Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS)

U.S. Navy – Aviation Community
https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircrewman-helicopter

Become the eyes, ears, and hands behind the cockpit

Swimming. Flying. Saving lives.
Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter (AWS) are the ultimate multi-mission operators aboard Navy helicopters. You’re not just part of the crew — you are the crew’s Swiss Army knife: lookout, rescuer, gunner, swimmer, cargo master, and special operations enabler.

One mission you might insert/extract Navy SEALs in hostile territory.
The next you could be jumping into stormy seas to save downed pilots.
Then delivering critical supplies to ships at sea or providing aerial gunnery support.

If you thrive in high-stakes, high-adrenaline environments and want to be the difference between life and death — this is your calling.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform as integral members of multi-mission helicopter tactical crews
• Conduct search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operations
• Execute Naval Special Warfare (NSW) insertion/extraction missions
• Handle vertical replenishment (VERTREP) and external/internal cargo operations
• Operate as aerial gunners and manage small arms fire
• Perform night vision device (NVD) operations
• Conduct observer and safety-of-flight duties
• Perform in-water and airborne rescue swimmer duties
• Manage flight and ground training administration

Work Environment

• Deploy worldwide with helicopter squadrons (sea and shore)
• Operate from aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and naval air stations
• Environments include: airborne helicopters, flight decks, hangar bays, open ocean, and forward operating bases
• Expect ~60% of assignments to be at sea during your career

Training Path

Enlisted Position

1. Boot Camp – Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, IL
2. Aircrew Candidate School (11 weeks) – Pensacola, FL
   • Intense water & land survival
   • Flight safety & emergency procedures
3. Platform-specific “A” School & Fleet Replacement training on assigned helicopter type
4. Ongoing mission-specific qualifications (rescue swimmer, aerial gunnery, NVG, etc.)

Advancement: Competitive, performance-based promotions
Future Opportunities: Advanced leadership roles; potential transition to Officer programs with a college degree

Post-Service Careers:

• Civilian search & rescue
• Emergency medical services (EMS helicopter)
• Offshore oil & gas support aviation
• Federal & state law enforcement aviation
• Commercial helicopter operations

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• U.S. citizenship
• Eligible for security clearance
• Must be able to swim confidently before entering the program
• Normal color perception and hearing required
• Strong physical strength, manual dexterity, and teamwork skills
• Self-motivated with ability to handle repetitive tasks under pressure
• Helpful traits: curiosity, resourcefulness, interest in tools/equipment/machines

Part-Time Opportunity

Available in the Navy Reserve

• One weekend per month + two weeks annual training
• Maintain your civilian career while serving
• Training locations close to home when possible

Why Aircrewman Helicopter?

Few jobs in the world combine:

• Aviation
• Combat operations
• Rescue swimming
• Special operations support
• Humanitarian life-saving missions

You’ll fly into harm’s way, leap into the ocean to save lives, and become the pilot’s most trusted crewmember — all before most people have finished college.

Ready to be the hero behind the cockpit?

Apply Now → https://www.navy.com/careers-benefits/careers/aviation/aircrewman-helicopter

Call 1-800-USA-NAVY
Text NAVYBONUS to 764764 for current bonus information

America’s Navy. Where Heroes Are Made — Every Day.