This guide provides helpful information for those considering to enlist in the Navy Reserve as a Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) during Fiscal Fear 2025.
Want to serve in the Navy part-time while working in aviation safety and survival? The Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) rating in the Navy Reserve might be the perfect fit.
PRs are the lifeline of naval aviation, responsible for maintaining parachutes, flight gear, and life-saving survival equipment.
Without them, aircrew wouldn’t have the critical gear they need to operate safely.
But how does this job work in the Navy Reserve? How do PR Reservists train, advance, and get paid? And what civilian career opportunities does this lead to?
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the PR rating in the Navy Reserve—from enlistment to career paths, pay, incentives, and how it can set you up for a successful civilian career.
Let’s dive in.
What Is the PR Rating in the Navy Reserve?
The Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) rating serves as an essential position within the Navy Reserve that focuses on the upkeep of aviation survival equipment. The sailors responsible for aviation life-support gear maintenance verify the flawless functionality of parachutes, life rafts, survival equipment, and oxygen systems to prevent failure in flight.
PR Responsibilities
Reserve PRs work with Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), squadrons, and Special Warfare units to keep aviation personnel alive.
They operate in high-stakes environments where precision isn’t a goal—it’s the baseline.
Key Duties of a Reserve PR:
- Inspect, repair, and maintain parachutes, life rafts, oxygen systems, and survival equipment.
- Perform critical pre-flight safety checks—because failure isn’t an option.
- Work alongside active-duty aviation units, providing direct support.
- Train aircrew on emergency egress procedures—because panic kills.
- Enforce strict compliance with Naval Aviation Survival and Safety regulations.
Active Duty vs. Reserve PRs: What’s Different?
Reserve PRs do the same job, but on a different schedule. They train to the same standard, maintain the same qualifications, and can be deployed when needed.
| Factor | Active Duty PR | Reserve PR |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | Full-time, 24/7 availability | 1 weekend/month + 2 weeks/year (Annual Training) |
| Deployment | Rotational, assigned to ships/squadrons | Can be activated for missions, humanitarian relief, or active-duty backfill |
| Work-Life Balance | Full military commitment | Many have civilian jobs in aviation, safety, or maintenance |
Why Become a Reserve PR?
You get the best of both worlds. High-level aviation experience, elite survival training, and the ability to serve without giving up your civilian career.
Many Reserve PRs work in airlines, aerospace, or emergency response—because real-world employers value Navy-trained precision.
It’s not just a job. It’s the difference between life and death.
How to Become One
Becoming a PR (Aircrew Survival Equipmentman) in the Navy Reserve isn’t just about joining—it’s about proving you can handle the responsibility of keeping aircrew alive.
The training is intense, technical, and unforgiving because the job demands perfection.
Eligibility & Requirements
Before you even touch a parachute or an oxygen system, you need to qualify. The Navy doesn’t take just anyone—especially for a role where failure means fatalities.
Minimum Requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| ASVAB Score | VE+AR+MK+AS = 173 OR MK+AS+AO = 131 |
| Security Clearance | Some billets require a Secret clearance |
| Medical Standards | Must meet aviation survival equipment handling requirements |
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident |
| Age Limit | Typically 17–39 (waivers possible) |
If you don’t meet the ASVAB requirements: Study harder. Retake it. No shortcuts.
If you don’t pass the medical: You’re done. Aviation survival demands peak fitness.
Training Pipeline
Once you qualify, the real work begins. The PR training pipeline is designed to weed out anyone who can’t handle precision under pressure.
Every piece of equipment you maintain will determine whether a pilot lands safely or doesn’t come back at all.
Step 1: Boot Camp
- Duration: 9 weeks
- Location: Great Lakes, IL
- Who Attends: Required for all new recruits (prior service may skip)
- Focus: Military discipline, physical fitness, basic naval operations
Step 2: PR “A” School
- Duration: ~13 weeks
- Location: NAS Pensacola, FL
- What You Learn:
- Parachute rigging and repair
- Oxygen system maintenance
- Survival gear inspection and servicing
- Emergency response procedures
Step 3: Additional Training (For Some Billets)
Not all PRs stop at “A” School. Depending on your assignment, you may need advanced training.
- Intermediate-Level Maintenance Training – For those working in Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs).
- SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) Training – Required for PRs supporting aircrew and special warfare units.
This isn’t a career for the lazy. The Navy expects perfection—because the people depending on you don’t get second chances.
If you want to become a PR in the Navy Reserve, be ready to train hard, learn fast, and execute flawlessly.
Career Path
PRs can pursue their career in the Navy Reserve through a program that combines clear structure with adaptable options.
Each career advancement from apprentice level to leadership positions requires building essential safety, maintenance and operational expertise.
Enlisted Career Progression
The PR rating follows a well-defined trajectory, from foundational training to senior leadership.
| Paygrade | Title | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| E1 – E3 | PRAA/PRAN (Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Apprentice) | Basic training in inspecting, maintaining, and repairing survival gear. |
| E4 – E6 | PR3, PR2, PR1 | Increased focus on quality assurance, safety protocols, and leadership. May specialize in advanced equipment maintenance. |
| E7 – E9 | PRC, PRCS, PRCM | Senior leadership roles overseeing large-scale maintenance, training, and operational readiness programs. |
As PRs climb the ranks, they transition from hands-on technical work to supervisory and strategic responsibilities.
Specialized NECs
Naval Enlisted Classifications (NECs) allow PRs to gain advanced qualifications and enhance their career opportunities.
| NEC Code | Title | Specialization |
|---|---|---|
| 772A | Senior Naval Parachutist | Expert in military freefall and static-line parachuting. |
| 773A | Special Operations Parachute Rigger | Supports SEALs and special operations units with high-precision parachute rigging. |
| 790A | Master Naval Parachutist | Elite-level parachutist with instructional and operational responsibilities. |
| F16A | Aircrew Survival Equipmentman IMA Technician | Maintains and repairs survival gear for aviation units. |
These NECs provide highly specialized skills, making Reserve PRs indispensable in both active-duty support and operational missions.
Where Do They Work?
Navy Reserve PRs are embedded in diverse operational environments. Their expertise in maintaining survival gear and parachute systems makes them indispensable across multiple commands.
Primary Duty Assignments for Reserve PRs
| Assignment | Responsibilities | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Squadrons (VP, VFA, HSC, VR, etc.) | Maintain, inspect, and repair aircrew survival gear. Support flight operations. | Ensures pilots and aircrew have fully functional safety equipment in any emergency. |
| Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs) | Conduct in-depth maintenance and testing of aviation life support systems. | Extends the service life of mission-critical survival equipment. |
| Naval Special Warfare (SEAL Teams, EOD Units) | Parachute rigging, advanced survival gear maintenance, direct support for special operations. | Supports high-risk missions requiring flawless equipment performance. |
| Naval Air Stations (NAS Oceana, NAS JRB Fort Worth, etc.) | Provide survival equipment support to reserve aviation units. | Keeps reserve squadrons fully operational and deployment-ready. |
Beyond the Reserve Unit
Navy Reserve PRs aren’t just tied to one command. They can be activated for joint exercises, humanitarian missions, and fleet support, ensuring their expertise is leveraged where it matters most.
Incentives, Pay, and Benefits
Navy Reserve Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen receive competitive pay, bonuses, and financial incentives. Compensation increases with rank, time in service, and specialized qualifications.
Pay and Allowances
| Type of Pay | Details |
|---|---|
| Drill Pay | Earned for one weekend per month. An E4 with two years of service makes around $350 per weekend. |
| Annual Training Pay | Two weeks of full-time active-duty pay per year. |
Bonuses & Incentives (FY25 SELRES Incentives)
Certain commitments and qualifications unlock extra compensation.
| Incentive | Maximum Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Enlistment Bonus (EB) | $20,000 | Requires a six-year contract in an eligible PR billet. |
| Affiliation Bonus (AB) | $20,000 | Available to prior active-duty PRs transitioning to the Navy Reserve. |
| Special Duty Assignment Pay (SDAP) | Varies | Awarded to PRs in high-demand NECs, such as Special Operations Parachute Riggers. |
Additional benefits include retirement points, healthcare options, and education assistance, making the Reserve a financially solid path.
Civilian Career Opportunities
Skills gained as a Navy Reserve PR open doors in aviation, aerospace, and emergency response. Certifications, hands-on experience, and military training make PRs highly competitive in the job market.
How PR Training Translates to Civilian Jobs
- FAA Parachute Rigger Certification – Military parachute rigging experience qualifies PRs to test for an FAA rigger’s license, leading to jobs in skydiving operations and aviation safety.
- Aviation Maintenance & Safety Roles – Defense contractors, airlines, and aerospace companies hire PRs for aircraft maintenance, quality assurance, and safety management. Major employers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA.
- Firefighting & Emergency Response – Knowledge of oxygen systems, life rafts, and emergency gear applies directly to roles in fire departments, EMS, and industrial safety.
Using GI Bill & Tuition Assistance
- Navy College Program & Tuition Assistance – Covers tuition for college courses while serving in the Reserve.
- GI Bill for Reservists – Helps pay for trade schools, flight training, and degree programs after service.
Education benefits make career transitions smoother, whether in aviation, technical fields, or emergency services.
Transitioning from Active Duty to the Navy Reserve
Active-duty Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen don’t have to hang up the uniform completely when separating.
The Navy Reserve offers a seamless transition, allowing PRs to continue serving while building a civilian career.
How to Affiliate with the Reserve
The process is straightforward but requires planning before separation.
- Coordinate with a Navy Reserve Recruiter – Discuss available PR billets and incentives before leaving active duty.
- Submit a Reserve Affiliation Request – Paperwork is handled through Career Transition Offices (CTOs) or Navy Reserve Centers (NRCs).
- Secure an Affiliation Bonus – Prior-service PRs may qualify for up to $20,000 in incentives when joining a Selected Reserve (SELRES) unit.
- Drill Location Assignment – PRs are typically assigned to aviation squadrons, Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), or Naval Special Warfare units based on experience and NECs.
Maintaining Qualifications & NECs
Staying sharp as a Reserve PR requires continuous training and certification upkeep.
- Annual Training (AT) – Two weeks per year in a full-time active-duty status to refresh skills.
- Drill Weekends – Hands-on training with aviation survival equipment, parachute rigging, and safety systems.
- Navy eLearning & Correspondence Courses – Helps maintain NECs and advance in rank.
Flexibility & Benefits
The Reserve lifestyle allows PRs to serve while pursuing a civilian career.
- Flexible Scheduling – Most training commitments happen on weekends and during the annual two-week AT period.
- Healthcare Options – TRICARE Reserve Select offers affordable medical coverage.
- Retirement Points – Every drill and AT period counts toward a military retirement.
A smooth transition into the Navy Reserve keeps PRs mission-ready while unlocking new career opportunities.
Why the PR Navy Reserve is a Smart Move
The Navy Reserve PR community offers a solid path for those who want to serve while securing career stability.
The benefits are undeniable—steady pay, cash bonuses, retirement points, and access to top-tier civilian job opportunities.
Whether working in aviation, emergency response, or aerospace, the skills gained as a PR translate directly into high-demand careers.
Reservists get the best of both worlds: flexibility to pursue civilian goals while maintaining military benefits.
The incentives—up to $20,000 in bonuses, TRICARE Reserve Select, tuition assistance, and veteran hiring preferences—make it a financially sound decision.
For the most up-to-date details on available billets, bonuses, and career options, contact a Navy Reserve recruiter. The right move today sets up long-term success.
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