Job Descriptions

Armed Forces Operational Officer Job Description

What is the job description of an Armed Forces Operational Officer? What are the duties and responsibilities of an Armed Forces Operational Officer? What does an Armed Forces Operational Officer do?

Job description of an Armed Forces Operational Officer

Operational officers in the armed forces lead the fighting arms. They direct and operate technically advanced fighting systems on land, at sea and in the air and command people in the front line of battle.

Responsibilities cover the training, fitness, operational effectiveness and welfare of everyone in the unit, so they reach and maintain a high level of competence and readiness to fulfill their defence and peacekeeping purposes. The officer’s primary responsibility in operations – which are often dangerous, fast-moving and confused – is to command, lead and inspire service personnel.

An operational or combat officer in the armed forces is first and foremost a leader who must lead and manage a team of fighting specialists, developing their skills to a very high level of competence and readiness.

This Armed Forces Operational Officer job description example includes the list of most important Armed Forces Operational Officer duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Armed Forces Operational Officer profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Armed Forces Operational Officer Duties and Responsibilities

Armed Forces Operational Officer job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Taking responsibility for the welfare, morale and motivation of subordinates;
  • Briefings, operational reports and presentations;
  • Taking responsibility for your own personal and professional development.
  • Communicating effectively with your unit, colleagues with other roles and responsibilities, and professional and community groups, both orally and in writing.

In battle and other operations:

  • Preparing or modifying operational strategies and plans;
  • Motivating and leading subordinates to achieve objectives, often in difficult and dangerous conditions;
  • Keeping ships, aircraft, vehicles, weapons and other equipment operational.
  • Allocating equipment, manpower and resources effectively to achieve objectives;

Identifying objectives and assessing ways of achieving them;At base or on exercise:  

  • Training new recruits in basic skills;
  • Assessing the effectiveness of training.
  • Instructing personnel of other ranks and preparing them for promotion;
  • Training and developing subordinates of all ranks and bringing them to a high state of operational readiness;

Armed Forces Operational Officer Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Armed Forces Operational Officer job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • A good degree in any discipline
  • Previous experience in the armed forces is helpful
  • High level of fitness

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Armed Forces Operational Officer starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Armed Forces Operational Officer job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of an Armed Forces Operational Officer may also reference it in preparation for the interview.