Hi everybody...I'm 24, bachelors degree, and considering enlisting in the Navy to get a little more excitement out of my job. I've done some research and Aircrew/AW sounds like something I would really enjoy. Does anyone have any personal experiences they could share as an AW and/or aircrew that might help me make my decision?

What did the recruiter say when you asked him?

I haven't talked to a recruiter yet. I almost enlisted a few years ago as an AT but decided to go back to school and get my degree...kinda wish I would have enlisted instead.

well the best thing to do is ask a recruiter and see what he says about the job. Other than that I know that you can become an officer now that you have a degree if you choose that road. but for me enlisted is the way to go.

I was an AW in the Navy. I wouldn't have done it any other way. You'll spend the first 2 years in training, depending on the platform you chose to fly in. If you're going fixed wings, it will be P-3 Orions. If you want to fly in helicopters, you'll have to be a rescue swimmer, and you'll be flying in SH-60s. I was an S-3 crewman before they took the AW out of the aircraft. I spent the rest of my time as a P-3 crewman and some time at a Tactical Support Center. If you enjoy flying and like getting extra pay, then AW is definately for you. The only draw back to being an AW, there are no equivalent civilian jobs out there. If you have any further questions concerning the AW rate or Aircrew, send an email to me at flynavy_98 AT yahoo.com, just replace the AT with an @.

Last I heard AW was no longer a USN rating. It was being rolled into a different rating as a part of the rating restructuring. I originally wanted to go AW, but wasn't able to. Decided to go PH instead.

quote:

Originally posted by ParsleyBravo:
Last I heard AW was no longer a USN rating. It was being rolled into a different rating as a part of the rating restructuring. I originally wanted to go AW, but wasn't able to. Decided to go PH instead.

AW is still a rate in the US Navy. I sure hope so since I am one. It isn't merging with a different rate. Maybe a few years down the road, but it isn't on the table yet Next year or so, it will be restructured to include other "aircrew rates" and be broken out by Navy Enlisted Classifications (NEC), but the AW rate will still be a rate.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MelRose,