This guide provides helpful information for those looking into joining the Navy as a Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Most people only see the ocean’s surface. But as a Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV), you’ll go beyond that—tracking what moves in the depths below.
Flying as part of a fixed-wing tactical aircrew, you’ll operate advanced sonar systems, scanning for submarines and unknown threats. With aerial photographic equipment and real-time data, you’ll detect, analyze, and classify what’s out there—then relay your intel to the teams that need it most.
From supporting joint special warfare missions to delivering weapons on target, your role is more than just working on a military aircraft. You’ll be the eyes in the sky, ensuring every mission has the intelligence it needs.
Ready to take flight in Navy aviation?
Job Description
Naval Aircrewmen Avionics (AWV) are Navy enlisted Sailors who find, analyze, classify, and track sub-surface contacts. They also use sonar and sonobuoys, help coordinate tactical communications relay, and deliver weapons to support tactical missions.
AWV Sailors are the techs in the sky, part of a tactical aircrew running patrol, recon, and command-and-control missions.
They don’t just fix aircraft systems—they operate them mid-flight. Avionics, radar, comms, electronic warfare—they keep it all online, whether in the air or on the ground.
What You’ll Do
- In-Flight Technician – Keep the plane’s electronic systems running, handle troubleshooting mid-air.
- Airborne Communicator – Maintain tactical comms, relay mission-critical info.
- ELINT Specialist – Use electronic warfare and surveillance systems to track threats.
- UAV Operator – Fly and maintain unmanned drones.
- Aerial Photography – Capture and analyze imagery for intelligence.
- Tactical Support – Work on land with mobile and fixed support systems.
- Weapons & Security – Handle ordnance, support special warfare missions.
Where You’ll Work
- Onboard Aircraft – Running mission systems while in the air.
- Hangars & Flight Lines – Doing maintenance, testing, and setup.
- Flight Decks – On carriers, moving fast, staying sharp.
You’ll go where the mission needs you. Could be a land squadron. Could be out at sea. Could be anywhere in the world.
Career Outlook
There are excellent opportunities for qualified applicants in this rating. Currently, around 1,600 men and women serve as Naval Aircrewmen Avionics (AWV), making it a specialized but highly valued field within Navy aviation.
Different Roles
Airborne Communication Technician
- Runs communication systems mid-flight on E-6B aircraft.
- Handles both strategic and tactical comms, cryptographic materials, and naval procedures.
- Manages, stores, and retrieves incoming and outgoing messages.
- Works with IT networks, maintaining system capabilities and security.
- Assists with aircrew training, certifications, and operations.
- Security Clearance: Top Secret, SCI, PRP required.
Aircrew Readiness Manager (Avionics)
- Oversees scheduling, administration, and training for aircrew.
- Runs Naval Aircrew training programs, ensuring standardization and readiness.
- Manages SAR and NATOPS programs.
- Handles tactics, training, ordnance, weapons, and aircrew operations.
- Develops new training programs, updates curriculums, and oversees student certifications.
In-Flight Technician
- Works on maritime patrol aircraft as part of a fixed-wing crew.
- Diagnoses and repairs avionics systems in-flight.
- Operates EO/IR imaging systems, aerial cameras, and ordnance equipment.
- Maintains network systems, cryptographic materials, and weapons loading procedures.
- Supports aircrew operations, training, and certifications.
- Security Clearance: Top Secret SCI required.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Pilot/Maintainer
- Operates UAVs during launch, mission, and recovery phases.
- Acts as external pilot for takeoff/landing, internal pilot for full flight ops.
- Conducts organizational maintenance on UAV systems.
- Maintains EO/IR targeting systems, power plants, radios, and navigation.
- Works with meteorology, aerodynamics, and air traffic control to ensure safe UAV operations.
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 Avionics Third Class | AWV3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Naval Aircrewman Avionics Second Class | AWV2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Naval Aircrewman Avionics First Class | AWV1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Naval Aircrewman Avionics | AWVC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Naval Aircrewman Avionics | AWVCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Naval Aircrewman Avionics | AWVCM | 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 Pathway
Upon completion of Recruit Training Command Great Lakes (Boot Camp), AWV candidates move through a structured training pipeline before reaching their first assignment.
School | Location | Duration | Subjects Covered | Training Methods |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aircrew Candidate School | Pensacola, FL | ~6 weeks | Water & Land Survival, Flight Safety | Group instruction, classroom |
AWV Class “A” Technical School | Pensacola, FL | ~8 weeks | Basic aviation theory, specialized AWV rating skills | Group instruction, classroom & shop |
SERE School | San Diego, CA / Brunswick, ME | ~2 weeks | Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape (SERE) | Group instruction, classroom |
Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) | Various Naval Air Stations | 2-18 weeks | Aircraft systems training | Group instruction, classroom & shop |
Upon completing training, AWVs are assigned to squadrons and air stations worldwide. Roughly 60% of an AWV’s career is spent with fleet units, with 40% spent at shore stations.
Physical Fitness Requirements
To graduate from Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS), applicants must meet minimum fitness standards:
- Pass the PRT with a “good-medium” for sex & age (sit-ups, push-ups, 1.5-mile run)
- Swim one mile in a flight suit in 80 minutes or less
- Swim 75 yards in full flight gear (25 yards each: backstroke, sidestroke, breaststroke)
- Tread water for 2 minutes in full flight gear, then perform:
- 3 minutes of drown-proofing
- 5 minutes of floating with a life preserver
- Jump from a 12-foot tower, swim 15 yards underwater wearing a flight suit & boots
After NACCS, candidates must complete additional Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) School before moving to fleet replacement squadrons.
Career Progression
Promotion opportunities are regularly available, but competitive and based on performance.
Specialized training and operational experience can lead to civilian career opportunities in aviation, avionics, and intelligence sectors.
Qualifications to Join
Basic Requirements
To become an Enlisted Sailor and Naval Aircrewman Avionics (AWV) in the Navy, you must meet the following:
- U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a secret security clearance
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Normal hearing and normal color perception
- No speech impediments (must be able to speak and understand English fluently)
- Ability to swim prior to entering the program
- Manual dexterity, physical strength, and comfort working with tools and machinery
- Self-motivation and ability to work as part of a team
- Excellent physical condition and mental resilience
Physical Fitness & Swim Requirements
Candidates must pass the following before aircrew training:
Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)
- Minimum: “Satisfactory-Medium” score for age and gender
- Includes: sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run
Second-Class Swim Test
- Enter water feet first from 10 feet
- Tread water for 10 minutes
- Swim 100 yards (sidestroke, breaststroke, backstroke, and crawl – 25 yards each)
Aircrew Candidate School Swim Requirements
- One-mile swim in flight suit (80 minutes or less)
- 75-yard swim in full flight gear (sidestroke, backstroke, breaststroke – 25 yards each)
- Two-minute water tread in full gear, followed by:
- Three minutes of drown-proofing
- Five minutes of floating with a life preserver
- Jump from 12-foot tower, then swim 15 yards underwater in flight suit & boots
Testing & Disqualifiers
ASVAB Requirements
- VE + AR + MK + MC = 210 OR
- AR + AS + MK + VE = 210
- Final ASVAB score qualification is determined at Naval Aircrew Candidate School (NACCS)
Medical & Disqualifying Conditions
- No hay fever, asthma, bee sting allergies, food allergy reactions, or chronic motion sickness
- Vision correctable to 20/20
- Bodyweight between 103 and 245 pounds
- No illegal or controlled substance use (drug waivers considered case-by-case)
- Hearing must meet military standards (MANMED P-117, Article 15-92)
Security Clearance
- SECRET clearance is required
- Must meet Personal Reliability Program (PRP) standards (SECNAVINST 5510.30)
If a candidate fails or voluntarily drops out of training, they lose program guarantees and may be reassigned based on Navy needs, personal performance, and qualifications.
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 Avionics (AWV), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
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