THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION. This National Guard position is for a LINK UNIT MANAGER (T5), Position Description Number T6387000 and is part of the AL 117TH Air Refueling Wing, National Guard. ORGANIZATION: AL 117TH AIR REFUELING WING, BIRMINGHAM, AL SELECTING OFFICIAL: COL M. ADAMS
1. Serves as the Link Unit Manager (LUM) and technical expert/advisor for planning, coordinating, and scheduling Tactical Data Link (TDL) operations, maintenance, and equipment for the Mobility Air Force (MAF) Wing. Within the MPC, provides oversight of TDL activities pertaining to the assigned unit and Air Mobility Command (AMC) in accordance with the duties outlined in AFMAN 13-116.
Develops tailored procedures, conducts technical training and support, and improves processes of TDL systems for users and maintainers. Recommends changes to operations and maintenance processes to improve mission readiness and system capabilities. Briefs wing leadership on the operation and performance of multiple TDLs. Coordinates with local reserve units to ensure support for weekend exercises.
Coordinates the preparations, maintenance, and equipment configurations to execute TDL Network operations in the MPC/Local Airspace which may include working with Major Command (MAJCOM) and appropriate contractors. Facilitates support and resolution for complex Data Link system to include troubleshooting feeds, tasked sensors, and reporting systems in aircraft and/or mobile ground stations with respect to mission planning and long-term homeland air defense implications.
Ensures transient, joint, and coalition airframes are equipped with the appropriate client software confirming TDL capability, intelligence, operations, and communications data is received and distributed to subordinate USAF Command and Control elements. Manages execution of the Data Link architecture and coordinates with range and test facilities. (30%) 2.
Coordinates with Theater/Range JICOs (as applicable), local airspace, TDL users, Electronic Scoring Ranges, and HQ Air Combat Command (ACC) as the focal points for managing and modifying the TDL networks for execution of all procedures operating in ACC. Represents the MAF at higher levels within AMC, MAJCOMs, and at conferences with HQ USAF, Department of Defense (DoD) and other agencies.
Supports establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with other coordinating organizations at the field grade officer level. Delivers presentations on status, accomplishments, problems, and requirements for support to organization leadership or other DoD agencies, as required. May advise MAJCOM on Position Description modifications for unit and Manpower Data System (MDS) support.
Responsible for ensuring all multi-TDL networks, sensor networks, and intelligence networks are combined and forwarded on to the MPC's Common Operational Picture (COP). Assists MAF Aircrew in planning TDL network architectures during peacetime, contingency, and wartime operations. (25%) 3. Provides oversight of TDL network operations while conducting testing and training missions in accordance with all pertinent instructions.
Responsible for development, management, maintenance, and annual review of TDL checklists. Performs as a liaison with multi-command agencies regarding support to testing and training missions. Works with Homeland Defense and range controllers integrating plans for local training and prepares for real world operations. Utilize testing and training capabilities with required organizations to ensure optimal connectivity.
Works closely with training system schedulers to alleviate problems caused by equipment downtime or changes to training requirements. Coordinates efforts to minimize the impacts of TDL training system limitations on formal and continuation training programs. Plans, schedules, coordinates, and supports the on-site activities of outside agencies in conducting TDL training system tests and evaluations.
Attends training and system configuration working group meetings to stay informed of changes in tactics, training, and aircraft equipment requirements. Designs and coordinates comprehensive TDL training plans and scenarios to provide realistic training for technical aircrew and maintenance personnel training. (25%) 4. Maintains in-depth working knowledge of local area support agreements which affect TDL network operations.
Reviews and confirms environmental controls, facility connectivity, and site activities for the TDL network are accurate and effective in meeting user requirements, mission timetables, and schedules.
Develops support agreements such as Letters of Agreement/Memorandums of Agreement/Memorandums of Understanding (LOA/MOA/MOU) to meet mission requirements and provides network operational guidance, project execution support, and collaboration with program managers when necessary to ensure completion of defined portions of overall program effort.
Analyzes TDL operational issues and advises higher officials/project managers of the feasibility of different approaches to provide a basis for corrective action or the solution. (20%) Performs other duties as assigned. PLEASE CONTACT HRO FOR COMPLETE POSITION DESCRIPTION.
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition, completion of courses such as the Officer Advanced Course, Squadron Officer School, Command and Staff College, Air and Army War College, National Security Management Course and others of comparable level will be credited at the rate of 1 month of education for 2 months of specialized experience. You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your Educational claims.
To receive credit for Education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the Education requirements for this position.
michael.adams.15@us.af.mil · 205-714-2686
This position is with Air National Guard Units, Department of the Air Force.
The posted pay range is $90410 – $117535/yr.
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance.
Applications close on 2026-09-10.
This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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