The Aircrew & Aircrew Rescue Swimmer Program Requirements

The Aircrewman Program (AIRC) and the Aircrewman Rescue Swimmer Program (AIRR) are six-year enlistment programs guaranteeing an initial flying assignment as a flight crewmember in fixed wing or helicopter aircraft. They provide training via various Class "A" Schools for a specific service rating within the Naval Aircrewman (AW) general rating, and specialized training depending on the rating ultimately selected.

You will undergo some of the most demanding physical training offered by the military services in these programs. You must volunteer for flying duty, be capable of passing a Class II swim test, and pass an aviation flight physical.

You must be made aware that your entrance physical examination will be verified for flight qualifications at Recruit Training Command and Naval Aircrewman Candidate School (NACCS).

General Qualification Requirements

You must meet all Navy enlistment eligibility requirements, and the following additional requirements.

Those applying for aviation programs are held to strict physical standards and therefore are less likely to be recommended for program waivers.

Security Clearance

You must have citizenship and character requirements to be granted a SECRET clearance and meet reliability standards for assignment to the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP as specified in SECNAVINST 5510.30). A complete PRP screen is not required for enlistment.

Aircrew Navy Enlisted Manning Codes (EMC):

The Navy's computerized personnel system associates rating names with an alphanumeric Enlisted Manning Code (EMC). The Aircrew program ratings are assigned the following: Naval Aircrewman general rating (EMC A500; Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) EMC J150): Aircrewman Helicopter (EMC A510), Aircrewman Operator (EMC A520), Aircrewman Mechanical (EMC A530; TAR EMC J154), or Aircrewman Avionics (EMC A550). Assignment to a specific class "A" school for a service rating within the program will be made while assigned to Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS) and will be based on the applicant's test scores, personal desires, needs of the Navy, and continued eligibility for the Aircrew program.

Navy Aircrew Program (AIRC)

Men and women interested in the Aircrew program may be assigned to one of the following source ratings:

AIRC Training Cycle

Trainees are normally assigned to Class "A" School immediately after completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS). The normal training cycle is:

  1. Recruit Training (Great Lakes, IL)
  2. Naval Aircrew Candidate School (Pensacola, FL)
  3. Class "A" School (Pensacola, FL)
  4. Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) School (San Diego, CA or Brunswick, ME)
  5. Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) various locales)
  6. Initial squadron assignment (various locales)

Naval Aircrewman Mechanical (AWF)

The AWF are members of a fixed wing integrated tactical crew aboard C-2, C-9, C-12, C-20, C-37, C-40, C-130, E-6, P-3, and P-8 Poseidon aircraft. They perform primary in-flight and ground duties as aircraft Flight Engineer/Crew Chief, Loadmaster, Reel Operator, and Aircrew Readiness Manager. AWFs perform aircraft maintenance, weight and balance (W&B) calculations, and aircraft systems rigging, Aircrew administration, Flight/Ground training, cargo movement, Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, small arms, and Joint Special Warfare operations.

They contribute directly to operations for the purposes of attaining and maintaining the squadron's aircrew qualifications and certifications, and are knowledgeable of all aircraft systems, passenger and cargo handling, safety procedures and equipment, federal and military regulations for passenger transport, emergency procedures, and aircraft equipment.

The Naval Aircrewmen Mechanical rating training path includes:

Naval Aircrewman Operator Rating (AWO)

Members of the Naval Aircrewman Operator rating produce intelligence products for aircrews in support of operations and tactical missions worldwide. They detect, analyze, classify, and track surface and subsurface contacts. AWOs operate an advanced sonar system utilizing sonobuoys, radar, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD), Identification Friend or Foe/Selective Identification Feature (IFF/SIF), and Infrared Detector (IR). They perform aircrew duties that support mission planning, classified material handling, and training. They handle ordnance, inspect acoustic station equipment, and operate mission equipment such as: advanced imaging multi-spectral sensors, radar for safety of flight, and hand-held cameras.

The Naval Aircrewmen Operator rating training path includes:

Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV)

The AWV are members of a fixed wing integrated tactical aircrew aboard maritime patrol and reconnaissance, and command and control aircraft. They are knowledgeable of all avionics systems, safety equipment, emergency procedures, and aircraft equipment. AWVs 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. They pilot and maintain Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), operate aerial photographic equipment, and perform aircrew administration, flight and ground training, ordnance handling duties, joint special warfare operations, and Communications Material Security (CMS) handling.

The Naval Aircrewmen Avionics rating training path includes:

Navy Aircrew Rescue Swimmer Program (AIRR)

Men and women interested in the Aircrew Rescue Swimmer program may be assigned to one of the following source ratings:

Rescue swimmers may be required to risk their lives during a rescue over-land or at-sea. They will be required to enter the open ocean from a hovering helicopter and swim to the survivor. Upon reaching the survivor, the swimmer utilizes appropriate rescue techniques and prepares for hook-up to the rescue hoist. A survivor in a state of panic may force the swimmer underwater, but training and techniques taught to rescue swimmers will allow them to overcome this situation. Once the swimmer and the survivor are in the aircraft, the swimmer provides advanced first aid until medical assistance is available.

For additional qualification information about the Aircrew Rescue Swimmer (AIRR), review the Navy Warrior Challenge Program information.

AIRR Training Cycle

Trainees are normally assigned to Class "A" School immediately after completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS). The normal training cycle is:

  1. Recruit Training (Great Lakes, IL)
  2. Naval Aircrew Candidate School (Pensacola, FL)
  3. Aircrew Rescue Swimmer School (Pensacola, FL)
  4. Class "A" School (Pensacola, FL)
  5. Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) School (San Diego, CA or Brunswick, ME)
  6. Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) various locales)
  7. Initial squadron assignment (various locales)

Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) (AWS)

The AWS are members of multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crews. They perform Search And Rescue (SAR) operations, Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) operations utilizing sonar, magnetic, mechanical, and acoustic minesweeping systems and logistics support. AWSs perform aircrew operations administration, flight and ground training, internal and external cargo movement, medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, aerial gunnery, small arms handling, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) insertion and extraction operations, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), and Night Vision Device (NVD) operations, and conduct observer duties for safety of flight.

The Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter rating training path includes:

Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) (AWR)

Naval Aircrewmen Tactical Helicopter (AWR) detect, analyze, classify, and track sub-surface contacts; perform sonar and sonobuoy operations, help coordinate tactical communications relay. They contribute directly to aircrew operations and Naval Special Warfare (NSW) missions, like:

The AWR are members of multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crews. The Naval Aircrewmen Tactical Helicopter rating training path includes:

Career Sea - Shore Rotation Chart

Career Sea-Shore rotation for the Naval Aircrewman ratings
Rating SEA1 SEA2 SEA3 SEA4 SEA/SHR
AWF 54 36 36 36 36/36
AWO 48 36 36 36
AWR 48 36 36 36
AWS 51 36 36 36
AWV 54 36 36 36
  SHR1 SHR2 SHR3 SHR4
AWF 36 36 36 36
AWO 36 36 36 36
AWR 36 36 36 36
AWS 36 36 36 36
AWV 36 36 36 36

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.

Enlistment Term

You must enlist in the active component of the U.S. Navy or in the Training and Administration of the Reserve (TAR) Enlistment Program for four years and concurrently execute an Agreement to Extend Enlistment (NAVPERS 1070/621 or NAVPERS 1070/622) for 24 months using the following narrative reason entry:

"Training in the Aircrewman Program and accelerated advancement to paygrade E4 in accordance with MILPERSMAN Article 1220-010. Accelerated advancement to E4 is authorized only after successful completion of Naval Aircrew Candidate School, Class "A" School, and Fleet Replacement Squadron training. I understand that this extension becomes binding upon execution and thereafter may not be canceled except as set forth in MILPERSMAN Article 1160-040.

Aircrewman Program Screening

For program conduct eligibility requirements (if you have prior civil/criminal offenses) see your local Navy Recruiter for type of offenses which may disqualify you or to determine the appropriate waiver authority. Adversely adjudicated drug abuse offenses will not receive waiver consideration with the potential exception of a single misdemeanor charge involving marijuana (only on a case-by-case basis).

Personnel in the Aircrewman rating are paid allowances (BAH, BAS, etc. if eligible) and enlisted military basic pay based on years of service and paygrade.

Credit Recommendations

The American Council on Education recommends semester hour credits for schools and experience completed while serving as an AW. Credits may also be earned for other follow-on training ("C" schools) throughout your career.

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