Navy Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) during the Fiscal Year 2025.

There cannot be air support without support on the ground. This is a phrase that these technicians live by because what they do is so important to keeping Navy planes in the air.

The work this team does on the ground makes an enormous difference in the air. For example, they fill the oxygen tanks of planes between flights and pull jets below deck for repairs.

Keep reading to learn more about this Navy enlisted job.

Job Description

navy-as-insignia
AS Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Aviation Support Equipment Technicians (AS) are Navy enlisted Sailors who perform preventive and corrective maintenance on aviation support equipment, aviation armament handling equipment, aviation mobile firefighting units, material handling equipment, hoisting, and lifting devices, and other related parts and systems.

They maintain, repair, and operate all ground support gear needed for aircraft maintenance and operations.

What You’ll Do

  • Inspect, test, and repair electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems on ground equipment
  • Maintain and fix gasoline and diesel engines, transmissions, and suspension systems
  • Work on air-conditioning, refrigeration, and cryogenic systems (except avionics-related units)
  • Fabricate metal parts, weld, and paint tow tractors and aircraft servicing units
  • Teach and evaluate personnel on aviation support equipment use and maintenance

Where You’ll Work

AS Sailors get stationed anywhere aviation happens—hangars, flight lines, aircraft carriers, air stations. You’ll be around engines, wind, and noise, doing hands-on, physical work as part of a team.

What You’ll Work On

  • Mechanical Systems: Diesel engines, gas turbine compressors, brake and transmission systems, welding, and structural repair
  • Electrical Systems: Mobile Electrical Power Plant (MEPP) systems, tow tractor electrical systems
  • Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Hydraulic test stands, lifting devices, maintenance platforms, pumps, actuators, and accumulators
  • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: Compressors, condensers, evaporators, refrigerant reclaimers, and plumbing
  • Cryogenic Equipment: Gaseous/liquid oxygen servicing systems, nitrogen servicing systems, oxygen system purge units

Beyond Repairs

AS Technicians also manage, train, and license personnel on aviation support equipment, ensuring teams are qualified and gear stays mission-ready. You’re not just fixing equipment—you’re keeping the fleet running.

Rank Structure

Pay GradeRateAbbreviationTitle
E-1Airman RecruitARAirman Recruit
E-2Airman ApprenticeAAAirman Apprentice
E-3AirmanANAirman
E-4Aviation Support Equipment Technician Third ClassAS3Petty Officer Third Class
E-5Aviation Support Equipment Technician Second ClassAS2Petty Officer Second Class
E-6Aviation Support Equipment Technician First ClassAS1Petty Officer First Class
E-7Chief Aviation Support Equipment TechnicianASCChief Petty Officer
E-8Senior Chief Aviation Support Equipment TechnicianASCSSenior Chief Petty Officer
E-9Master Chief Aviation Support Equipment TechnicianASCMMaster 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 GradeLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 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.
Navy-AS-Rating-Aviation-Support-Equipment-Technician-Image-704X396

Training and Career Opportunities

After completing Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (Boot Camp), you’ll report to Class “A” Technical School for foundational training. Some Aviation Support Equipment Technicians (ASs) may attend “C” School for specialized equipment training before moving on to their first duty assignment.

Once all training is complete, you’ll report to your first duty station, which may be an aircraft carrier, naval air station, or other aviation shore facility in the U.S. or overseas.


Training Breakdown

StepTrainingLocationDurationSubjectsTraining Methods
1Boot CampGreat Lakes, IL~8 WeeksBasic military training, physical conditioningHands-on, classroom, and physical training
2Class “A” Technical SchoolPensacola, FL17 WeeksAviation theory, mechanical systems, troubleshootingGroup instruction, classroom, and hands-on training
3“C” School (if applicable)VariesEquipment-specificSpecialized training based on assignmentClassroom and practical application
4First Duty StationU.S. or OverseasVariesOn-the-job training, practical experienceHands-on, real-world operations

Career Progression

During your career as an AS, you’ll:

  • Operate and maintain ground support equipment
  • Perform inspections, testing, and repairs
  • Work in aircraft carriers, naval air stations, or aviation shore facilities
  • Possibly return for advanced technical training in specialized systems

Time Breakdown:

  • 40% at sea (Aircraft carriers, deployed units)
  • 60% at shore stations (Naval air stations, shore facilities)

Promotion opportunities are competitive and based on performance.


Advanced Training & Leadership Opportunities

Later in your career, you may qualify for:

  • Advanced technical training to work on specialized equipment
  • Leadership roles supervising maintenance and operations
  • Officer positions (with a college degree)

Post-Service Opportunities

The technical skills and certifications gained as an AS lead to civilian careers in:

  • Airlines and airports
  • Aircraft maintenance
  • Technical and mechanical industries

Qualifications to Join

Basic Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • U.S. citizen
  • Security clearance required
  • Normal hearing, normal color perception
  • Physically fit, good use of hands

What You Need

  • Comfortable using tools, equipment, machines
  • Good at keeping records, doing detailed work
  • Works well in a team
  • Can handle repetitive tasks

ASVAB Scores (Minimum Needed)

Score CombinationMinimum Score
VE + AR + MK + MC206; or
VE + AR + MK + EI206; or
MK + AS + AO157

Medical

  • Must pass hearing and color vision tests

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 Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS), 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:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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