This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as a Naval Aircrewman Tactical-Helicopter (AWR) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Finding a submarine in the open ocean is like searching for a needle in a haystack—except the needle is stealthy, armed, and dangerous, and the haystack is the entire ocean.
As a Tactical Romeo Helicopter Aircrewman (AWR), you’re the eyes and ears of the fleet, scanning the deep from an MH-60 Romeo for threats that most will never see coming.
But your mission doesn’t stop there. AWRs are also trained rescue swimmers, diving straight from a helicopter into rough seas to save lives when seconds matter. Whether you’re tracking enemy submarines or pulling a stranded Sailor from the waves, your job is all about finding what others can’t.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Welcome to the hunt.
Job Description
Naval Aircrewmen (Tactical Helicopter) (AWR) are Navy enlisted Sailors who find, analyze, classify, and track sub-surface, surface, and air contacts. They use Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), sonobuoy, Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electro-Optical (EO)/Infrared (IR), Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR), and LINK-16.
AWRs don’t just hunt submarines. They also handle tactical comms, weapons delivery, and support special operations. Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance, Disaster Relief—if it happens over water, they’re in the mix.
These aircrewmen operate sonar, scan the ocean, and drop sonobuoys, tracking subs that don’t want to be found. They run night vision ops, move cargo, and operate crew-served weapons when needed. Some even jump into the water to save lives.
Assignments? Could be anywhere. Aircraft carriers, shore stations, land squadrons. One day, you’re flying low over the waves. The next, you’re rigging a helo for a mission halfway across the world.
What You’ll Do
- Detect, track, and classify submarines using sonar and sonobuoys
- Set up tactical comms and relay mission-critical information
- Deliver weapons for anti-submarine and combat missions
- Support Naval Special Warfare and aircrew operations
- Conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) and Combat SAR
- Operate night vision devices (NVD) and handle passenger/cargo transport
- Execute vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and medical evacuations (MEDEVAC)
- Fire crew-served weapons as needed
- Act as a flight observer, ensuring mission and crew safety
Different Roles
Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC) Operator
- Operates the AN/SQQ-34C system to support carrier-based anti-submarine warfare (ASW), surface surveillance, and search and rescue (SAR).
- Assists MH-60R, P-3, P-8, NATO, and UAS tactical aircraft missions.
- Configures system settings based on mission requirements.
Aircrew Readiness Manager (Tactical Helicopter)
- Oversees aircrew scheduling, training programs, and operational readiness.
- Manages NATOPS and SAR programs, ensuring compliance and effectiveness.
- Develops and launches new aircrew training programs.
- Coordinates tactics, weapons training, and aircrew certifications.
- Handles aircrew physical fitness programs and qualification standards.
Multi-Mission Helicopter Sensor Operator
- Runs electronic sensor equipment to detect, classify, and track air, surface, and subsurface threats.
- Manages tactical communications and assists with mission coordination.
- Handles weapons deployment and ordnance operations.
- Performs crew-served weapons operations, SAR, MEDEVAC, and VERTREP.
- Assists in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) missions.
Rank Structure
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Airman Recruit | AR | Airman Recruit |
E-2 | Airman Apprentice | AA | Airman Apprentice |
E-3 | Airman | AN | Airman |
E-4 | Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter Third Class | AWR3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter Second Class | AWR2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter First Class | AWR1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter | AWRC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter | AWRCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Naval Aircrewman Tactical Helicopter | AWRCM | 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
After completing Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, you’ll report for specialized training, including:
Core Training
School | Location | Duration | Focus | Training Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aircrew Candidate School | Pensacola, FL | 4 weeks | Water and Land Survival, Flight Safety | Classroom, Group Instruction |
Aircrew Rescue Preparatory Course (ARSPC) | Pensacola, FL | 2 weeks | Physical Training, Search and Rescue (SAR) Swimming | Classroom, Hands-On Training |
Aircrew Rescue Swimmer School | Pensacola, FL | 5 weeks | SAR Techniques, Waterborne Rescue | Classroom, Practical Application |
Physical Fitness Requirements for NACCS and Rescue Swimmer Training
To graduate from Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS), applicants must:
- Undergo intense daily calisthenics
- Pass the Physical Readiness Test (PRT) with a “good-medium” score (based on age and sex) in:
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
- 1.5-mile run (proper Navy form required)
- Swim 1 mile in a flight suit within 80 minutes
- Swim 75 yards in full flight gear (25 yards each of backstroke, sidestroke, and breaststroke)
- In full flight gear:
- Tread water for 2 minutes
- Drown-proof for 3 minutes
- Float with a life preserver for 5 minutes
- Jump from a 12-foot tower and swim 15 yards underwater in flight suit and boots
Physical Requirements for ARSPC (Aviation Rescue Swimmer Preparatory Course)
While attending ARSPC, candidates must pass the In and Out Tests:
- 450-meter swim in 11:30 or less
- 50 push-ups in 2 minutes or less
- Forearm plank for at least 2 minutes
- 6 pull-ups in 2 minutes
- 2-mile run in 16 minutes or less
Physical Tests During Rescue Swimmer School
Once in Rescue Swimmer School, candidates must complete all in-course testable evolutions, including:
- 800-meter timed swim in 20:00 or less
- 400-meter timed buddy tow in 16:00 or less
- 1600-meter timed swim in 42:00 or less
- 800-meter timed buddy tow in 35:00 or less
- 500-meter swim into a 400-meter buddy tow in 27:00 or less
- Rescue Swimmer Fitness Out Test:
- 4 pull-ups (wearing flight suit and boots) in 2 minutes
- 50lb dumbbell carry over 100 yards with obstacles in 1:25 or less
- 1-mile litter walk in 16:30 or less
- 500-meter swim into a 400-meter buddy tow in 27:00 or less
Final Graduation Requirements for Rescue Swimmer School
- Be comfortable in open water and underwater environments
- Adapt quickly to using mask, fins, and snorkel
- Be proficient in administering medical and lifesaving procedures
- Pass the final Rescue Swimmer Fitness Out Test:
- 4 pull-ups (flight suit and boots) in 2 minutes
- Carry two 50lb dumbbells
- 42 push-ups in 2 minutes
- 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes
- 400-meter buddy tow in 18 minutes
- Complete all in-course testable evolutions:
- 90 minutes of intense calisthenics and 30-35 minute runs daily
- 800-meter swim within 20 minutes
- 1500-meter swim within 35 minutes
- 2000-meter swim within 55 minutes
- 400-meter buddy tow within 16 minutes
- 800-meter buddy tow within 35 minutes
Important Notes
- Voluntary Drop Policy: Applicants must understand that if they voluntarily drop from training or fail to meet requirements, they lose automatic advancement to E4 and may be reassigned based on the needs of the Navy, their performance, and their qualifications.
Advanced Training
School | Location | Duration | Focus | Training Method |
---|---|---|---|---|
AWR Class “A” Technical School | Pensacola, FL | 13 weeks | Basic Aviation Theory, Tactical Helicopter Operations | Classroom, Hands-On Training |
Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) | Various Naval Air Stations | 2-18 weeks | Aircraft Systems, Tactical Operations | Classroom, Practical Application |
SERE School | San Diego, CA & Brunswick, ME | 2 weeks | Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) Techniques | Classroom, Hands-On Training |
Advanced Training & Career Growth
- After training, AWRs are stationed on aircraft carriers or air stations worldwide, with 60% of assignments at sea. Promotion opportunities depend on performance.
- Further training is available throughout your career.
- With leadership experience and a degree, you can transition into Officer roles.
Post-Service Opportunities
Skills gained as an AWR lead to careers in:
- Aviation & Search and Rescue Operations
- Law Enforcement & Federal Agencies
- Emergency Response & Private Security
Qualifications to Join
Basic Requirements
To become an Aircrewman Tactical – Helicopter, you must:
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance
- Be physically fit, with manual dexterity and strength
- Be comfortable working with tools, equipment, and machinery
- Be self-motivated and able to work as part of a team
Qualifications
You must meet all eligibility requirements, including:
- ASVAB Scores:
- VE + AR + MK + MC = 210 OR
- AR + AS + MK + VE = 210
- Scores are reviewed at NACCS for specific source rating qualification.
- Physical Fitness:
- Pass the Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT) with a satisfactory-medium score for your age and gender.
- Sign a Hold Harmless Agreement before taking the PRT.
- Swim Requirements:
- Pass the Class II swim test:
- Jump from 10 feet into the water.
- Tread water for 10 minutes.
- Swim 100 yards, using sidestroke, breaststroke, backstroke, and American crawl (25 yards each).
- Pass the Class II swim test:
- Medical and Vision Requirements:
- 20/20 vision correctable in both eyes (uncorrected must meet minimum standards).
- Normal color and depth perception.
- Normal hearing.
- No speech impediments (must pass “reading aloud” test per MANMED P-117).
- Must meet aviation duty weight standards (103 to 245 pounds).
- Disqualifying Conditions:
- Hay fever, asthma, bee sting allergies, food allergies, or chronic motion sickness.
- Drug Use Policy:
- No illegal or controlled substance use (waivers considered case-by-case).
Security Clearance
To be an Aircrewman Tactical – Helicopter, you must:
- Obtain a SECRET clearance
- Meet standards for the Personal Reliability Program (PRP) as per SECNAVINST 5510.30
Important Notes
- If you voluntarily drop from training or fail to meet program requirements, you will lose automatic advancement to E-4 and will be reassigned based on:
- Navy needs
- Your performance
- Your qualifications
- Your personal desires
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 a Naval Aircrewman Tactical-Helicopter (AWR), 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: