The AE and AT Ratings

The Aviation Electrician's Mate was established as a rating in 1942.

The Aviation Electronics Technician rating evolved from the original Aviation Radioman, Aviation Electronicsman, and Aviation Electronics Technician's Mate ratings in 1948.

The Navy's computerized personnel system associates the rating name with an alphanumeric Navy Enlisted Manning Code (EMC). For AE, the EMC is A200; for AT, A210.

Aviation Electronic, Electrical, and Computer Systems Technicians work with some of the most advanced electronics equipment in the world and repair a wide range of aircraft electrical and electronic systems.

Repair jobs can range from trouble-shooting the computer-controlled weapon system on an F/A-18 Hornet on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier to repairing circuit cards or tracing electrical wiring diagrams in an air-conditioned work center. Most of these technicians are trained in computers to support state-of-the-art equipment or on power generators and power distribution systems to support aircraft electrical systems.

The Aviation Electronic, Electrical and Computer Systems Technician class "A" schools range from 15 weeks for the AE rating, and 21 weeks long for the AT rating. The schools are located in Pensacola, Florida. The AV program requires a 60 month (5 year) service obligation for those leaving for boot-camp in Fiscal Year 2019 and beyond.

Aviation Electrician (EMC A200) or Aviation Electronics Technician (EMC A210)

AV Sailors attend common basic electronics training, after which they are selected for either the Aviation Electrician (AE) rating or the Aviation Electronics Technician (AT) rating.

Depending on selection to AE or AT, the AV Sailor will troubleshoot and repair some of the most complex electronic systems employing the latest test equipment and procedures available today. They repair and maintain digital computers, fiber optics, infrared detection, radar systems, electricity generation systems, laser electronics, navigation systems, communications equipment, electrical power distribution, pressure indication systems, and electric transformers and circuits.

Technicians may also perform the testing aircraft instruments and systems such as automatic flight controls, inertial navigation, and compass systems. Installing changes, alterations, and modifications to aircraft electronics systems, and perform micro-miniature module repair on computer circuit cards using a variety of electrical measuring and diagnostic equipment. They read electrical system diagrams and repair and maintain power generators and electric motors.

Sea tours and shore tours for Sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 ashore until retirement.

Qualifications, Interests, and Working Environment

Personnel in this field must be U.S. citizens eligible for a security clearance. Vision must correct to 20/20. Must have full field of vision. Must have normal depth perception and color perception. Applicants in this career field will work on some of the most technologically advanced aircraft in the Navy.

Applicants should have an interest in aviation and working with or around aircraft. They should have a high degree of manual dexterity with tools, equipment, and machines for detailed precision work. They should have a strong interest in electrical or computer systems and be ready to tackle a tough academic curriculum in electronics training. They should have a desire to be resourceful parts of a team effort.

Normal color perception is required.

Helpful attributes include arithmetic knowledge, writing ability, speaking skills, good memory, and physical fitness. Sailors in this career field will perform duties at sea and ashore around the world. At various times they could be working at a land-based aircraft squadron or on board an aircraft carrier, either indoors or outdoors, in a shop environment or in office surroundings, and at a clean lab bench or in a garage-type situation. They work closely with others, require little supervision, and do mental and physical work of a technical nature. AT & AE ASVAB Test requirements.

Opportunities for placement in this career field are excellent for qualified personnel. About 13,000 men and women now work in the AE rating, and about 7,000 work in the AT rating.

Personnel in this rating are paid allowances (BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and billet pay (sea pay, flight pay, submarine pay, etc. if eligible), and basic pay based on years of military service and paygrade.

Credit Recommendations

Aviation Electronics Technician (AT)

The American Council of Education (ACE) recommends that credit be awarded in the vocational certificate or a lower-division bachelor's/associates degree category for courses taken in this rating on basic electronics, trouble-shooting techniques and introduction to physics.

Aviation Electrician (AE)

The American Council of Education (ACE) recommends that credit be awarded in the vocational certificate or a lower-division bachelor's/associates degree category for courses taken on aircraft electrical maintenance in this rating.

Page written and maintained by NCCM Thomas Goering, USN (Retired).

If you are seeking information about joining the Navy, feel free to contact me.