The Aircrew Process

[navymom24]

A.O. Chris asked me to tell him about the Aircrew rate...........Here ya go!!

I’m going to try and breakdown the Aircrew program and this is the progression thru it as my kid is living it. This is a very confusing process and there is not a lot of info out there about how this all works. My kid enlisted last May 2008 and we’re still learning more about it every day. Like the flyer says, it’s a long arduous journey, but when you make it, You’ve Made It! The prize at the end; Earning that AC Pin, from what we hear is well worth the hard work. Every single Aircrewman we’ve talked to or know of LOVES their job!!! Everyone who’s worked near or with Aircrewman wished they had this job. That’s pretty impressive to me. They fly all over the world, wear really cool flightsuits, get a mandatory 12 hours off a day and extra money.

First off, there are two different ways to go when you get Aircrew. Either Aircrew Dry or Aircrew Wet. Either/Or, get it guaranteed on your contract! Your going to have an extended active duty contract due to the lengthy training. But there should be a decent bonus involved, especially for Aircrew Wet (Rescue Swimmer aka: RSS).

No matter which Aircrew program you get, you will FLY!
Aircrew Dry will more than likely fly on fixed wing. Aircrew/RSS will have a very good chance of being on rotary, ie: Helicopter, although, they have been known to be on fixed wing as well.

I can only tell you with certainty about the Aircrew Dry program as that’s what my kid is doing. I’ve heard a little about the RSS program and I’ll let you know what I do know about that.

So the process actually starts when you get your contract at MEPS. You should be guaranteed A school and advanced training. You are guaranteed PO3 at the end of the completed program. If you take Aircrew Wet (RSS) you will be started on a physical training program thru your recruiter’s office. There is a test that you have to pass before you leave for Boot Camp. I cant remember what it is, but it’s a PT test and a swim test.

Once you get to boot camp, you will have to pass the 3rd & 2nd level swim test within a week or two of being there.
“Third-Class Swim Test - A third class swim test is a test to determine if a person can stay afloat and survive without the use of a personal Floatation Device (PFD) in open water long enough to be rescued in a man-overboard situation. The 3rd class swimmer qualification is the minimum entry-level requirement for all U.S. Navy Personnel.
The third class swim test consists of TWO modules. Module one is composed of three separate events, a deep water jump, a 50-yard swim (using any stroke), and a 5-minute prone float. Swimmers who successfully pass module one may continue on to module two. Module two consists of shirt and trouser or coverall inflation.
Second-Class Swim Test - A second class swim test is a test to determine if a person can stay afloat and survive without the use of a personal floatation device (PFD) indefinitely. The second class swimmer qualification is used as an entry-level Requirement for Small Boat Operators, Naval Aircrew, and Rescue Swimmers.
The second class swim test consists of a seep water jump, 100 yard swim demonstrating 25 yards each of the crawl stroke, breast stroke, side stroke, and elementary backstroke. Immediately after the completion of the swim, without leaving the water, students will prone float (face down) for 5 minutes and transition to a back float before exiting the water. “

You will get more than one chance, but you should strive to do this the first go around. If by chance you don’t pass it in boot camp, you’ll be allowed to take it when you first get to Pensacola. My kid took it with 12 others at Boot and only 1 other guy and her passed. She was prepared when she got there. We had a Marine friend that was a certified Rescue Swimmer and he taught her all the strokes and worked with her in the pool for over two months before she left. It has paid off immensely through out this process. Also in Boot, as a male, you very well could end up in the 800 Division with all the Pre-Buds and EOD guys. I haven’t heard of any females ending up in this division so far.

The other thing that happens in boot camp is that you’ll have a Flight Physical done. This physical is much more involved then the regular boot camp physical. Chest x-rays, EKG’s, tons of bloodwork, extensive hearing and eye exams, ect. It has to be done and signed off on by a Navy Flight Surgeon. (physician)

After boot camp you will be sent to NAS Pensacola - NACCS for your follow on training. You will be on hold for Aircrew Candidate School, for how long just depends on how backed up they are. Females definitely are on hold longer than males. Its just the nature of the beast. Only 1-3 females are taken per class of 15-30.

Okay, so when you get to Pensacola you must do an In-PFA and must pass with a “satisfactory-medium” in all categories for your sex and age, the second class swim test (again!) and another flight physical. If you fail the PFA or swim test, you go on PT/Swim hold and you’ll be give about a week to obtain these goals. If it doesn’t happen, plan on being booted out of the program.

While your waiting for Aircrew School to start your week will consist of daily PT x2 (morning & afternoon) and your regular duty section assignment. Its boring, but if you are not in the best physical shape, NOW is the time to use the 2x’s a day PT to get you where you need to be. Boot Camp PT is NOT going to get you in shape for Aircrew.

****I’m gonna add more tomorrow….gotta get some work done at work! lol