This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as an Aerographer’s Mate (AG) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Can’t control the weather. But Aerographer’s Mates (AG) come close. Navy needs to know what’s coming—storms, high seas, deadly winds. You track it all.
As an AG, you’re deep in meteorology and oceanography. Gather data, study patterns, make predictions. What’s the air pressure? The sea state? Can a squadron fly? Can a ship sail?
They count on you to call it right.
Not just a “weatherman.” You’re part of the Information Warfare Community. The work you do shapes missions, saves lives, wins battles.
Ready to read the sky, rule the sea, and predict the fight?
Job Description
Aerographer’s Mates (AGs) track weather, ocean conditions, anything that affects Navy missions. They collect data, analyze patterns, and send out forecasts. Planes, ships, subs—everybody depends on them to know what’s coming.
They measure air pressure, wind speed, humidity, cloud cover, sea state—all of it. They track storms, rough seas, extreme weather so the Navy doesn’t get caught off guard. Some work in weather stations, some on ships, some with aviation squadrons. Others get assigned to special ops teams—where knowing the terrain means survival.
This job is all about math, science, precision—the details matter. Navy needs sharp, focused, problem solvers in this role. About 1,300 AGs serve right now. If numbers, maps, patterns, and analysis sound good, this is the job.
Over a 20-year career, AGs spend about 60% their time at sea, 40% on land. Could be anywhere—fleet commands, research labs, intel groups—wherever weather matters.
What They Do
- Track storms, tides, waves, wind—anything that could affect a mission.
- Give pilots and ship captains real-time weather reports.
- Use satellites, radar, ocean buoys, and computer models to predict conditions.
- Support SEALs, subs, and aircraft carriers with environmental intel.
- Keep meteorology equipment working and up to date.
- Train others on weather systems and forecasting.
Different Roles
Master Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Forecaster
METOC Forecasters predict, analyze, and advise on environmental conditions affecting Navy missions. They work with ocean currents, atmospheric pressure, sonar readings, radar data, anything that impacts operations at sea or in the air.
- Examine nautical charts, sonar data, hydrographic features.
- Predict weather at multiple scales—big-picture synoptic patterns to local conditions.
- Assess sensor and weapon system performance based on weather and ocean factors.
- Advise commanders on tactical decisions using METOC forecasts.
- Ensure METOC equipment is maintained and personnel are trained.
Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Analyst
METOC Analysts collect, measure, and interpret environmental data to support aviation, ship movements, and combat operations.
- Monitor atmospheric and oceanic conditions, from cloud cover to freezing levels.
- Deploy and analyze data from buoys, unmanned vehicles, small boats.
- Process sonar data to support anti-submarine, mine warfare, and strike missions.
- Use software and tactical decision aids to visualize environmental effects on Navy operations.
- Assist in generating routine weather and ocean forecasts.
Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Forecaster
METOC Forecasters go beyond data collection—they turn numbers into mission-critical predictions.
- Analyze radar, sonar, and oceanographic data for mission planning.
- Create forecasts for Navy operations, from carrier strikes to SEAL deployments.
- Predict environmental effects on weapons and sensors.
- Use climatology and real-time data to refine mission planning.
- Communicate findings to pilots, ship captains, and command centers.
Rank Structure
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
E-4 | Aerographer’s Mate Third Class | AG3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Aerographer’s Mate Second Class | AG2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Aerographer’s Mate First Class | AG1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Aerographer’s Mate | AGC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Aerographer’s Mate | AGCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Aerographer’s Mate | AGCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Salary and Benefits
Salary for the First 6 Years
Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:
Pay Grade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
Extra Pays and Allowances
Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.
Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Training and Career Opportunities
Training Pipeline
After completing Recruit Training (Boot Camp), Aerographer’s Mates (AGs) report to Keesler Air Force Base, MS for “A” School—19 weeks of intensive training in weather observation, data collection, and meteorological equipment.
School | Location | Duration | Subjects | Training Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Class “A” School | Keesler Air Force Base, MS | 19 weeks | Meteorological observation, data recording, plotting, and equipment operation | Group instruction |
After “A” School, AGs complete Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) to certify as environmental observers. By the 4-6 year mark, AGs may qualify for “C” School, gaining advanced forecasting and tactical meteorology training.
Career Path of an AG
- Observer Stage – Collect and analyze environmental data.
- Forecaster Stage – Use models, tactical decision aids, and advanced meteorology to predict conditions.
- Supervisor Stage – Oversee forecasting teams, brief commanders, and lead mission planning.
AGs are first stationed on aircraft carriers, amphibious ships, cruisers, naval air stations, and weather centers worldwide. Over time, they may qualify for “C” School, advancing to specialized forecasting roles.
Promotion & Career Growth
- Competitive promotion based on performance and rating needs.
- Specialized “C” School training leads to forecaster roles and leadership positions.
- Undermanned ratings often have greater advancement opportunities.
Post-Service Opportunities
AGs develop skills in meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science—valuable for civilian careers in weather forecasting, aviation, research, and data analysis.
Qualifications to Join
To become an Aerographer’s Mate (AG) in the U.S. Navy, you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. Citizenship (required for security clearance)
- Security clearance is required—no exceptions.
- Normal color perception (mandatory)
- Interest in aviation, weather, and oceanography
- Strong math, record-keeping, and communication skills
- Detail-oriented mindset, good memory, and teamwork ability
ASVAB Score Requirements
- PAY 97 → VE + MK + GS = 162; or
- PAY 80 → GS + AR + MK = 165
Applicants should be comfortable with data analysis, repetitive tasks, and working in a structured environment. Having curiosity, resourcefulness, and mechanical aptitude will help in this role.
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Aerographer’s Mate (AG), 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 Enlisted jobs in Intelligence and Information Warfare: