Naval Aircrewman Avionics

Naval Aircrewmen Avionics (AWV) detect, analyze, classify and track sub-surface contacts perform sonar and sonobuoy operations and help coordinate tactical communications relay conduct weapons delivery in support of tactical missions. On any given day, they may:

• Perform primary in-flight and ground duties as aircraft in-flight technicians
• Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) specialists, and airborne communicators who maintain and operate aircraft systems
• Pilot and maintain Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV)
• Operate aerial photographic equipment
• Perform aircrew administration, flight and ground training, ordnance handling duties, joint special warfare operations and Communications Material

There’s no limit to where you can go in the Navy. And Aircrewmen especially may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons in any part of the world. They work in airborne aircraft, hangars, on flight decks or on flight lines at air stations, so you’ll need to be prepared to be around a high level of noise and action.

Upon completion of initial training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Naval Aircrewmen Avionics role report to Naval Aircrewmen Crew Candidate School and AWV Class "A" Technical School in Pensacola, FL, where they receive 19 weeks of formal Navy technical training. Here, they develop a working knowledge of water and land survival and flight safety as well as basic aviation theory and skills required for the specialized AWV rating.

The applicant must meet the following minimum physical fitness requirements to graduate from Naval Aircrewmen Crew Candidate School:

• Intense daily calisthenics
• Pass the PRT with a "good-medium" for their sex and age in all categories to include sit-ups, pushups and 1.5 mile run (proper Navy form is stressed)
• Swim one mile in flight suit in 80 minutes or less
• Swim 75 yards in full flight gear (backstroke, sidestroke and breaststroke for 25 yards each)
• In full flight gear, tread water for two minutes, followed immediately by three minutes of drown-proofing, followed by five minutes of floating with a life preserver
• Jump from a 12-foot tower and swim 15 yards underwater wearing flight suit and boots

After that, they’ll attend Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape School (SERE School) in either San Diego, CA, or Brunswick, ME, for approximately 2 weeks. This is followed by Fleet Replacement Squadrons (located at various Naval Air Stations) for 2 to 18 weeks depending on the type of aircraft, where they’ll learn aircraft systems. After completion of the training pipelines, most students are sent to squadrons and air stations around the world to start flying.

Promotion opportunities are regularly available but competitive and based on performance. It’s also important to note that 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.

Beyond offering access to professional credentials and certifications, Navy technical and operational training for a Naval Aircrewman Avionics can translate to credit hours toward a bachelor’s or associate degree through the American Council on Education.

You may also continue your education through undergraduate degree opportunities like the Navy College Program and Tuition Assistance and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and Naval Aircrewman Avionics in the Navy. Applicants must be U.S. citizens eligible for a secret security clearance. All aircrew candidates should also:

• Have normal hearing and normal color perception
• Have no speech impediments and be able to speak and understand English fluently
• Possess the ability to swim prior to entering the program
• Possess manual dexterity, physical strength and be oriented toward working with tools and machinery
• Be self-motivated, as well as be able to work as part of a team and perform repetitive tasks
• Be in excellent physical condition and motivated toward physical and mental challenges

Candidates must pass a class II swim test, an aviation flight physical, and the AWV - Naval Aircrewmen Avionics Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) prior to reporting for aircrew training. The second-class swim test consists of entering the water feet first from a minimum height of 10 feet and remaining afloat for 10 minutes. During this time, applicants must swim 100 yards and use the three basic survival strokes (sidestroke, breaststroke, and backstroke) and American crawl for at least 25 yards each. The applicant must pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) with a "satisfactory-medium" in all categories for their sex and age prior to enrollment at Naval Aircrewmen Crew Candidate School. Applicants should be provided a copy of the current PFA standards. Connect with a recruiter for more information.

If the applicant voluntarily terminates training as an aircrew student or otherwise fails to meet the prerequisites of the aircrew program, the applicant will no longer be eligible for the guarantees of the program. The applicant must also understand that follow-on training will be determined by the needs of the Navy, performance, and qualifications as well as the applicant's personal desires.

General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you’re currently serving, whether you've served before or whether you've never served before.

There are part-time opportunities available as a Naval Aircrewmen Avionics.

Serving part-time as a Navy Reserve Sailor, your duties will be carried out during your scheduled drilling and training periods. During monthly drilling, Naval Aircrewmen Avionics in the Navy Reserve typically work at a location close to their homes.

For annual training, Naval Aircrewmen Avionics 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.

Naval Aircrewmen Avionics in the Navy Reserve serve in an Enlisted role. Before receiving the ongoing professional training that comes with the job, initial training requirements must be met.

For current or former military Enlisted servicemembers, prior experience satisfies the initial Recruit Training requirement, so you will not need to go through Boot Camp again.

For those without prior military experience, you will need to meet the initial Recruit Training requirement by attending Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL. This training course will prepare you for service in the Navy Reserve and count as your first Annual Training.