What to Expect
More Information
Responsibilities
Navy aircraft are among the most complex in the world. These machines see heavy use, and lives and missions depend on meticulous maintenance and repair. Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers deliver just that by keeping lives safe and aircraft functioning properly every day. Their responsibilities include:
- Making certain all aircraft maintenance has been performed correctly
- Influencing emerging aviation weapon system designs to reduce, simplify or eliminate maintenance actions
- Providing operational support to the Fleet’s personnel and aircraft
- Managing all material and manpower needed to support Flight Operations
Work Environment
Members of the Navy Flight Support community occupy a variety of positions, allowing them to be a part of just about any aspect of Naval Aviation. As an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer, you could find yourself working on a ship at sea or at an air station on shore – at locations around the globe.
Training & Advancement
Those pursuing an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer position are required to attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI.
From there, candidates will complete a 6-week air indoctrination course at Naval Aviation Schools Command in Pensacola, FL. Finally, Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers (AMDOs) attend Aviation Maintenance School in Pensacola, FL, to learn leadership, logistics and operational support of the Naval Aviation Fleet.
Advanced technical training in the aviation field is also available as part of your career development, preparing you for any number of future civilian careers with airports, airline industries, government and law enforcement agencies, aircraft manufacturers and more.
Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance.
Post-Service Opportunities
Specialized training received and work experience gained in the course of service can lead to valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields in the civilian sector.
Education Opportunities
Beyond professional credentials and certifications, you can advance your education as an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer by attending the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, CA, where you may be able to earn a master’s or doctoral degree while being paid full-time. Wherever you are in your professional career, the Navy can help ease your financial burdens and advance your career with generous financial assistance and continuing education programs. Other opportunities for further education within this platform include:
Qualifications & Requirements
A degree from a four-year college or university is a minimum educational requirement to become a Commissioned Officer. You must also attend Officer Training. There may be exceptions to the degree requirements based on extensive service experience.
General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you’ve served before or whether you’ve never served before.
Part-Time Opportunities
There are part-time opportunities available as an Aviation Maintenance Duty Officer.
Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.
For annual training, Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers may serve anywhere in the world, whether on a ship at sea or at bases and installations on shore.
Take a moment to learn more about the general roles and responsibilities of Navy Reserve Sailors.
Most of what you do in the Navy Reserve is considered training. The basic Navy Reserve commitment involves training a minimum of one weekend a month (referred to as drilling) and two weeks a year (referred to as Annual Training) – or the equivalent of that.
Aviation Maintenance Duty Officers in the Navy Reserve serve in an Officer role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with this job, initial training requirements must first be met.
For current or former Navy Officers (NAVET): Prior experience satisfies the initial leadership training requirement – so you will not need to go through Officer Training again.
For current or former Officers of military branches other than the Navy (OSVET), as well as for Officer candidates without prior military experience: Officer candidates are required to attend Officer Development School (ODS) in Newport, RI. ODS is a five-week program that provides a comprehensive and intense introduction to the responsibilities of Navy Staff Corps Officers. Officers who previously held a commission in another United States Military Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Public Health Service, or United States Coast Guard are exempt from attending ODS or LDO/CWO Academy.