Aircrewman Helicopter
Operates anti-submarine warfare sensors aboard helicopters.
Overall
Quick Stats
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
Who This Is Best For
Best for technically skilled individuals drawn to undersea warfare who enjoy sensor operations and want to fly. If you're fascinated by acoustic analysis and anti-submarine warfare, this is a highly specialized and respected niche combining aviation with undersea detection.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
Real Opinions
+Positive
“Flying is amazing. Aircrew life has its downsides but nothing beats looking out the window on a mission.”
“AWS on MH-60S is the rescue swimmer and door gunner community. You train for search and rescue, VBSS boarding operations, and naval special warfare support. The physical training is demanding but the mission diversity is unmatched — one day you're rescuing civilians, the next you're supporting special operations.”
“The AWS rescue swimmer pipeline produces some of the most physically fit and capable sailors in the Navy. The training opens doors to civilian careers in emergency services, offshore rescue, and law enforcement aviation units. The sense of purpose from saving lives is genuinely fulfilling.”
–Critical & Mixed
“The schedule is unpredictable. You could be gone for weeks with little notice. Hard on relationships.”
“The rescue swimmer pipeline has extremely high attrition — most people who attempt it don't make it. The physical toll on your body from years of training and operations is significant. Knee, shoulder, and back injuries are common among AWS sailors by mid-career.”
“When you're not flying rescue missions, which is most of the time, you're doing maintenance, physical training, and collateral duties. The exciting missions are a small percentage of your actual work. The deployment tempo for helicopter squadrons can be unpredictable and hard on families.”
Recruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“You will fly in Navy aircraft and see the world from above!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchYou do fly, but much of your time is spent on ground maintenance, pre-flight checks, and qualifications. Flight schedules can be unpredictable and hard on family life.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AWS is perfect for people who love the ocean.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsYou see a lot of ocean from a helicopter, but the actual work is monitoring sonar displays and managing sensor systems, not enjoying the scenery.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AWS flies on anti-submarine helicopters.”
💀 Reality
Source: veteran feedbackAWS operates sonar and other ASW sensors from helicopters. The work requires patience and attention to detail during long missions over open ocean.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll travel the world and see amazing ports."”
💀 Reality
Deployments do visit foreign ports, but port calls are typically 3-4 days, and you are on a duty rotation that keeps a portion of the crew aboard the ship at all times. Your "world travel" might be 48 hours in Bahrain or Dubai between months of open ocean. The ports are a perk, not the job.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Your girlfriend/boyfriend can visit you at boot camp whenever they want."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagZero visitors allowed until graduation day. Letters are your primary communication. If your relationship cannot survive 10 weeks of minimal contact, that is important information.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"Your medical history doesn't matter — we can get a waiver for anything."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagSome conditions are permanently disqualifying. If your recruiter tells you to lie about your medical history at MEPS, that is fraudulent enlistment — a federal offense that can result in separation and loss of all benefits.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You'll get BAH and live off base right away if you're married."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagGetting married just for BAH is a well-known bad decision many young sailors make and regret. The divorce rate among young enlisted marriages is staggering. Do not marry someone for a housing allowance.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The VA will take care of you after you get out."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagThe VA provides real benefits but navigating the system requires patience and documentation. Disability claims take months. Start your claims before you separate, not after.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"You can go to college full-time while active duty."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagTuition Assistance has annual caps, requires command approval, and can be suspended during deployments. Taking classes while standing watches and working 12-hour days is extremely difficult. Most sailors take one or two classes at a time online.
🫡 Recruiter says
“"The Navy is more progressive than the other branches."”
💀 Reality
Source: general_red_flagInstitutional progress does not guarantee that your immediate work environment will be welcoming. Your experience depends on your specific leadership, division, and ship.
Training Pipeline — Total ~17 weeks (4 months)
Ship Date Calculator
Enter your MEPS ship date to see when you'll complete each stage.
Promotion SpeedEarn higher pay fasterSlowManning 89% (E-5/E-6)
| Cycle (Year) | Eligible | Selected | Promotion % |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-4252-Spring(2024) | 218 | 107 | 49% |
| E-4252-Fall(2024) | 118 | 63 | 53% |
| E-5252-Spring(2024) | 51 | 8 | 16% |
| E-5252-Fall(2024) | 144 | 33 | 23% |
| E-6252-Spring(2024) | 80 | 27 | 34% |
| E-6252-Fall(2024) | 88 | 13 | 15% |
Bonuses — Click here to see your military pay
Enlistment Bonus
No active bonus for this rate
You May Qualify for a Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC)
Specialties within this rate you can select, some with additional compensation. Each NEC has its own training, bonus potential, and career path.
Primary specialty code for Aircrewman Helicopter rating
Advanced specialty code for experienced Aircrewman Helicopter personnel
Potential Civilian Post-Navy Outcomes
Helicopter Mechanic
Transferability: 6/10
$45k–$68k
Lifestyle5/10
Ship vs. Shore Split
55% / 45%
Deployment Frequency
Moderate
Physical Demand
high — mixed
Watch Standing
Flight schedule dependent, rotating duty days
Watch standing is a 24-hour duty rotation where sailors take turns manning critical positions aboard the ship or at their command. The rotation determines how frequently you stand watch and how much rest time you get between shifts.
Watch qualifications vary by command and platform. Expect to qualify within 90 days of reporting.