the LSOs are free to lower the pickle. USN / USMC LSO qualifications LSOs have been rated carrier pilots since the end of World War II, but during the war the need was such that some non-aviators were trained. Because of the importance of LSOs, the duty offers great responsibility for junior officers, generally lieutenants (junior grade) to lieutenant commander. Prospective LSOs are selected among junior pilots from each fixed wing USN and USMC carrier aviation squadron. The first qualification they receive is a "field qualification", which allows them to wave aircraft at shore runways during Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLPs) without supervision. The LSO next attends the LSO School at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for Initial Formal Ground Training. Additional qualifications include: Squadron Qualification – LSO qualified to wave his own type aircraft; typically achieved after a full deployment. Wing Qualification – LSO qualified to wave all the aircraft types in his carrier air wing or functional air wing; typically achieved after additional deployments. LSO is also qualified and trusted to wave all the type aircraft in any weather condition, day or night. LSO NATOPS requires a Wing Qualified LSO be on the LSO platform for all recoveries. Training Qualification – LSO qualified to wave Student Naval Aviators and Fleet Replacement Squadron pilots in their specific type/model/series aircraft. Staff Qualification – This qualification is reserved for Air Wing LSOs, the Senior LSO for the air wing. Air Wing LSOs (also known as "CAG Paddles") train and qualify LSOs from squadrons in the Air Wing. Force LSO – This is the senior LSO for the fleet, typically assigned to Naval Air Force Atlantic or Naval Air Force Pacific. Wave teams Air Wing LSO All LSOs work directly for the Air Wing LSO (aka "Cag Paddles"), who is ultimately responsible for the safe and expeditious recovery of aircraft, and for training/qualifying junior LSOs. There are typically two Air Wing LSOs per Air Wing, and one of them is usually on the LSO platform for every landing. Controlling LSO The Controlling LSO is primarily responsible for aircraft glideslope and angle of attack. He or she also issues a "grade" for each landing. Backup LSO The Backup LSO is typically more experienced than the Controlling LSO, and is primarily responsible for aircraft lineup and ensuring that the landing area is clear. He helps in the grading. He may provide glideslope/angle of attack commentary on