Squadron leader

Squadron leaders command a squadron specialising in different operations, such as aircraft squadrons, ground operations squadrons, or armoured fighting vehicles squadrons.

The following job titles also refer to squadron leader:

air force commandant
air force squadron leader
air force squadron team leader
squadron commander

High school diploma is generally required to work as squadron leader. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Squadron leader is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to squadron leader.

artillery officer
armed forces officer
lieutenant
navy officer
army major

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of squadron leader. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of squadron leader with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of squadron leader.

Military combat techniques: The fighting techniques specific to military operations, using military weapons and equipment, and the regulations concerning military combat actions.

These skills are necessary for the role of squadron leader.

Operate radio equipment: Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
Provide humanitarian aid: Provide first-hand aid in dangerous or critical areas to the civilian population, such as handing out food and water, medical resources, setting up aid facilities, evacuation procedures, and ensuring the area’s security.
Lead military troops: Lead the actions of military troops on the field during a mission, either combat, humanitarian or otherwise defensive, compliant with the strategies devised prior to the operation and ensuring communication with other troops is maintained.
Perform military operations: Perform military operations according to given instructions from superiors, such as battle operations, rescue missions, aid missions, search and intelligence missions or other operations concerning defense.
Manage troop deployment: Manage the deployment of troops to areas in conflict, or in need of aid, and oversee the deployment procedures. Manage the deployment of the troops within an area for specific missions, and ensure the troops and resources are allocated to the missions in compliance with tactical considerations and safety of the troops.
Give battle commands: Give commands during a battle or similar confrontation with enemy units to guide the activities of the troops, ensuring the safety of the troops and success of the operation, and give these commands in a comprehensible manner compliant with guidelines, and in dangerous and stress situations.
Ensure compliance with types of weapons: Use different kinds of firearms and other types of weapons and their matching ammunition, in compliance with legal requirements.
Train military troops: Train military troops or people in training to join the force in drill, combat techniques, weaponry, regulations, operation procedures, camouflage, and other military practices.
Maintain operational communications: Maintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that the organisation functions smoothly.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of squadron leader. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Geographic information systems: The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
Military code: The code language used in specific intelligence or military organisations and operations, how to use and decipher them.
Legal use-of-force: The characteristics of the use-of-force, which is a legal doctrine employed by police and army forces, to regulate acts of violence during interventions. Use-of-force is ought to balance security needs with ethical concerns for the rights and well-being of intruders or suspects.
Camouflage: The different kinds of materials and specialised clothing used for concealment of people, vehicles or other equipment.
Military aviation: The rules and regulations concerning military aviation procedures, such as military air space, aviation procedures in civilian air space, and specific military aviation equipment.
Air force operations: The operations, procedures and compliant behaviour of a military air force, and of a specific air force base.
Surveillance methods: Surveillance methods used in the gathering of information and intelligence for investigation purposes.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of squadron leader. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Use geographic information systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Use personal protection equipment: Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
Apply air force procedures: Apply the procedures present in a military air force and on a specific base and being compliant with all the regulations and policies.
Apply military aviation regulations: Apply the procedures and regulations present in military aviation operations and missions, ensuring compliance with policies, safety and security.
Handle surveillance equipment: Monitor surveillance equipment to observe what people are doing in a given area and ensure their safety.
Operate armoured fighting vehicles: Operate armoured fighting vehicles, such as tanks, armoured cars, air defense vehicles and troop carriers, using correct navigation systems and monitoring controls, as well as operating its weapons.
Identify security threats: Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.
Follow given instructions: Follow instructions to achieve goals and meet deadlines.
Assess danger in risk areas: Assess the potential dangers involved in performinig military or humanitarian missions in risk areas, such as combat areas, areas affected by natural disasters, or politically tense areas.

110 – Commissioned armed forces officers

 

 

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References

1. Squadron leader – ESCO