AWO CAREER PATH Naval Aircrewman Operator (AWO) belong to a diverse community, highly specialized in the platform they are assigned. AWOs operate various aircraft systems to support Anti-Submarine (ASW), Anti-Surface (ASUW), Search and Rescue (SAR), Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Electronic Countermeasure (ESM), Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), and Logistic missions onboard P-3 and P-8 aircraft, and within Mobile Tactical Operations Centers (TOC/MTOC). Members also serve as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) pilots and Payload Operators for the MQ-4C and various other platforms. YEARS OF SERVICE CAREER MILESTONES AVERAGE TIME TO ADVANCE COMMISSIONING OR OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS 26-30 AWOCM 23.6 Yrs CMC, CSC, CSEL, Lead Detailer. 23-26 AWOCM AWOCS 20-23 AWOCM AWOCS AWOC 16-20 AWOCS AWOC AWO1 13-16 AWOCS AWOC AWO1 23.6 Yrs 17.7 23.6 Yrs 17.7 14 17.7 Yrs 14 8.4 17.7 Yrs 14 8.4 SEA/SHORE FLOW TYPICAL CAREER PATH DEVELOPMENT 36 4 th Shore Tour NAVAIR, NAWCTSD, FRS, MPRWS, NSWG-10, CPRG/P, CPRW-10/11, CTF, VUP. CMC, CSC, CSEL. 36 4 th Sea Tour Billet: Dept LCPO, DET LCPO, CSEL. Duty: VP, VPU, MTOC, SRT, VUP, VQ, FSU. Qualification: WTI, NATOPS, Instructor, Watch Officer, ONI, BWC. CWO, CSEL, ECM, CMC, CSC, Detailer, Rating Specialist, Placement Coordinator, Instructor Duty, RDC. CWO, OCS, MECP, CSEL, Special Projects, PEP, LCAC, SRT. LDO, CWO, Instructor Duty. 36 3 rd Shore Tour Billet: CPRG/P, FRS, Ops/Trng/NATOPS LCPO, MPRWS LCPO, CPRW, WTU/TTT LCPO, SRT, TYCOM, A School, CNATTU, TOC, LPNV, VX, VUP, NAWCTSD, NAVAIR, ONI. Qualification: MTS, Watch Officer, BWC, WTI, FIUTI. 42 3 rd Sea Tour Billet: Operations, Training, NATOPS, Tactics Division LPO/LCPO. Department LCPO. Duty: VP, VPU, MTOC, SRT, UAS, ONI, QRC, FSU. Qualification: WTI, NATOPS Instructor, FIUTI, Watch Officer, BWC. 36 2 nd Shore Tour Billet: Instructor, LPO, CPO, Division LCPO Duty: NAVAIR, FRS, FIUT, SRT, ATC, UAS, VUP, MPRWS, CPRW WTU/TTT, TYCOM, A school, CNATTU, TOC, Water LPNV, VX, NAWCTSD, ONI, IUSS Duty, SEL. Qualification: NATOPS, FRS Instructor, MTS Mentor, Watch Officer, BWC. (ACTC/TMTC Level 500/WTI). 1
YEARS OF SERVICE 9-13 AWOC AWO1 AWO2 6-9 AWO1 AWO2 AWO3 1-6 AWO2 AWO3 CAREER MILESTONES 1+/- AWOAN AWOAA Accession Training AVERAGE TIME TO ADVANCE 14 Yrs 8.4 3.4 8.4 Yrs 3.4 1.5 3.4 Yrs 1.5 AWO CAREER PATH COMMISSIONING OR OTHER SPECIAL PROGRAMS LDO, STA-21, OCS, MECP, Special Projects, PEP, SRT, LCAC, NSWG. LDO, STA-21, OCS, MECP, Instructor Duty. STA-21, OCS, MECP, Naval Academy. SEA/SHORE FLOW TYPICAL CAREER PATH DEVELOPMENT 42 2nd Sea Tour Billet: Department, Division/Branch LPO, CPO, LCPO. Duty: CV-TSC, VP, VUP, BUPERS SDC, FSU, QRC(note 10) MTOC, SRT, UAS, ONI, SEA OP DET, Senior Enlisted. Qualification: WTI, NATOPS Instructor, Watch Officer/Watch Supervisor. (ACTC/TMTC Level 400) (ACTC Level 500/WTI). 36 1 st Shore Tour Billet: Instructor, LPO Duty: FRS, NACCS, A School, VUP, TOC, MPRWS Instructor, TOC, CPRW WTU Instructor, CNATTU, LPNV, FIUT, VX, ONI. Qualification: MTS, MTS Mentor, NATOPS Evaluator, Fleet Instructor under Training Instructor, Positional Instructor (ACTC/TMTC Level 400), WTI (ACTC Level 500), TTT Instructor, Watch Supervisor. 54 1 st Sea Tour Billet: Aircrewman Duty: VP Qualification: Sensor Operator (ACTC Level 300) NAWS, EAWS, Positional Instructor (ACTC/TMTC Level 400) NATOPS Instructor, NATOPS PO, Training PO, Tactics PO, Schedules PO, Logs and Records PO, WTI (ACTC Level 500). 9 Months Recruit Training, NACCS, NATTC, FRS and all initial accession pipeline schools or training events required to be completed prior to reporting to their first operational command. 2
AWO CAREER PATH Notes 1. A School is required 2. This rating is not a compression rating. The following service ratings were effective on 1 Oct 2008: AWR, AWS, AWO, AWF, AWV which fall under the general rating AW. Effective 28 Oct 2016, Senior Chief Petty Officers no longer compress to AWCM. 3. Upon completion of initial training pipelines, AWOs are typically close-looped detailed by NEC/platform to fill crew seat ration (CSR) until there is no longer a need for that NEC. 4. Member must volunteer for duty involving flying. 5. Must attend refresher training at a Fleet Replacement Squadron if member was distributed to a billet not requiring regular flight duties exceeding 18 months from T/M/S. 6. Introduction of new airframes required a few individuals to deviate from the normal sea/shore rotation and may exceed their normal PST/NST. These members were distributed based on airframe knowledge and experience required to establish formal classroom and flight training for transitioning commands. 7. Due to Fleet manning priorities, AWO s are not typically provided the opportunity to pursue shore duty outside of their respective community such as RDC and Navy Recruiting. 8. MTOC s primary mission is to provide full mission support to maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces (MPRF) with a mobile, expeditionary command, control, communications, and computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4I) suite, at a Main Operating Base (TOC) or Forward Operating Site (MTOC). 9. In addition to operational duties, all AWOs are required to maintain minimum Naval Aircrew standards as well as maintain a SECRET or higher security clearance. AWOs follow the traditional career path for Tactical Operations and are not eligible for maintenance qualifications (i.e. SFF/CDI/CDQAR/QAS/Maintenance Supervisor, etc.) 10. ACTC Level 500. Lack of this qualification should not be considered a detractor due to limited availability to attain qualification due to a small number of class seats from the TYCOM per year. If the member is assigned to a position requiring NEC 8210 (WTU/MPRWS Instructor) and does not attain the required qualification, it should be considered a detractor. 11. BUPERS SDC, QRC and FSU billets are filled by personnel who are selectively recruited based on their rating skill set, experience and unquestionable character. 12. If the member is assigned to a position requiring NEC 805A and does not attain the MTS qualification, it should be considered a detractor. 13. ACRONYMS SPECIFIC TO THE AW RATING INCLUDES: AAS ACTC BWC DAU FRS FIUTI LSRS MTOC MPO MTS Advanced Airborne Sensor Aircrew Training Continuum (Level 200, Cond Qual, 300 Positional Qual, 400 Positional Instructor, 500WTI) Battle Watch Captain Defense Acquisition University Fleet Replacement Squadron Fleet Instructor under Training Instructor Littoral Surveillance Radar System Mobile Tactical Operations Center Mission Payload Operator Master Training Specialist 3
NACCS NAPP NATOPS NATTC NSWG QRC SRT TOC TMTC TTT WTI WTU AWO CAREER PATH Naval Aircrew Candidate School Naval Aviation Production Process Naval Aviation Training Operations Procedures and Standardization Naval Aviation Technical Training Center Naval Special Warfare Group Quick Reaction Capability Special Reconnaissance Team Tactical Operations Center TACMOBILE Training Continuum (Level 200, Cond Qual, 300 Positional Qual, 400 Positional Instructors) TACMOBILE Training Team Weapons Tactics Instructor Weapons Tactics Unit Considerations for advancement from E6 to E7 1. Sea Assignments Documented utilization of advanced in-rate qualifications and subject matter expertise ACTC Level 400 (Squadron Instructor/NATOPS Instructor/FRS Instructor/FIUT Instructor) At least two warfare pins (NAWS primary; EAWS Secondary) (Member should have earned any warfare pin available at duty assignment) Completion of PME At least one command collateral duty (Primary or Alternate) FCPOA active involvement CPO 365 Phase I involvement Excelling in leadership position as a Division or Department LPO AWO Division Tactics Department Training Department Operations Department Safety/NATOPS Department CV/TSC MTOC LPO Documented leadership in development of subordinates to further command mission and vision ***WTI qualification is not required for advancement to E-7 but is considered to be the pinnacle of Naval Aircrewman Operator qualifications. E-6 s who have earned the WTI qualification should be given due consideration for advancement due to the selective nature utilized to obtain this designation. *** 2. Shore Assignments Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and Weapons School (MPRWS) FRS/MPRWS candidates are individually recruited from the best of the MPRA community. FRS/MPRWS should be considered arduous duty due to their high-tempo nature of operations. Strong consideration should be afforded to Aircrewman Operators who break out in traffic during tours in which they must demonstrate leadership, character, and ability to communicate effectively NACCS/NATTC/RDC/CNATT/Recruiter/PERS/BUPERS/ASTC/WTU ***Attain Master Training Specialist (MTS) if assigned to an 805A billet Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX), TOC Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI/ACTC Level 500) Qualification ***WTI qualification is not required for advancement to E-7 but is considered to be the pinnacle of Naval Aircrewman Operator qualifications. E-6 s who have earned the WTI qualification should be given due consideration for advancement due to the selective nature utilized to obtain this designation. Considerations for advancement from E7 to E8 1. Sea Assignments At least two warfare pins (NAWS primary; EAWS Secondary) 4
AWO CAREER PATH Completion of PME/JPME Due consideration should be given to those CPO s who have attended the Senior Enlisted Academy Documentation utilization of in-rate qualifications ACTC Level 400 (Squadron Instructor) CRM Instructor ACTC Level 500 (Weapons and Tactics Instructor) At least 12 months in a command role/billet with documentation of subordinate development, and contributions towards enhancement of mission effectiveness of the command Operations Department LCPO Training Department LCPO Safety/NATOPS Department LCPO Tactics Department LCPO MTOC LCPO Due consideration should be afforded to those who have demonstrated successful leadership as Detachment/Exercise LCPOs Documented contributions to initial accession training pipeline, development of improved tactics/procedures Due Consideration should be given to those individuals who serve as AERR members, PQS/NATOPS conference members, and TACTIP members as these efforts contribute significantly to the enhancement of the AWO rate s combat effectiveness Command Collateral Duty with documented impact to command mission, retention and morale Documented contributions to the commands warfare qualification program and mentorship of assigned personnel Command CPO Mess involvement CPOA involvement CPO 365 Phase I/II involvement (committee lead or alternate/selectee sponsor) ***WTI qualification is not required for advancement to E-8 but is considered to be the pinnacle of Naval Aircrewman Operator qualifications. E-7 s who have earned the WTI qualification should be given due consideration for advancement due to the selective nature utilized to obtain this designation. 2. Shore Assignments Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and Weapons School (MPRWS) FRS/MPRWS candidates are individually recruited from the best of the MPRA community FRS/MPRWS should be considered arduous duty due to their high-tempo nature of operations Strong consideration should be afforded to Aircrewman Operators who break out in traffic during tours in which they must demonstrate leadership, character, and ability to communicate effectively NACCS/NATTC/RDC/CNATT/Recruiter/PERS/BUPERS/ASTC/WTU ***Should attain Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualification if assigned to an 805A billet Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX), TOC Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI/ACTC Level 500) Qualification ***WTI qualification is not required for advancement to E-8 but is considered to be the pinnacle of Naval Aircrewman Operator qualifications. E-7 s who have earned the WTI qualification should be given due consideration for advancement due to the selective nature utilized to obtain this designation. Considerations for advancement from E8 to E9 1. Sea Assignments At least two warfare pins (NAWS primary; EAWS Secondary) Graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Documentation utilization of in-rate qualifications ACTC Level 400 (Squadron Instructor) CRM Instructor ACTC Level 500 (Weapons and Tactics Instructor) Leading Chief Petty Officers in the following billets Operations Department LCPO 5
Training Department LCPO Safety/NATOPS Department LCPO Tactics Department LCPO MTOC/TOCRON LCPO AWO CAREER PATH Member should have contributed significantly to subordinate development, enhanced mission/combat effectiveness of the command. (IE: Successful FNET, ORE, AWTIP, ASW LOK tests/evaluations) Due consideration should be afforded to those who have demonstrated successful leadership as Command Senior Enlisted Leaders (designated by the CO), Acting SEL/CMC, or Detachment/Exercise LCPO s. Documented Fleet level contributions to the NAWS program, initial accession training pipeline, development of improved tactics, or improvements which realize a significant cost savings to the squadron, wing or ISIC Due Consideration should be given to those individuals who serve as Selection Board Recorders, AERR members, PQS/NATOPS conference members, and TACTIP members as these efforts contribute significantly to the enhancement of the AWO rate s combat effectiveness. Command Collateral Duty with documented impact to command mission, retention and morale Command CPO Mess involvement CPOA involvement CPO 365 Phase I/II involvement (season lead, command lead, committee lead or alternate/selectee sponsor) ***WTI qualification is not required for advancement to E-9 but is considered to be the pinnacle of Naval Aircrewman Operator qualifications. E-8 s who have earned the WTI qualification should be given due consideration for advancement due to the selective nature utilized to obtain this designation. 2. Shore Assignments Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) and Weapons School (MPRWS) FRS/MPRWS candidates are individually recruited from the best of the MPRA community FRS/MPRWS should be considered arduous duty due to their high-tempo nature of operations. ***Strong consideration should be afforded to Aircrewman Operators who break out in traffic during tours in which they must demonstrate leadership, character, and ability to communicate NACCS/NATTC/RDC/CNATT/Recruiter/PERS/BUPERS/ASTC/WTU ***Should attain Master Training Specialist (MTS) qualification if assigned to an 805A billet Test and Evaluation Squadrons (VX) ***WTI qualification is not required for advancement to E-9 but is considered to be the pinnacle of Naval Aircrewman Operator qualifications. E-8 s who have earned the WTI qualification should be given due consideration for advancement due to the selective nature utilized to obtain this designation. 6