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        Policy UpdatesNewsroomReoptimizationBIOGRAPHIESAF Senior Leaders   Staff Sgt. Craig Gaillardet attaches the lightning detector to the weather station at Wiesbaden Army Airfield, Germany, June 21. Sergeant Gaillardet, a Pecos, Texas, native, is a combat weather forecaster with the 7th Weather Squadron headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John E. Lasky)AF File Image
                
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 Weather - 1W0X1**Mission**
One factor plays a major role in the success of any military operation - the weather. Weather persons analyze and forecast atmospheric weather and space environment conditions for military decision-makers. They work in a fast-paced, computer-intensive job environment and travel around the world to support Air Force and Army operations. Throughout their training and careers, Air Force weather persons gain an in-depth understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and how to predict changes using satellite, radar and computer models. They also study how to decode weather messages and use automated systems to plot the information on charts.**Qualifications**
For entry into this Air Force specialty, applicants must be able to speak distinctly, possess normal color vision as outlined in AFI 48-123, Medical Examination and Standards, have a general score of 66 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and be eligible for a Secret clearance.**Training**
Training to become a certified member of the Air Force's weather team consists of several stages. New trainees will attend the Weather Forecaster Apprentice Course at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., and eight-month course that teaches students the basics of meteorology and weather forecasting. Upon graduation from this course, apprentices will be assigned to an Operational Weather Squadron, where they are teamed with experienced trainer for extensive certification, qualification and upgrade training for a period of 18 to 24 months. Following this training, weather apprentices return to Keesler AFB to attend the three-month Weather Observer Course, and are usually then reassigned to an Air Force weather squadron or detachment.
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