure accuracy facility-wide.
  2. Security and order maintenance — autonomously enforce discipline protocols for complex or escalating situations, including gang-related incidents, across the full scope of an assigned correctional facility.
  3. Policy enforcement leadership — interpret ambiguous institutional policies and apply sound judgment to resolve non-routine compliance scenarios without supervisory guidance.
  4. Emergency command presence — lead multi-officer emergency response teams during critical incidents such as escapes or riots, directing staff actions and liaising with external agencies.
  5. Critical incident analysis — conduct post-incident reviews by synthesizing witness statements, database records, and physical evidence to produce comprehensive reports for facility leadership.
  6. Advanced behavioral assessment — apply knowledge of psychology and social perceptiveness to identify high-risk individuals early and implement proactive management strategies within the housing population.
  7. Technology-driven oversight — utilize spreadsheet and database software to analyze trends in disciplinary data, generating actionable intelligence reports for facility administrators.
  8. Staff mentoring — coach developing officers in policy application, communication techniques, and emergency procedures through structured on-the-job guidance on the housing floor.
  9. Interagency coordination — communicate effectively with law enforcement, medical, and legal personnel to coordinate inmate transfers, hearings, and emergency responses across institutional boundaries.
  10. Regulatory interpretation — research and apply relevant law and government directives to ensure facility operations remain in compliance with current legal standards and court orders.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Institutional security strategy — develop and implement facility-wide security frameworks and post-order systems that align with departmental goals and legal mandates across all housing units.
  2. Policy development — author and revise official institutional rules, procedures, and regulations to reflect best practices, legal changes, and lessons learned from critical incidents.
  3. Emergency preparedness program — design and lead comprehensive emergency response training exercises for all security staff, ensuring readiness for escapes, riots, and mass-casualty events.
  4. Organizational culture of integrity — establish and champion standards of professionalism, dependability, and ethical conduct that shape the behavioral norms of the entire correctional officer workforce.
  5. Workforce development — create structured training curricula and mentoring programs that build officer competency from entry-level through senior ranks across the facility system.
  6. Executive-level reporting — synthesize facility-wide security data from multiple database and spreadsheet platforms into strategic briefings for senior administrators and government oversight bodies.
  7. Cross-agency leadership — direct collaborative operations with law enforcement, judiciary, and social service agencies to manage complex inmate management challenges at an organizational scale.
  8. Resource and staffing allocation — evaluate staffing models, shift schedules, and post configurations to optimize security coverage and officer welfare throughout the entire facility.
  9. Risk and compliance governance — oversee institutional compliance with public safety law, accreditation standards, and administrative regulations, holding unit supervisors accountable for adherence.
  10. Systemic incident reduction — analyze longitudinal behavioral and disciplinary data to lead evidence-based initiatives that measurably reduce inmate violence, escape attempts, and policy violations facility-wide.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-generated briefing summaries — reviews AI-drafted overviews of flight deck operational procedures and standing orders, cross-checking them against official documentation before use Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Launch sequence monitoring support — uses AI-assisted checklists and alert tools to track aircraft readiness status across assigned deck positions, flagging discrepancies to supervising officers WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Incident log drafting — delegates initial write-up of routine launch and recovery incident reports to an AI assistant, then edits for accuracy against firsthand observation Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Real-time situational awareness — directs AI monitoring dashboards that aggregate deck crew positions, aircraft status, and weather data, personally interpreting outputs and issuing commands Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Crew communication preparation — uses AI tools to draft pre-launch crew briefings and after-action summaries, retaining full authority over operational decisions and any safety-critical language Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Regulatory compliance checking — tasks an AI system with cross-referencing current sortie plans against applicable naval air regulations, then adjudicates every flagged exception before sign-off Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Human-AI workflow design — architects deck-operations protocols that integrate AI monitoring and alerting tools into established command structures, ensuring human officers retain decision authority at every critical control point Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. AI output validation standards — establishes occupational criteria for evaluating and accepting or overriding AI-generated operational recommendations, drawing on domain expertise where automated augmentation remains limited Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 33
Augment share: 3.3%
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Active Listening
Score: 42.2 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication8 statements
Emerging
  1. Launch sequence terminology — applies standard naval aviation phraseology during supervised flight deck operations to relay launch and recovery status Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crew briefing participation — conveys assigned role responsibilities during pre-launch briefings using prescribed military communication protocols O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Inter-deck radio coordination — transmits clear, concise status reports between flight deck, tower, and combat information center during active flight operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Incident documentation — composes accurate after-action reports detailing launch or recovery anomalies using standardized military reporting formats O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Flight operations communication — directs catapult and arresting gear crews through multi-aircraft launch and recovery cycles using authoritative verbal and hand-signal commands under high-noise conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-functional briefing delivery — presents operational readiness status to commanding officers and air wing staff using precise technical language and structured formats O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. All-weather operations communication — leads real-time communication across flight deck, air traffic control, and ship's bridge during degraded-visibility or emergency recovery operations with zero ambiguity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Doctrine communication authorship — develops and disseminates updated launch and recovery communication procedures to fleet units, translating operational lessons learned into institutional guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Watchstanding initiative — assumes assigned watch responsibilities independently, demonstrating accountability for a defined section of flight deck operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Junior crew guidance — models correct catapult or arresting gear handling procedures for newly assigned enlisted personnel during training evolutions O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Shift supervision — leads a flight deck crew section through a complete launch or recovery cycle, ensuring compliance with safety and procedural standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Performance counseling — provides direct feedback to subordinate crew members following observed procedural deviations during flight operations O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Flight deck officer leadership — directs all catapult and arresting gear personnel across simultaneous multi-aircraft launch and recovery operations, maintaining crew safety and sortie tempo Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emergency authority execution — assumes immediate command authority during flight deck emergencies, directing crew response actions to protect aircraft, personnel, and ship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Operational leadership development — designs and executes leadership development programs for junior officers rotating through aircraft launch and recovery billets Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Fleet standards advocacy — represents unit command in inter-fleet working groups to shape launch and recovery officer leadership doctrine and qualification standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Procedural self-assessment — identifies personal knowledge gaps in catapult or arresting gear systems through post-evolution reflection and seeks targeted instruction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Checklist adherence awareness — recognizes own tendency toward checklist complacency and applies deliberate verification habits during repetitive launch cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Situational awareness calibration — monitors own cognitive load during high-tempo flight operations and applies workload management strategies to maintain decision quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning transfer evaluation — assesses how simulator-trained emergency procedures translate to actual flight deck conditions and adjusts mental models accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Decision-making self-monitoring — evaluates own judgment patterns during time-critical launch-hold or wave-off decisions and identifies recurring cognitive biases for correction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Qualification gap analysis — systematically maps own proficiency against all watch qualification requirements and develops targeted remediation plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cognitive performance modeling — mentors junior officers in metacognitive strategies for managing attention and decision-making under the sustained stress of extended flight operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Doctrine application reflection — evaluates whether established launch and recovery procedures align with observed operational realities and documents insights for procedural review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Safety discrepancy identification — detects visible equipment anomalies or procedural deviations during pre-launch inspections and escalates findings through proper channels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Risk factor recognition — identifies environmental hazards such as deck pitch, wind conditions, or FOD presence that affect launch and recovery safety margins O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Launch hold decision analysis — evaluates aircraft weight, catapult steam pressure, and wind-over-deck data to determine whether launch parameters meet minimum safe thresholds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Incident root cause assessment — analyzes arresting gear engagement failures or bolter events to distinguish equipment, procedural, or pilot-technique causes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-variable go/no-go adjudication — integrates aircraft readiness, weather, sea state, and operational tasking variables to render and defend launch or recovery authorization decisions under time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Procedural exception evaluation — assesses requests for deviations from standard launch and recovery procedures, weighing operational necessity against safety risk with documented rationale Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systems-level operational analysis — conducts critical analysis of fleet-wide launch and recovery mishap data to identify systemic procedural vulnerabilities and recommend doctrine changes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emergency scenario adjudication — resolves novel, unscripted flight deck emergencies by applying first-principles reasoning when existing procedures are insufficient or inapplicable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Cross-rate crew integration — coordinates assigned tasks with catapult crew, arresting gear crew, and flight deck control to support a unified launch or recovery cycle Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Air wing liaison participation — attends pre-mission coordination meetings with air wing representatives and contributes launch constraint information O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Shipboard department coordination — collaborates with engineering and air departments to schedule catapult maintenance windows without disrupting flight operations tempo Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Joint watch team integration — works alongside air traffic control officers and flight deck control personnel to synchronize aircraft movement across the carrier flight deck O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Carrier air wing operations integration — partners with air wing commander staff to sequence and execute complex multi-squadron launch and recovery cycles within tight time-on-target windows Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Multinational task force coordination — collaborates with allied naval aviation officers embarked aboard carrier strike group ships to harmonize launch and recovery procedures and safety standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-functional doctrine integration — leads joint working groups composed of aviation, engineering, and safety officers to develop integrated launch and recovery standard operating procedures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Interoperability facilitation — establishes collaborative frameworks enabling seamless aircraft launch and recovery operations between U.S. and allied carrier aviation units during combined exercises Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Safety reporting integrity — accurately reports equipment discrepancies and near-miss incidents without minimizing findings, even when doing so disrupts operational schedules Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Regulatory compliance demonstration — adheres to all NATOPS, NAVAIR, and ship's air operations instructions governing launch and recovery procedures without deviation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Accountability under pressure — owns errors in launch sequencing or recovery signaling, reports them immediately to the officer of the deck, and initiates corrective action Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crew welfare advocacy — raises crew fatigue or morale concerns to supervisors when sustained flight operations tempo creates unacceptable human performance risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical authority exercise — refuses to authorize launches that fall outside safety parameters despite command pressure to maintain sortie rates, documenting rationale formally Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional standards enforcement — holds all watch personnel to uniform safety and conduct standards regardless of rank, rate, or operational urgency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Institutional integrity modeling — establishes a flight deck culture in which reporting of near-misses and procedural deviations is expected, protected, and used for systemic improvement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical mentorship — guides junior officers through ethically complex operational scenarios, such as balancing mission urgency against crew safety, using reasoned principle-based frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Adaptive briefing design — develops visual aids or mnemonics to help newly qualified crew members retain complex launch and recovery signal sequences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Problem-identification framing — generates alternative hypotheses for recurring equipment malfunctions during launch evolutions when initial troubleshooting yields no clear cause Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Training scenario development — designs realistic flight deck emergency drill scenarios that expose crew members to conditions not covered by standard training curricula Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Workaround procedure generation — develops and documents safe improvised procedures for continuing limited flight operations when primary catapult systems are partially degraded Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Operational contingency planning — creates innovative launch and recovery sequencing solutions that maintain sortie generation rates during simultaneous maintenance, weather, and personnel constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Qualification program redesign — restructures watch qualification syllabi using experiential learning principles to reduce time-to-qualification without sacrificing safety standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Doctrine innovation — authors novel launch and recovery operational concepts that address emerging aircraft types, unmanned systems integration, or future carrier deck configurations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-domain solution transfer — adapts safety management innovations from commercial aviation or industrial high-reliability organizations and translates them into applicable naval aviation launch and recovery practices Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Qualification feedback acceptance — receives critical feedback from senior watch officers during qualification board reviews and incorporates corrections into subsequent performance without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mishap case study engagement — studies historical carrier aviation launch and recovery mishaps as learning resources rather than as historical artifacts irrelevant to current practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Challenging watch assignment pursuit — volunteers for high-complexity or degraded-conditions flight operations watches as deliberate growth opportunities beyond minimum qualification requirements Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-qualification skill development — pursues additional watch station qualifications beyond primary billet requirements to broaden operational versatility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. After-action learning integration — systematically incorporates lessons from flight deck incidents, near-misses, and operational debrief findings into personal and crew performance improvement plans Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Persistent skill refinement — continues developing proficiency in advanced catapult or arresting gear system knowledge beyond qualification minimums to achieve functional expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Learning culture cultivation — institutionalizes structured after-action review processes across the launch and recovery department that normalize continuous performance improvement at all levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive mastery modeling — demonstrates and teaches sustained professional development habits to junior officers, showing how carrier aviation expertise is built through decades of deliberate challenge-seeking Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Pre-evolution focus discipline — applies deliberate attention-setting routines before commencing launch or recovery cycles to transition from administrative tasks to full operational presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Noise environment attention management — practices focused attention techniques that sustain situational awareness on a high-noise, high-distraction carrier flight deck Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Fatigue-state self-monitoring — recognizes personal indicators of performance degradation during extended flight operations and applies countermeasures before decision quality is compromised Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation under pressure — maintains composed, authoritative command presence during simultaneous equipment failures and aircraft emergencies without communicating panic to the crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-tempo situational awareness maintenance — sustains continuous full-deck situational awareness across all active catapults and arresting gear during maximum sortie generation operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional communication pacing — deliberately slows and clarifies communication during critical launch or recovery phases to ensure crew comprehension and prevent response errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crew mindfulness culture development — trains flight deck personnel in attention management and stress regulation techniques that improve collective performance during extended, high-intensity flight operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Pre-mishap stress pattern recognition — identifies early emotional and cognitive stress escalation patterns in watch team members before they manifest as procedural errors, intervening with targeted support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Adverse conditions watchstanding — maintains assigned launch and recovery responsibilities during challenging sea states, extreme temperatures, or night operations without requesting relief Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. High-stakes qualification persistence — continues pursuing watch officer qualification despite initial board failures or performance deficiencies, incorporating feedback and reattempting with preparation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained operations endurance — performs all launch and recovery officer duties to standard across extended underway periods with compressed rest cycles and elevated operational tempo Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Post-incident return to duty — resumes full watch responsibilities following a flight deck mishap or near-miss event, maintaining operational effectiveness without avoidance of high-risk evolutions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Emergency decision courage — makes and holds time-critical wave-off or launch-abort decisions in the face of command pressure to proceed, accepting responsibility for the operational impact Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Prolonged deployment performance — sustains flight deck leadership effectiveness and crew safety standards across multi-month deployments with minimal personnel, equipment, and rest resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Adversity leadership — maintains command authority, crew morale, and operational effectiveness during catastrophic flight deck events such as aircraft crashes or fire, guiding the team through crisis to recovery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional resilience building — develops and implements organizational resilience programs that prepare launch and recovery departments to sustain high performance through foreseeable and unforeseeable operational crises Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer · Flight Deck Officer · Landing Signal Officer · V/STOL Landing Signal Officer
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Active ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordination
Knowledge domains
Public Safety and SecurityEnglish LanguageLaw and GovernmentCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementPsychologyComputers and Electronics
Abilities
Problem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningNear Vision
Work styles
DependabilityIntegrityStress ToleranceSelf-ControlCautiousnessAttention to Detail
Technology
Data base user interface and query softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Take, receive, or check periodic inmate counts.
  2. Maintain order, discipline, and security within assigned areas in accordance with relevant rules, regulations,
  3. Maintain knowledge of, comply with, and enforce all institutional policies, rules, procedures, and regulations
  4. Respond to emergencies, such as escapes.
CIP education codes
28.060529.040729.020429.020529.020629.0207

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.