Aircrewman Avionics
Maintains and operates avionics systems aboard naval aircraft.
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 electronics-minded individuals who want both hands-on repair work and in-flight operational duties. If you prefer a dual-role career that combines maintenance expertise with flying, this specialty offers exceptional breadth of experience.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Flying is amazing. Aircrew life has its downsides but nothing beats looking out the window on a mission.”
“AWV aircrewmen work on E-2C/D Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft doing airborne early warning and carrier onboard delivery. The avionics work is technically challenging and the TS clearance you receive opens significant civilian career doors in defense electronics and radar systems.”
“AWV sailors maintain and operate some of the most sophisticated airborne radar and communication systems in the world. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a cutting-edge platform. The avionics and electronic warfare skills are directly transferable to defense contractor positions paying well into six figures.”
–Critical & Mixed
“The schedule is unpredictable. You could be gone for weeks with little notice. Hard on relationships.”
“The AWV community is tiny, which limits both duty station options and advancement opportunities. You're either at VAW squadron homeports (Norfolk or Point Mugu) or deployed on a carrier. The carrier deployment cycle is brutal — 7+ months away with limited communication.”
“The E-2/C-2 community has unique challenges — these are prop aircraft on a jet carrier, which means different maintenance schedules and procedures. The community is insular and career progression feels slow at times because there are so few billets. The transition from carrier-based to shore is a big adjustment.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will fly in Navy aircraft and see the world from above!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchYou do fly, but much of your time is spent on ground maintenance, pre-flight checks, and qualifications. Flight schedules can be unpredictable and hard on family life.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AWV is the most technical aircrew rating.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsAWV does have a strong technical focus, but the competition for billets is stiff and the training pipeline attrition is real. Not everyone who signs an AWV contract completes the pipeline.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AWV works on avionics in flight.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackAWV maintains and operates electronic systems aboard aircraft during missions. The role combines in-flight technical troubleshooting with ground-based maintenance.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The Navy takes care of your family — housing, healthcare, everything."”
💀 Reality
Tricare is real and generally good. BAH helps with housing. But military family life means deployments, duty days, missed holidays, and relocating every 2-3 years. "Takes care of your family" does not mean your family will not sacrifice. Spouses deal with solo parenting, career disruptions, and geographic isolation that no benefit fully compensates.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll get to choose whether you go on a carrier, destroyer, or submarine."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagThe detailer assigns you to a platform based on open billets and Navy needs. First-term sailors go where they are needed. Wanting a specific platform does not mean you get it.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You can always extend your contract if you love it."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagExtensions and reenlistments are only available when the Navy wants to keep you. If your rate is overmanned, you may be forced out even if you want to stay. C-WAY determines whether you are allowed to reenlist.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The recruiter down the street gave me a better deal — can you match it?"”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagEvery Navy recruiter offers the same rates and bonuses from the same system. There are no "deals." If someone is offering something different, something is wrong.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll make lifelong friends in the Navy."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagSome of your closest relationships will come from shared hardship. But the Navy moves people every 2-3 years, so friends scatter across the globe. The bonds are real, but proximity is not.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"E-1 pay is low, but you'll promote quickly and make good money."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagE-5 is where most sailors hit a wall — advancement rates of 15-30% mean you could spend 3-5 years at E-4. "Good money" does not start until E-5 or E-6 with BAH.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll have weekends and holidays off during A-school."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagEarly phases of many A-schools have restricted liberty — you may be confined to base on weekends. Full freedom of movement comes gradually, not immediately.
Training Pipeline — Total ~17 weeks (4 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay fasterSlowManning 81%
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 125 | 94 | 75% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 242 | 46 | 19% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 105 | 42 | 40% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 143 | 39 | 27% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 45 | 23 | 51% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 35 | 15 | 43% |
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 Aircrewman Avionics rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Aircrewman Avionics personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Avionics Technician
Transferability: 7/10
$50k–$78k
Lifestyle5/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
55% / 45%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
high — 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.