Air Battle Manager Job Description
Job Description: Air battle managers or ABMs are custom-built officers that are assigned to work at the back of aircrafts or the electronic monitoring of aircrafts. They are in charge of in-flight air traffic controllers. Air battle managers also monitor air traffic and ground threats from the back of an aircraft to relay the information to pilots in the air. Their main role is to provide the pilots with situation awareness in times of combat situations.
Duties: Duties of an air battle manager include performing and managing airfield operations, functions and activities, being aware of the situations in air traffic and base operations during combat environments and managing daily operations of facilities such as ground controlled approach, radar approach control, control tower, radar final control and base operations. Air battle managers also provide air battle personnel supervision and technical assistance, formulate, develop and implement plans and policies used in operating air battle situations, support civil aviation responsibilities in compliance with the law; and analyze national defense guides to create operational policies and procedures. Air battle managers also develop budget to ensure resource efficiency; conduct flying and simulated exercises to enhance operational performances and readiness; develop agreements within different facilities and coordinates with them; develop formal school curriculum in aviation; create and implement training plans and programs; and provide recommendations or action plans to management regarding air base procedures if necessary.
Education and Training: Undergraduate academic completion is necessary with specialization in a technical discipline is required. Courses in administration and management should also be considered. Most importantly, extensive training is a must to be able to handle combat environments. A minimum of 3 years of experience as an enlisted air battle controller with previous facility ratings is required. Radar approach control and control tower knowledge will be an advantage.
Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge in air battle procedures and techniques, operational plans and programs as well as environmental requirements are just some of the necessary subjects that an air battle manager needs to be aware of. Air battle involves multiple and extensive procedures that an air battle managers all needs to be aware of. Quick decision making as well as flexibility is important. They must know how to handle complex and pressured environments. They must be able to be intuitive as well as know how to be part of a team.
Working Conditions: Air battle managers usually work conveniently in an office environment particularly located in an airbase field. Their work will revolve around tons of paperwork as well as making rounds in technical facilities as well. Work hours are flexible as some training of air battle crew may be done at night.
Salary: The average annual salary of an air battle manager is $64,000 which will still widely depend on the facility, location, experience and benefits.
