This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Aerographer’s Mate (AG) during Fiscal Year 2025.
Aerographer’s Mates see what others cannot. They read the sky. They chart the ocean. They tell what comes.
They track storms that break ships. They follow currents that tear at steel. They forecast winds that will lift or bury an aircraft.
This guide is about the Aerographer’s Mate rating in the Navy Reserve. Let’s get to it.
Job Role and Responsibilities
Job Description
The Navy relies on Aerographer’s Mates (AGs) for meteorological and oceanographic expertise. They gather weather and oceanographic information to analyze and interpret its data for mission planning and operational support in flight and naval warfare. AGs manage meteorological satellite systems while analyzing radar imagery to generate forecasts that affect aircraft carrier operations as well as submarine deployments.
Daily Tasks
AGs don’t just read weather reports—they make them. The job is part scientist, part strategist, and entirely mission-critical. On any given day, an AG might:
- Monitor the skies – Track cloud formations, barometric pressure, and storm patterns, ensuring naval operations run smoothly.
- Analyze ocean conditions – Measure tides, currents, and underwater acoustics—essential for submarine stealth and amphibious landings.
- Brief pilots and commanders – Deliver high-stakes weather forecasts that dictate flight schedules and mission timing.
- Operate forecasting technology – Work with meteorological satellites, Doppler radar, and real-time climate modeling systems.
- Issue weather alerts – Identify hazardous conditions and provide early warnings that keep Navy personnel safe.
Specific Roles & Specializations
Not all AGs do the same thing. Some focus on aviation forecasts, others on deep-sea oceanography. These specialties are defined by Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) codes:
| NEC | Specialization |
|---|---|
| AG-7412 | Advanced Meteorological Forecaster – Develops long-range climate models and atmospheric predictions. |
| AG-7414 | Operational Oceanographer – Focuses on wave dynamics, tides, and underwater navigation conditions. |
| AG-7416 | Aviation Weather Forecaster – Specializes in providing real-time atmospheric data for flight operations. |
| AG-7418 | Hydrographic Surveyor – Maps the seafloor and analyzes coastal erosion patterns. |
Mission Contribution
Every Navy asset—aircraft, ships, submarines—relies on environmental intelligence.
An F/A-18 pilot doesn’t launch unless an AG clears the runway. A submarine captain doesn’t dive unless the undersea conditions are right.
The forecasts AGs provide shape naval strategy, ensuring missions succeed while keeping service members safe.
Technology and Equipment
This isn’t about staring at a thermometer. AGs work with some of the most advanced meteorological and oceanographic tools available, including:
- Doppler radar systems – Tracks storm development and wind patterns in real time.
- Weather satellites – Provides global environmental monitoring for fleet-wide operations.
- Portable meteorological stations – Deployed in field environments to collect critical weather data on the spot.
- Oceanographic buoys & sonar arrays – Measure underwater currents and acoustic conditions.
- Advanced climate modeling software – Transforms raw data into precise, mission-ready forecasts.
Work Environment
Setting and Schedule
Some jobs have predictable workspaces—this isn’t one of them. One day, an AG might be on a carrier flight deck, monitoring crosswinds for incoming jets.
The next, they’re aboard a submarine, assessing undersea conditions for a covert operation.
Then there are shore-based command centers, where AGs work alongside intelligence and operations teams, feeding them real-time weather and oceanographic data.
For Navy Reservists, the setting depends on drill weekends, annual training assignments, and mobilizations.
While most reserve AGs operate from Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Centers or joint forecasting units, some deploy alongside active-duty forces when called upon.
Work schedules vary:
- Drill weekends – Typically one weekend per month, focusing on skills training and operational readiness.
- Annual training – A two-week period of active-duty service, often at a Navy weather center or onboard a ship.
- Mobilization – If activated, reservists integrate with active-duty teams, supporting real-world missions worldwide.
Leadership and Communication
In meteorology, speed and accuracy are everything. AGs work within a structured chain of command, relaying critical environmental data to pilots, ship captains, and operational commanders.
Communication flows in two directions—junior AGs gather and analyze raw data, while senior AGs translate that information into mission-ready forecasts.
Performance feedback is direct and constant. A mistimed storm prediction could disrupt a fleet operation, so AGs learn quickly and refine their accuracy with every report.
Expect evaluations after training exercises, mission briefings, and field deployments.
Team Dynamics and Autonomy
Being an AG means balancing independence with teamwork. You’ll spend time alone, deep in data analysis, but when it’s time to brief a commander, every detail matters. The job requires:
- Precision – One miscalculation can mean a botched mission.
- Decisiveness – There’s no room for hesitation when bad weather is closing in.
- Collaboration – AGs work hand-in-hand with aviators, navigators, and intelligence officers.
Reservists often train and operate in smaller teams, making adaptability crucial.
Some assignments require working solo, feeding data remotely to operational units. Others demand full integration into an active-duty weather forecasting team.
Job Satisfaction and Retention
The Navy Reserve offers AGs a flexible balance between military service and civilian life, making retention rates relatively high.
Many reservists work in meteorology, aviation, or environmental science in their civilian careers, using their Navy training to enhance job opportunities.
Others continue their service because they enjoy the challenge—every storm, every ocean current, and every mission presents a new puzzle to solve.
Success in this role is measured by accuracy, mission impact, and adaptability. If commanders trust your forecasts and missions go as planned, you’ve done your job right.
Training and Skill Development
Initial Training
Becoming an Aerographer’s Mate isn’t just about memorizing cloud formations—it’s a deep dive into meteorology, oceanography, and data-driven forecasting.
Every AG, active duty or reserve, starts at “A” School, where they learn to interpret atmospheric patterns, analyze ocean currents, and operate the Navy’s suite of forecasting technology.
| Training Phase | Location | Duration | What You’ll Learn |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boot Camp | Great Lakes, IL | 9 weeks | Military discipline, fitness, and Navy fundamentals. |
| Aerographer’s Mate “A” School | Keesler AFB, MS | ~19 weeks | Meteorology, oceanography, forecasting techniques, and data analysis. |
Reservists complete this training just like their active-duty counterparts, ensuring they’re fully qualified before reporting to their Navy Reserve unit.
Advanced Training
The learning doesn’t stop after “A” School. AGs have opportunities to specialize through advanced training programs, NEC courses, and real-world operational experience.
| Advanced Training | Focus Area | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| “C” School – Advanced Meteorology & Forecasting | Long-range forecasting, climate models, and severe weather prediction. | AGs seeking NEC 7412 (Advanced Meteorological Forecaster). |
| Hydrographic Survey Training | Seafloor mapping, tidal analysis, and ocean current modeling. | AGs pursuing NEC 7418 (Hydrographic Surveyor). |
| Aviation Weather Forecaster Course | Tactical aviation meteorology, real-time forecasting for flight operations. | AGs working with aviation squadrons (NEC 7416). |
| Operational Oceanography Training | Deep-sea forecasting, undersea acoustics, and submarine support. | AGs assigned to fleet oceanography units (NEC 7414). |
Professional and Personal Skill Development
Beyond technical meteorology training, AGs develop data analysis, decision-making, and briefing skills—critical for both military and civilian careers.
The Navy also offers tuition assistance and credentialing programs to help AGs earn certifications in meteorology, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and environmental science.
Reservists can also take advantage of:
- Joint training with NOAA and the National Weather Service to enhance forecasting expertise.
- Navy COOL (Credentialing Opportunities Online), which covers the cost of civilian weather certifications.
- Cross-training opportunities in related Navy intelligence or operational planning fields.
Physical Demands and Medical Evaluations
Physical Requirements
The ocean doesn’t care about comfort. Whether you’re tracking a typhoon from the deck of an aircraft carrier or bracing against Arctic winds at a forward-deployed station, this isn’t a desk job in the traditional sense.
AGs need the endurance to keep up with the fleet, whether that means standing long shifts on a rolling ship, hauling equipment across a flight deck, or setting up a mobile weather station in the field.
Like all Navy personnel, reservists must meet Physical Readiness Test (PRT) standards to stay fit for duty.
The test isn’t extreme, but it ensures every sailor can handle the job’s physical demands.
| Event | Minimum Standard (Age 17 and up) | Outstanding (Top Score) |
|---|---|---|
| Push-ups (2 min) | 42 | 87+ |
| Forearm Plank | 1:30 min | 3:40+ min |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 13:30 min | 8:15 min |
| Alternative Cardio (Row, Swim, Bike, Elliptical) | Time-based equivalents | Time-based equivalents |
Reservists take this test once per year instead of twice, but the expectations remain the same—stay ready.
Daily Physical Demands
Most days aren’t spent under a rucksack, but this isn’t a climate-controlled office job either. Depending on the assignment, AGs may find themselves:
- Climbing ship ladders and navigating tight spaces aboard an aircraft carrier or submarine.
- Braving extreme weather conditions while gathering real-time environmental data.
- Working long shifts on their feet, briefing pilots and commanders on rapidly changing conditions.
When deployed, AGs often operate in high-tempo environments where agility and endurance matter as much as technical skill.
Medical Evaluations
Before stepping into the role, every AG must pass a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) medical exam—a full-body assessment to ensure they can handle the demands of naval service. Some key standards:
- Normal color vision – A must for reading weather radar and satellite imagery.
- Strong depth perception – Essential for analyzing atmospheric visuals.
- No chronic respiratory issues – Because shipboard air circulation can be limited.
- Hearing within Navy standards – Clear communication is critical, especially in high-noise environments.
Reservists undergo periodic medical checkups throughout their career to maintain deployability.
Deployment and Duty Stations
Deployment Details
Most Navy Reserve jobs mean balancing military service with a civilian career, and this one is no different—until the call comes.
AGs aren’t deployed as often as combat roles, but when the fleet moves, weather moves with it.
Reservists typically support shore-based meteorology centers, but mobilizations can take them anywhere the Navy operates:
- Aboard aircraft carriers, briefing pilots before every launch.
- With fleet oceanography units, tracking sea conditions for submarines.
- In forward-deployed command centers, where every mission depends on the right forecast.
When activated, reserve AGs integrate seamlessly with active-duty teams. Deployments last anywhere from 6 months to a year, depending on mission needs.
Many reservists volunteer for shorter Active Duty for Operational Support (ADOS) tours, filling temporary gaps in forecasting teams worldwide.
Location Flexibility
Drill weekends and annual training assignments usually take place at Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Centers or joint service weather units. Major reserve locations include:
- Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NAVMETOCCOM) – Stennis Space Center, Mississippi
- Fleet Weather Centers – Norfolk, Virginia & San Diego, California
- Joint Typhoon Warning Center – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
- Various air stations and reserve centers supporting aviation squadrons
Reservists can request preferred duty locations, but availability depends on the needs of the Navy.
Career Progression and Advancement
Career Path
A great forecast isn’t just about reading the sky—it’s about seeing what’s coming next. The same applies to an AG’s career.
While reservists follow the same advancement structure as active-duty sailors, promotions depend on drill performance, qualifications, and mobilization experience.
| Rate | Typical Time-in-Service | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Seaman Recruit (E-1) to Seaman (E-3) | 0–2 years | Learning core meteorology skills, assisting with weather data collection, and supporting senior AGs. |
| Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) | 2–4 years | Issuing routine forecasts, briefing pilots, and operating meteorological equipment. |
| Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) | 4–8 years | Leading small forecasting teams, interpreting radar/satellite imagery, and mentoring junior AGs. |
| Petty Officer First Class (E-6) | 8–12 years | Overseeing major forecasting operations, providing strategic-level weather analysis, and training junior personnel. |
| Chief Petty Officer (E-7) to Master Chief (E-9) | 12+ years | Managing entire meteorology units, advising commanders on environmental intelligence, and shaping operational strategy. |
Opportunities for Specialization
As AGs gain experience, they can pursue specialized NEC codes to deepen their expertise.
| NEC | Specialization | Advancement Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| AG-7412 | Advanced Meteorological Forecaster | Opens doors for higher-level forecasting positions and instructor roles. |
| AG-7414 | Operational Oceanographer | Essential for supporting submarine and fleet operations. |
| AG-7416 | Aviation Weather Forecaster | Focused on high-speed, real-time forecasting for naval aviation. |
| AG-7418 | Hydrographic Surveyor | Critical for seafloor mapping, amphibious landings, and undersea navigation. |
Role Flexibility and Transfers
Navy Reserve AGs can shift into related career fields if their interests change. Common transition paths include:
- Naval Intelligence or Information Warfare – Using environmental intelligence to support operational planning.
- Air Traffic Control (AC) – Leveraging aviation meteorology skills in flight operations.
- Civilian Federal Meteorology Jobs – With NOAA, NASA, or the National Weather Service.
Performance Evaluation & Promotion Factors
Advancement isn’t automatic. Promotions depend on:
- Training completion & qualifications – NECs and additional certifications boost competitiveness.
- Drill performance & mobilization experience – Active participation and successful deployments improve promotion chances.
- Exams & leadership recommendations – Higher ranks require testing and endorsement from senior personnel.
Compensation, Benefits, and Lifestyle
Financial Benefits
Navy Reserve pay isn’t a full-time salary, but it adds up quickly—especially with bonuses, allowances, and special pay for deployments.
Here’s a breakdown of 2025 Reserve Drill Pay for AGs:
| Paygrade | Years of Service | Pay Per Drill Weekend | Annual Pay (48 Drills + 2 Weeks Training) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seaman (E-3) | < 2 years | $123 | ~$3,200 |
| Petty Officer Third Class (E-4) | 2–6 years | $197 | ~$5,100 |
| Petty Officer Second Class (E-5) | 4–10 years | $232 | ~$6,000 |
| Petty Officer First Class (E-6) | 8–14 years | $280 | ~$7,200 |
| Chief Petty Officer (E-7) | 12+ years | $345 | ~$8,900 |
Additional Pay & Bonuses:
- Annual Training Pay – Two weeks of active-duty pay at full base salary.
- Deployment Pay – Active-duty salary (E-3 starts at ~$2,600/month) plus tax-free allowances.
- Special Duty Incentives – Bonuses for certain NECs or mission-specific assignments.
Additional Benefits
Reservists don’t just get paid—they get access to some of the best benefits in the military, including:
- Healthcare – Low-cost TRICARE Reserve Select (premium-based) or full TRICARE when activated.
- Education – Up to $4,000 per year in tuition assistance and eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill after mobilization.
- Retirement – Blended Retirement System (BRS) combines a pension with government-matched TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) contributions.
- VA Home Loans – No-down-payment mortgages through the VA Loan Program.
Work-Life Balance
Balancing civilian life with Navy service is easier than most people expect. The standard commitment is:
- One weekend per month (drill weekend).
- Two weeks per year (annual training).
- Deployments only if mobilized (voluntary for most AGs).
Reservists control their career path—some stay at drill weekends only, while others volunteer for mobilizations that lead to faster promotions and higher pay.
Risk, Safety, and Legal Considerations
Occupational Hazards
A clear forecast can mean the difference between mission success and disaster, but getting that forecast isn’t always comfortable.
One day, you’re tracking a storm from a Navy weather center. The next, you’re on the deck of a carrier, where jet engines scream at 150 decibels, the heat radiates off the steel, and the wind is strong enough to knock a grown man off his feet.
There’s no such thing as a “safe” job in the Navy—only jobs where the risks are managed well. For an AG, the biggest hazards include:
- The Ship Itself – You’ll move through tight corridors, climb steep ladders, and work around moving aircraft, heavy equipment, and high-voltage systems.
- The Weather You’re Tracking – Arctic cold, tropical storms, brutal heat—sometimes, you’re out there in it, gathering real-time data.
- Hazardous Materials – Some weather sensors use chemicals that require careful handling.
Safety Protocols
Risk is part of the job, but so is mitigating it. AGs follow strict safety measures, including:
- Protective Gear – Flight deck personnel wear hearing protection and flame-resistant clothing; shipboard sailors are trained in fire and flood drills.
- Hazardous Material Training – Everything from chemical handling to emergency decontamination.
- Emergency Procedures – Fire, flooding, overboard recovery—if something goes wrong at sea, you need to know exactly what to do.
Security Clearance Requirements
Meteorology isn’t just about forecasting the weather—it’s about understanding how weather shapes naval operations.
A mistimed storm prediction can ground an entire fleet, force submarines to adjust course, or disrupt a mission before it even begins.
Because AGs handle sensitive operational forecasts, every sailor in this role needs:
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-negotiable.)
- A Secret Clearance (Some assignments require Top Secret/SCI access.)
- A Background Investigation (Criminal history, financial review, and foreign contacts all get scrutinized.)
Legal Obligations
Serving in the Navy Reserve isn’t just a job—it’s a contract. You’re committing to:
- Protecting Classified Data – Mishandling weather intelligence that affects naval operations has real consequences.
- Following Environmental Regulations – Any work involving hazardous materials is governed by strict disposal and handling protocols.
- Drill and Mobilization Commitments – As a reservist, you agree to specific training schedules and potential activation when needed.
Impact on Family and Personal Life
There’s no such thing as a perfect separation between military service and personal life. Even in the Navy Reserve, commitments don’t exist in a vacuum.
A drill weekend might mean missing a kid’s soccer game. A sudden mobilization could turn a stable routine into months of long-distance calls and late-night check-ins.
It’s a balance—one that works for some and strains others.
Family Considerations
- Time Apart – While most reservists train close to home, mobilization orders can send sailors across the world with little notice.
- Career Crossroads – Some reservists use their training to boost civilian careers in meteorology or aviation, while others find the service commitment adds complexity to an already full schedule.
- Support Systems – The Navy understands the strain of separation, offering resources like family readiness groups and deployment assistance programs to keep families connected.
Flexibility and Uncertainty
Serving part-time doesn’t always mean predictability. Orders can shift, schedules can change, and families need to be prepared for the unexpected.
Some reservists thrive in this environment, balancing both worlds with ease. Others struggle with the uncertainty.
The key isn’t just managing time—it’s making sure the family is on board for the ride.
Post-Service Opportunities
Civilian Career Prospects
The Navy doesn’t just train Aerographer’s Mates—it builds meteorology professionals who can step straight into forecasting, aviation, and environmental science careers.
The same skills used to track storms at sea and brief Navy pilots are in high demand across government agencies, private firms, and even TV studios.
| Civilian Job Title | Related Military Skills | Typical Employer | Median Salary (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meteorologist | Weather forecasting, satellite & radar analysis | NOAA, National Weather Service, private firms | $88,000 |
| Aviation Meteorologist | Flight forecasting, turbulence & wind analysis | Airlines, FAA, private forecasting services | $90,500 |
| Emergency Management Specialist | Disaster response, severe weather tracking | FEMA, state emergency agencies | $76,000 |
| Broadcast Meteorologist | Live forecasting, storm tracking | TV stations, news networks | $65,000 |
| Environmental Consultant | Climate data analysis, risk assessment | Government agencies, private firms | $82,000 |
Education & Certification Paths
Most reservists don’t leave the Navy with just experience—they leave with the credentials to back it up.
- GI Bill & Tuition Assistance – Many AGs earn degrees in meteorology, climatology, or environmental science without paying a dime.
- FAA & Aviation Weather Certifications – The same forecasting skills used for Navy pilots translate directly into air traffic control and commercial aviation meteorology.
- Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) – TV meteorologists need this credential, but AGs already know how to interpret radar and satellite data.
- Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) – High-level meteorology professionals use this to advise government agencies and private industry.
Transition Assistance
Leaving the Navy doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Reservists have built-in pathways into civilian careers with:
- Navy COOL (Credentialing Opportunities Online) – Covers the cost of industry certifications in meteorology, oceanography, and GIS.
- SkillBridge Program – Allows reservists to intern with NOAA, the National Weather Service, or private weather firms before they transition out.
- Veterans’ Preference for Federal Jobs – Federal agencies like NOAA and the National Weather Service actively seek out former AGs.
Qualifications, Requirements, and Application Process
Qualifications and Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. citizen. |
| Age | 18–39 years old. |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| ASVAB Score | AFQT ≥ 31; Line Scores: AR+MK+GS ≥ 162 or VE+AR ≥ 105 & MC ≥ 50. |
| Physical Fitness | Must meet Navy standards for height, weight, and body composition. |
| Vision | Correctable to 20/20; normal color perception required. |
| Security Clearance | Secret clearance required (background check necessary). |
| Swimming Proficiency | Must qualify as a Class II swimmer before completing boot camp. |
| Drug/Legal History | No drug abuse offenses (excluding marijuana); no alcohol dependency history. |
Application Process
- Contact a Recruiter
- Discuss eligibility and begin the application process.
- ASVAB Testing
- Take and pass the ASVAB to qualify for the AG rating.
- Medical Examination
- Complete a physical exam at MEPS to confirm fitness for service.
- Background Investigation
- Submit security clearance paperwork and undergo a background check.
- Enlistment and Training
- Once qualified, enlist in the Navy Reserve and attend Recruit Training (Boot Camp), followed by Aerographer’s Mate “A” School.
Is This a Good Job for You?
Ideal Candidate Profile
Some people thrive in this role. Others find it too detail-oriented, too technical, or too unpredictable. So, is this the right fit?
You’ll enjoy this job if you:
- Like tracking patterns and solving puzzles. Weather and oceanography are about seeing what others miss—the patterns in wind, pressure, and tides that shape operations.
- Stay cool under pressure. A mistimed storm warning or incorrect sea-state assessment can impact missions. Accuracy matters.
- Enjoy tech and data analysis. You’ll work with radar, satellite feeds, and complex forecasting models. This is not just “looking at clouds.”
- Don’t mind working odd hours. Weather doesn’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither will you.
Who Might Struggle in This Role?
This job is not for everyone. It could be a challenge if you:
- Prefer predictable, routine work. Forecasting is always shifting—what’s correct in the morning might be outdated by noon.
- Dislike math or technical analysis. Meteorology and oceanography involve calculations, physics, and computer modeling.
- Need constant physical activity. While AGs deploy and work in dynamic environments, much of the job involves monitoring screens, analyzing data, and briefing teams.
How It Fits Long-Term Career Goals
- Want a science or aviation career? This job puts you on a direct path to meteorology, air traffic control, and environmental science.
- Looking for flexibility? The Navy Reserve allows you to serve part-time while working a civilian career.
- Need strong credentials? The Navy provides training and certifications that transfer directly to high-paying civilian jobs.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Aerographer’s Mate (AG) in the Navy Reserve, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Reserve Enlisted jobs:
