AWS-Naval Aircrewmen Helicopter

[NavyDads CoAdmin Jim Gramza]

	Naval Aircrewman Helicopter	AWS
	Aircrewman Helicopter (AWS) are members of a multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crew. Their primary missions include search and rescue (SAR) operations, Airborne Mine Countermeasures utilizing Sonar, Magnetic, and Mechanical and Acoustic mine sweeping systems and logistics support in support of tactical missions worldwide. In addition, they perform Aircrew operations administration, flight/ground training, internal/external cargo movement, medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, aerial gunnery, small arms handling, Naval Special Warfare insertions, and extractions operations, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Night Vision Device (NVD) Operations and Perform Observer Duties for Safety of Flight. These duties contribute directly to aircrew operations, training and administration, for the purposes of attaining and maintaining the squadron's aircrew qualifications and certifications.

 

What They Do

• perform aircrew operations administration, flight and ground training

• internal and external cargo movement

• Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC)

• passenger transport, aerial gunnery,

• small arms handling

• Naval Special Warfare (NSW) insertion and extraction operations

• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)

• Night Vision Device (NVD) operations

• Conduct observer duties for safety of flight

Qualifications and Interests

All aircrew candidates should possess the ability to swim prior to entering the program. In addition, they should possess manual dexterity, physical strength and be oriented toward working with tools and machinery. They must be self-motivated, as well as be able to work as part of a team and perform repetitive tasks.

Other helpful attributes include maturity, a good memory, and knowledge of arithmetic. Applicants must be U. S. citizens eligible for a secret security clearance. Aircrewmen must have no speech impediments and be able to speak and understand English fluently. Normal hearing and normal color perception is required. Aircrew should be in excellent physical condition and motivated toward physical and mental challenges. Candidates must pass a class II swim test, an aviation flight physical, and the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) prior to reporting for aircrew training. The second-class swim test consists of entering the water feet first from a minimum height of 10 feet and remaining afloat for 10 minutes. During this time, applicants must swim 100 yards and use the three basic survival strokes (sidestroke, breaststroke, and backstroke) and American crawl for at least 25 yards each.

The applicant must pass the Navy Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) with a "satisfactory- medium" in all categories for their sex and age prior to enrollment at NACCS. Applicants should be provided a copy of the current PFA standards.

If the applicant voluntarily terminates training as an aircrew student or otherwise fails to meet the prerequisites of the aircrew program, the applicant will no longer be eligible for the guarantees of the program. The applicant must also understand that follow-on training will be determined by the needs of the Navy, performance, and qualifications as well as the applicant's personal desires.

Graduation The applicant must meet the following minimum physical fitness requirements to graduate from NACCS:

• Intense daily calisthenics.

• Pass the PRT with a "good-medium" for their sex and age in all categories to include sit-ups, push-ups and 1.5 mile run. Proper Navy form is stressed.

• Swim one mile in flight suit in 80 minutes or less.

• Swim 75 yards in full flight gear (backstroke, sidestroke and breaststroke for 25 yards each).

• In full flight gear, tread water for two minutes, followed immediately by three minutes of drown-proofing, followed by five minutes of floating with a life preserver.

• Jump from a 12 foot tower and swim 15 yards underwater wearing flight suit and boots. AND THEN

To graduate from Aviation Rescue Swimmer School, applicants must:

• Be comfortable in a water and underwater environment.

• Quickly adapt to the use of mask, fins and snorkel.

• Be comfortable and proficient in administering medical and lifesaving procedures.

• Complete the Rescue Swimmer Fitness out Test:

• 4 pull-ups in a flight suit and boots within 2 minutes

• Carry two 50-pound dumbbell Perform 42 push-ups in 2 minutes: Perform 50 sit-ups in 2 minutes; Swim a 400-meter buddy tow in 18 minutes.

• Complete all in-course testable evolutions:

90 minutes of extensive calisthenics and 30 to 35 minute runs daily; Swim 800 meters within 20 minutes;

Swim 1500 meters within 35 minutes;

Swim 2000 meters within 55 minutes;

Swim 400 meters buddy tow within 16 minutes;

Swim 800 meters buddy tow within 35 minutes

Applicants must understand the details and benefits of volunteering for training as a rescue swimmer. If they voluntarily terminate training as a rescue swimmer or otherwise fail to meet the requirements of the program, they will not be eligible for automatic advancement to E4 and may become ineligible to continue in the Aircrew Program. Follow-on training will be determined by needs of the Navy, performance at ARSS, qualifications for training, and the applicant's personal desires.

Working Environment

Aircrewmen may be assigned to sea or shore squadrons in any part of the world. They work in airborne aircraft, hangars, hangar decks, on flight decks, or on flight lines at air stations, usually around a high level of noise.

Opportunities

Excellent opportunities exist for qualified applicants to enter this rating. About 1,600 men and women currently work in this rating.

Navy AWS - Aircrew Readiness Manager

Aircrew Readiness Managers are crucial and integral members of staffs, operational commands, and squadrons. They coordinate the operational, administrative, and aircrew scheduling functions for the organization. They administer and manage training programs and resources for naval aircrew, manage standardization of aircrew training programs to enhance proficiency and readiness, and coordinate all aspects of aircrew training to meet the rigorous demands of operational commitments worldwide. They administer and direct the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) and Search And Rescue (SAR) programs. They also administer and direct tactics, training and readiness, ordnance and weapons, and aircrew training. As program managers, they analyze training resource requirements, review and approve contract options for new training devices and programs, develop and revise curriculum, incorporate and initiate new aircrew training programs, manage student quotas, qualifications and certifications, and coordinate aircrew physical fitness and health program initiatives.

Navy AWS - Helicopter Warfare Specialist

Helicopter Warfare Specialists are members of multi-mission helicopter integrated tactical crews. They perform Search And Rescue (SAR) operations and Airborne Mine Countermeasure (AMCM) operations utilizing sonar, magnetic, mechanical, and acoustic mine sweeping systems and logistics support in support of tactical missions worldwide. They perform aircrew operations administration, flight and ground training, internal and external cargo movement, Medical Evacuations (MEDEVAC), passenger transport, aerial gunnery, small arms handling, Naval Special Warfare (NSW) insertion and extraction operations, Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Night Vision Device (NVD) operations, and observer duties for safety of flight. These duties contribute directly to aircrew operations, training, and administration for the purposes of attaining and maintaining the squadron's aircrew qualifications and certifications. Helicopter Warfare Specialists must be able to obtain a final secret security clearance and be eligible to obtain higher security clearance as required.

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