In the Air Force:
Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Craftsman, Low-Flow; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst Journeyman, Arabic; Airborne Mission Systems Operator Helper; Command and Control Battle Management Operations Craftsman; Cyber Transport Systems Helper, Data Links; Fusion Analyst Apprentice, Digital Network Analyst; Geospatial Intelligence Helper, Imagery Analyst; Signals Intelligence Analyst Apprentice; Special Operations Weather
In the Army:
AH-64D Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer; Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer; Chief Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Sergeant; Cryptologic Network Warfare Specialist; Electronic Warfare Technician; Geospatial Intelligence Imagery Analyst; Interpreter/Translator; Military Police; Radar Repairer; Signals Collector/Analyst; Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist
In the Marine Corps:
Air Traffic Control Radar Technician; Aircraft Avionics Technician, CH-53; Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Radar System Technician, EA-6; Aviation Electronic Micro/miniature Component and Cable Repair Technician, IMA; Avionics/Maintenance Technician, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS); Cryptologic Language Analyst; Field Artillery Sensor Support Man; Ground Electronics Telecommunications and Information Technology Systems Maintainer; Marine Corps Community Services Marine; Signals Intelligence/Electronic Warfare/Cyberspace Operations Technician
In the Navy:
Airborne Electronic Intelligence Specialist; Aviation Electronics Technician; Communications Operator; Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation; Fire Controlman (AEGIS); Intelligence Specialist; Multi-Tactical Digital Information Link Operator (TADIL); Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter; RL - Special Duty Officer Billet - Information Professional Officer; Tactical Systems Operator; URL - Surface Warfare
Many companies and government agencies use large computers, called mainframes. Computer operators oversee the operation of these machines, as well as linked networks of personal computers. To keep computers running smoothly, operators enter commands and set controls on computers and related devices. They track down problems in computer systems and correct them, and plan for supplies and maintenance. Computer operators need to understand and use servers, printers, mainframe consoles and different types of drives. They use a variety of software and databases, and keep their knowledge current by reading technical manuals and learning new equipment. Big organizations that process large quantities of data, such as banking, engineering, and manufacturing, are typical employers of computer operators. While most employers require a high school diploma and related experience, some operators may enter the field with vocational training or an associate's degree. On-the-job training is typically provided. Automation continues to reduce the need for computer operators, making this a field with few new openings. But a strong base of hardware and software skills can help these professionals network to a related job.
What they do:
Monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process business, scientific, engineering, and other data according to operating instructions. Monitor and respond to operating and error messages. May enter commands at a computer terminal and set controls on computer and peripheral devices.
On the job, you would:
Enter commands, using computer terminal, and activate controls on computer and peripheral equipment to integrate and operate equipment.
Monitor the system for equipment failure or errors in performance.
Respond to program error messages by finding and correcting problems or terminating the program.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Communications
telecommunications
Basic Skills
reading work related information
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
Visual Understanding
quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things
see hidden patterns
Attention
pay attention to something without being distracted
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Integrity
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Operating system software
Job control language JCL
Linux
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access
Structured query language SQL
Backup or archival software
Data3 ENGUARD
Veritas NetBackup
associate's degree or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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