 Unlike the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps , which flew the Phantom with a Naval Aviator ( pilot ) in the front seat and a Naval Flight Officer as a radar intercept officer ( RIO ) in the back seat , the USAF initially flew its Phantoms with a rated Air Force Pilot in front and back seats . While the rear pilot ( GIB , or " guy in back " ) could fly and ostensibly land the aircraft , he had fewer flight instruments and a very restricted forward view . The Air Force later assigned a rated Air Force Navigator qualified as a weapon / targeting systems officer ( later designated as weapon systems officer or WSO ) in the rear seat instead of another pilot . However , all USAF Phantoms retained dual flight controls throughout their service life . 
