Ask a Naval Aircrewman

[Haasino]

Originally Posted by Diverdee90

Ok Haasino quick question, is there a limit to how long they are on hold for PT? Or how many chances they get? My son has passed everything except the stinking push-ups needs to start Candidate school... Any tips for passing them? This momma is feeling sad, he is working his butt off and wants this so bad, would hate to see him have to rerate

It kind of varies based on how many candidates are there and how badly they need people... generally it's a week or two, and then you'd have a Progress Review Board where they decide whether to give you another week, or drop you. Factors like motivation and progress (Like if he can do ten more now than he could a week ago) play a big part in their decision.

[BloodyPheonix]

Hey Hass, this might be outside your area of expertise but I figured I'd try since you said you have a few friends that do the mine hunting thing (AWR?).

I was talking to a mineman a few weeks ago and I asked him where females typically get sent because they aren't allowed on Mine Countermeasure ships. He said that it's pretty common for them to end up with squadrons working with the mine hunting helos. I was wondering if you knew what that duty would entail? If it was riding along on the helo during flight or simply helping disarm/destroy the mines that were picked up when they landed?

[J.Morales]

CTF-84 @ Virginia Beach

[Haasino]

Originally Posted by BloodyPheonix

Hey Hass, this might be outside your area of expertise but I figured I'd try since you said you have a few friends that do the mine hunting thing (AWR?).

I was talking to a mineman a few weeks ago and I asked him where females typically get sent because they aren't allowed on Mine Countermeasure ships. He said that it's pretty common for them to end up with squadrons working with the mine hunting helos. I was wondering if you knew what that duty would entail? If it was riding along on the helo during flight or simply helping disarm/destroy the mines that were picked up when they landed?

I'm not sure exactly what their duties would be, but the only ones flying in HM squadrons will be the pilots and AWS'... she'll most likely be servicing the mine countermeasure equipment.

Originally Posted by J.Morales

CTF-84 @ Virginia Beach

Hmm... I've got a few guesses, but nothing I want to discuss on open forum. Most likely your role is going to be "analyst"...

[NavyGirl2015]

Just got my orders for my FRS! I got p-3s so I'm going to Jacksonville.

[Haasino]

Originally Posted by NavyGirl2015

Just got my orders for my FRS! I got p-3s so I'm going to Jacksonville.

Right on! We'll probably cross paths at some point in Whidbey.

[BloodyPheonix]

That makes a lot more sense than what I was thinking. Thanks.

[Diverdee90]

Originally Posted by Haasino

It kind of varies based on how many candidates are there and how badly they need people... generally it's a week or two, and then you'd have a Progress Review Board where they decide whether to give you another week, or drop you. Factors like motivation and progress (Like if he can do ten more now than he could a week ago) play a big part in their decision.

Forgot to update you, my son passed the push ups the week after Thanksgiving so now waiting for Holiday shut down then should start Candidate school.... Yay cant wait

[Diverdee90]

So my son graduated from Candidate school last week and he thinks he is getting AWV, can you explain a little more of this rate to me. He was hoping for AWS I think. AWV was his second choice. Thanks

[FlyNavy]

Originally Posted by Diverdee90

So my son graduated from Candidate school last week and he thinks he is getting AWV, can you explain a little more of this rate to me. He was hoping for AWS I think. AWV was his second choice. Thanks

Per Naval Personnel Command:

Aircrewman Avionics (AWV): In-Flight technician/trouble shooter on board P-3C, EP-3 and E-6B aircraft. Maintains and trouble shoots all avionics equipment while in flight. Operates communication systems and electronic warfare equipment onboard E-6B and EP-3 aircraft. Operates UAS and UAS payloads. Operates and maintains tactical support center systems at shore installations and tactical mobile systems in expeditionary MTOC units.

That being said, it really comes down to where he ends up getting stationed. AWV's working on E-6B's, for example, will do a totally different job than the guys I fly with. But that little blurb covers the basics of what's possible for them and what platforms you're gonna find them on.

I'm sure AWO2 will also have some input.

/r
CTT1

[Haasino]

The NPC blurb CTT1 posted pretty much sums it up... though the UAS (drone) and TSC/MTOC part is incorrect; those are both AWO shore duty billets now. The E-6B is the only platform intended to be around past 2020, and there's currently a push to get AWF's and AWV's into the TACAMO squadrons out in Oklahoma, so his best chance it to get orders there. Otherwise, he might get orders to VQ-1 as an IFT or Electronic Warfare Operator... or he may be in one of the last classes of P-3 IFT to come out of Fleet Replacement training. Hopefully he doesn't get the latter, because that would mean he'll be lucky to make 2 years in his squadron before going back to learn a new job.

[Diverdee90]

Getting used to this Navy thing where things are always changing... My son did not get AWV he is AWF, started INDOC yesterday and then just waiting to class up... I'm assuming from Hassino's reply he will probably end up in Oklahoma? Just curious.... He is excited for AWF, it was his first choice he said, sorry for my post before that he would be AWV....

[Haasino]

Most likely a TACAMO flight engineer in Oklahoma, or a Greyhound loadmaster out of Norfolk or San Diego... possibly a P-3/EP-3 flight engineer, but hopefully not as the sunset of the P-3 Orion is visible on the horizon at this point.