Aerographer's Mate
Forecasts weather conditions for flight operations and naval missions.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for science-oriented individuals fascinated by atmospheric data and analysis who want a unique niche that blends technical work with direct operational impact. Civilian weather forecasting and environmental science careers are natural transitions, but the community is small — expect tight-knit camaraderie with limited advancement compared to larger rates.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“AG is a hidden gem. Small community, good advancement, and you work in a comfortable environment doing weather forecasting.”
“If you like science and want a rate where you use your brain more than your back, AG is a great choice.”
“I would recommend AG to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
–Critical & Mixed
“Civilian weather jobs are competitive and usually require a degree, so the direct transferability is limited without further education.”
“Like any rate, AG has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“AG is a small community of about 2,000 sailors, which limits both duty station options and advancement. You provide weather forecasts and oceanographic data to support flight operations and ship movements. The civilian translation is decent — meteorology and environmental science — but you need additional education beyond Navy training to compete for those civilian jobs.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The AG rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for AG.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AG is a small, specialized rate with great civilian prospects.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsThe skills transfer to civilian meteorology but you need a degree for most NWS positions. AG experience plus a meteorology degree is a strong combination.
🫡 Recruiter says
“Aerographer's Mates are Navy meteorologists.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackAG does weather forecasting and oceanography, but junior AGs mostly collect data, launch weather balloons, and input observations into computer systems. The actual forecasting is done by senior AGs and officers.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll produce weather forecasts that determine go/no-go decisions for real military operations.”
💀 Reality
You will brief admirals and COs on weather conditions, and then watch them do exactly what they were going to do anyway. Your forecasts matter for planning, but operational commanders weigh dozens of factors and weather is often overridden.
🫡 Recruiter says
“It's a clean, comfortable office job — you work indoors with computers and weather equipment.”
💀 Reality
The office is clean, but the schedule is not comfortable. Weather doesn't stop on weekends or holidays. You will stand 24/7 watch rotations, including nights, at both sea and shore commands.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll get into NOAA and National Weather Service easily after the Navy.”
💀 Reality
NWS positions are competitive federal jobs that require at least a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. Navy AG experience alone without a degree limits you to technician-level positions.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll be a meteorologist working with advanced satellite and radar systems.”
💀 Reality
You are a weather forecaster, not a meteorologist — that distinction matters. Meteorologists typically have four-year degrees. As an AG, you interpret products and models rather than develop them.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AG is a small, relaxed rate with a good quality of life compared to other aviation rates.”
💀 Reality
AG is small, meaning advancement can be competitive with fewer quotas per cycle. The "relaxed" reputation depends on your command. Sea duty on a carrier or with a deployable METOC team is not relaxed.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You'll have a Top Secret clearance and be part of the intelligence community.”
💀 Reality
AGs do often hold clearances and work in METOC spaces that intersect with intelligence. But you are a weather technician who happens to work in classified spaces, not an intelligence analyst. Employers care more about your data analysis skills than the clearance itself.
Training Pipeline — Total ~30 weeks (7 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay fasterAverageManning 89% (E-5/E-6)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 73 | 73 | 100% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 101 | 60 | 59% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 132 | 25 | 19% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 175 | 23 | 13% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 68 | 20 | 29% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 51 | 5 | 10% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)
Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.
Primary specialty code for Aerographer's Mate rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Aerographer's Mate personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Meteorologist Technician
Transferability: 7/10
$45k–$72k
Weather Forecaster
Transferability: 7/10
$50k–$85k
Lifestyle6/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
45% / 55%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
low — mixed
Watch Standing
Flight schedule dependent, rotating duty days
Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.
Common Duty Stations
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Schools + spouse jobs
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Avg waitlist for on-base
95
100 = national avg
—
Schools + spouse jobs
—
Avg waitlist for on-base
135
100 = national avg
—
Schools + spouse jobs
—
Avg waitlist for on-base
92
100 = national avg