Which roles comprise the CSOSS watch team on a surface combatant?

• A. CIC Watch Officer, Sensor Controller, Weapons Controller, and platform-specific system operators.
• B. TAO and CIC watch team only.
• C. Engineering Supervisor.
• D. Captain and Navigator.

Answer: (A)

CSOSS watch teams are organized to cover the full sensor-to-sh shooter sequence within the Combat Information Center. The CIC Watch Officer provides the overall battle management and coordinates CSOSS procedures during engagements. The Sensor Controller operates and interprets sensor data, maintaining an accurate and up-to-date picture of the battlespace to cue actions and track threats. The Weapons Controller directly directs weapon systems, executing engagements according to the CSOSS sequence and the officer’s guidance. Platform-specific system operators handle the ship’s specialized subsystems that CSOSS relies on, ensuring the platform’s equipment (such as radar, communications, or other combat-system interfaces) is available and functioning for the sequence of actions.

This combination ensures there’s a complete, real-time chain from detection through decision to execution, with specialized support for the ship’s unique systems. Other roles like Engineering Supervisor or Captain and Navigator operate in different spheres (engineering, navigation, command decision) and do not form the core CSOSS watch team responsible for the sensor-to-shooter workflow. The TAO role is typically encompassed within the CIC leadership, but the essential CSOSS watch team focuses on these four positions to maintain the combat system’s readiness and response.