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NavyRating: AW
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator / Naval Aircrewman
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Aviation Warfare Systems Operator / Naval Aircrewmans — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AW has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Navy in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$48K–$137K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
14
Companies Hiring
9
Resume Examples
6
Federal GS Series
9
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
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Military Role Overview
Naval Aircrewman is the modern continuation of what the Navy used to call AW (Aviation Warfare Systems Operator). The rate has been split into platform-specific specialties: AWF (Mechanical) on C-2 Greyhounds and C-130 Hercules, AWO (Operator) on P-8A Poseidon, AWR (Tactical Helicopter) on MH-60R, AWS (Helicopter) on MH-60S, and AWV (Avionics) on E-6B Mercury. If your service record carries any of those, this page is built for you.
The job is operational aircrew. You are the enlisted brain inside the airframe. On a P-8A you run acoustic and electronic surveillance against submarines, monitor radar, drop sonobuoys, and feed targeting data to the Tactical Coordinator. On an MH-60R you operate the dipping sonar, the FLIR, and the Hellfire-capable weapons systems for ASW and surface warfare. On an MH-60S you run search and rescue, vertical replenishment, special warfare insert/extract, and door-gunner duties. On C-2/C-130 platforms you handle cargo, personnel transport, aerial delivery, and crew chief responsibilities.
The pipeline starts at NAS Pensacola with Naval Aircrew Candidate School and Aviation Warfare Operator "A" School, then branches into platform-specific FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron) training depending on which AW you are. Total time from boot camp to deployable aircrew runs roughly 8 to 14 months. Every Naval Aircrewman holds a Secret clearance at minimum, with TS/SCI common on intelligence-collection platforms and special mission units.
Civilian aviation employers value Naval Aircrewmen because the rate produces something rare: aircrew who already understand mission planning, sensor integration, weapons employment, crew resource management, and FAA-equivalent flight safety standards. You are not someone who has read about flight ops. You have logged hundreds of flight hours on tactical aircraft, often into hostile environments, and your name is in maintenance logs and flight records that the FAA, DoD, and federal LE aviation programs recognize. For context on related Navy aviation paths, see AT Aviation Electronics Technician and AD Aviation Machinist's Mate, and the military-to-civilian jobs crosswalk for adjacent rates.
I sat on the federal hiring side after the Navy, and Naval Aircrewmen are exactly the kind of cleared aircrew federal aviation programs scramble to find. The combination of credentialed aircrew operations, sensor and weapons systems experience, and active TS clearance makes AWs strong fits at NGA, the Coast Guard civilian fleet, FAA, and major airframer companies that need former operators. The hardest part of an AW transition is reframing aircrew tempo into civilian operational language. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret minimum, TS/SCI common (especially P-8A AWO, E-6B AWV)
ASVAB RequirementVE+AR+MK+MC=210 or VE+AR+MK+AS=210 (varies by AW specialty)
Training8 weeks Recruit Training (Great Lakes), Naval Aircrew Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, AW "A" School (varies by specialty), then platform-specific FRS training. Total 8-14 months from boot camp to deployable aircrew.
Certs Earned in ServiceAircrew Wings, NATOPS qualifications by platform, Some may earn FAA Part 107 (UAS), Survival Evasion Resistance Escape (SERE) Level C for some platforms, Aviation Water Survival qualifications
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Navy mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Aviation Warfare Systems Operator / Naval Aircrewman
$66K–$137K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
6 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
+35% on average
Civilian roles for Aviation Warfare Systems Operator / Naval Aircrewmans pay ~$25K more than mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
The civilian market for former Naval Aircrewmen splits into four distinct lanes, and the lane you pick changes both pay and geography.
Commercial and Contract Aviation
Commercial pilot is one of the cleanest paths if you bring civilian flight time and ratings on top of your Navy aircrew experience. BLS OEWS May 2024 lists median pay for Commercial Pilots (53-2012.00) at $113,080, with growth at 4 percent through 2033. Cargo and contract operators (Atlas Air, Kalitta, Omni Air) value former military flight crew because the operational tempo translates. Without a left-seat rating, your hours and systems knowledge still convert into Flight Engineer, Loadmaster, and Sensor Operator roles on contract aviation programs run by L3Harris, Sierra Nevada, and Tetra Tech.
Defense and Aerospace Industry
Major airframer and contractor work is where most former AWs land. Boeing, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, and Bell Textron all hire former operators into Field Service Representative, Test and Evaluation, and Technical Trainer roles where your platform knowledge becomes the product. These positions generally start at $90K to $130K depending on clearance and specialty. Sikorsky and Bell pay premium rates for MH-60 and V-22 SMEs because that institutional knowledge is hard to replicate from outside the rate.
Federal Civilian Aviation
The FAA, NGA, CBP Air and Marine Operations, and the Coast Guard civilian fleet hire cleared aircrew at GS-11 to GS-13 entry levels. Air Traffic Controllers (53-2021.00) earn a BLS median of $137,380, though FAA hiring is age-restricted and pipeline-controlled. Aviation Inspector roles (GS-1825 series, 53-6051) lean directly on your aircrew experience and pay $90K to $135K depending on grade. See Coast Guard AMT for adjacent federal aviation paths.
Operations and Program Management
Many AWs leave the cockpit entirely and move into operations management or aviation program management. Operations Managers (11-1021.00) earn a BLS median of $101,280 across industries. Your background as aircrew running multi-million-dollar mission profiles maps cleanly to operations leadership in logistics, aviation services, and government contracting. The salary translation is real: see the military-to-civilian salary guide for benchmarks. When you are ready, build your aircrew transition resume using BMR.
Geographic concentration matters. Defense aviation work clusters around Jacksonville, Norfolk, San Diego, Pensacola, Patuxent River, Fort Worth, Stratford CT, and the DC corridor. Federal aviation programs concentrate in DC, Oklahoma City (FAA Aeronautical Center), and the southwest border for CBP Air operations.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Commercial Pilot O*NET: 53-2012.00 | Aviation | $113,080 | 4% (As fast as average) | moderate |
Air Traffic Controller O*NET: 53-2021.00 | Aviation / Federal | $137,380 | 1% (Little or no change) | moderate |
Aviation Inspector O*NET: 53-6051.00 | Federal / Aviation Safety | $91,420 | 4% (As fast as average) | strong |
Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician O*NET: 49-3011.00 | Aviation Maintenance | $70,140 | 5% (Faster than average) | moderate |
Intelligence Analyst O*NET: 13-1199.00 | Federal / Defense Contracting | $82,750 | 6% (Faster than average) | strong |
Operations Manager O*NET: 11-1021.00 | Cross-industry | $101,280 | 6% (Faster than average) | strong |
Field Service Representative (Aviation) O*NET: 49-9099.00 | Defense Contracting | $95,000 | Industry-tracked (BLS does not track separately) | strong |
Technical Trainer / Instructor O*NET: 13-1151.00 | Defense / Aviation Training | $65,760 | 4% (As fast as average) | moderate |
Commercial Pilot
Aviation
$113,080median
4% (As fast as average)
O*NET: 53-2012.00
Air Traffic Controller
Aviation / Federal
$137,380median
1% (Little or no change)
O*NET: 53-2021.00
Aviation Inspector
Federal / Aviation Safety
$91,420median
4% (As fast as average)
O*NET: 53-6051.00
Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician
Aviation Maintenance
$70,140median
5% (Faster than average)
O*NET: 49-3011.00
Intelligence Analyst
Federal / Defense Contracting
$82,750median
6% (Faster than average)
O*NET: 13-1199.00
Operations Manager
Cross-industry
$101,280median
6% (Faster than average)
O*NET: 11-1021.00
Field Service Representative (Aviation)
Defense Contracting
$95,000median
Industry-tracked (BLS does not track separately)
O*NET: 49-9099.00
Technical Trainer / Instructor
Defense / Aviation Training
$65,760median
4% (As fast as average)
O*NET: 13-1151.00
Companies That Hire This Background
MH-60R/S OEM. Hires former AWR/AWS as Field Service Reps and trainers.
V-22 Osprey, AH-1Z, UH-1Y. Hires former rotary-wing aircrew as SMEs and trainers.
ISR sensor systems and contract aviation. Strong fit for P-8/EP-3 backgrounds.
MQ-4C Triton OEM. Hires former AW with TS/SCI into operations and engineering support.
Includes Pratt & Whitney engines and Collins Aerospace avionics.
Mission systems, EP-3 sustainment, and broader DoD aviation programs.
Worldwide aviation services and contract logistics. Hires former aircrew and crew chiefs.
Aviation training, range operations, and readiness contracts. Strong AW pipeline.
O&M and aviation logistics across DoD. Common destination for former Naval Aircrew.
Aviation Safety Inspectors, Air Traffic Controllers, and aviation operations specialists.
Federal aviation law enforcement. Hires former military aircrew for sensor and detection operations.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your AW experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
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Real Navy success story
“I am wrapping up a 21 year Naval career, all of which was working on fighters. I had picked up a job as a contractor for a company on the same base I’ve been at for the last ten years. I submitted that resume while on deployment and it worked great. Thanks again Brad. Dave ”
David· Chief Petty Officer (E-7)· Navy
→ AviationFederal Career Paths
Federal aviation jobs are an under-discussed lane for cleared aircrew, and the GS structure rewards exactly the experience Naval Aircrewmen already carry.
GS-1825 Aviation Safety
The Aviation Safety series sits at the FAA, NTSB, DoD, and Coast Guard civilian programs. Entry is typically GS-12 with prior aircrew time, climbing to GS-13 and GS-14 within a few years. Your platform hours and qualifications count as the operational experience required by OPM standards. Aviation Safety Inspectors at the FAA conduct certification, surveillance, and accident investigation across commercial and general aviation operations.
GS-2152 Air Traffic Control
FAA Air Traffic Control hiring runs through specific bid windows on USAJOBS, with a maximum entry age of 30 (with veteran exceptions for those who served as military controllers). For AWs who did not work directly in tower or radar control, the GS-2150 Transportation Operations and GS-1825 Aviation Safety paths are more practical entry points than ATC.
GS-2150 Transportation Operations
This series covers aviation operations specialists, dispatch, mission planning, and airspace coordination roles. AWs from P-8 mission planning, MH-60 operational support, and E-2D/E-6B platforms fit cleanly. Common at TRANSCOM, the DoD components, and military airfields.
GS-0132 Intelligence Specialist
P-8 AWOs and E-6B AWVs sit on top of huge collection datasets every flight. That background plus an active TS/SCI maps to GS-0132 Intelligence at NGA, ONI, DIA, and combatant commands. Entry usually GS-11 or GS-12 for aircrew with mission analysis experience. See AG Aerographer's Mate for an adjacent intel-adjacent rate.
GS-0301 Miscellaneous Administration and Program
This is the catch-all for program managers, training coordinators, and operations leads who do not fit neatly into a technical series. Useful for AWs moving into aviation training, FRS instructor pipelines as civilians, or contractor-to-civilian transitions inside DoD aviation programs.
Veterans' Preference adds 5 or 10 points to your USAJOBS rating and gives you priority on referral lists. For 30 percent or higher disabled vets, the appointing authority can hire you noncompetitively under VRA or Schedule A. The federal resume itself is a different format than civilian resumes, with month/year dates, hours per week, supervisor info, and detailed duty descriptions. BMR's federal resume builder handles the formatting, or you can start your federal resume now.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1825 | Aviation Safety | GS-12, GS-13, GS-14 | View Details → | |
| GS-2150 | Transportation Operations | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0132 | Intelligence | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-2152 | Air Traffic Control | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
$89,340
Healthcare(O*NET: 29-2032.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Interpreting acoustic return signals to identify hidden objectsReal-time reading of a live sensor displayPattern recognition in noisy signal dataPrecise documentation of findings
Reading a sonar or acoustic display to identify what is hidden below is, at its core, the same skill as reading an ultrasound. You already spent your career making sense of acoustic returns no one else could.
How to get there: Complete an accredited 2-year sonography program (associate degree) and earn ARDMS certification. GI Bill covers most programs, and prior acoustic-sensor experience is a real edge.
Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
$67,260
Healthcare(O*NET: 29-2031.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Average (3% to 4%)
Monitoring live waveform and sensor dataRecognizing abnormal signal patterns quicklyStaying composed during critical readingsOperating diagnostic instrumentation
You watched mission sensor feeds and caught the anomaly before it became a problem. Cardiac and vascular labs pay for that same vigilance: reading live waveforms and flagging the pattern that matters.
How to get there: Complete a 1 to 2 year cardiovascular technology program and earn the appropriate credential (RCIS or RCS). Many hospitals hire and train veterans into these roles.
Geological Technician
$48,390
Energy and Geoscience(O*NET: 19-4043.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Slower than average (1% to 2%)
Collecting and interpreting acoustic and seismic survey dataOperating field sensor equipmentLogging and quality-checking signal dataWorking in demanding field conditions
Anti-submarine work trained you to turn acoustic and seismic returns into a picture of what lies beneath. Seismic survey crews do the same thing to map oil, gas, and groundwater underground.
How to get there: Many roles take an associate degree in geoscience or applied science, though field technician jobs often hire on aptitude and train. Sensor and survey experience transfers directly.
Paramedic
$58,410
Emergency Medical Services(O*NET: 29-2043.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (5% to 6%)
Calm decision-making during in-flight emergenciesOperating in confined, high-stress environmentsRapid triage and life-support interventionWorking as a crew under physical strain
Aircrew handle emergencies in a moving aircraft with lives on the line. That composure under pressure, in a cramped and physically punishing space, is exactly what a paramedic crew needs on every call.
How to get there: Earn EMT certification first (a few months), then complete a paramedic program (12 to 18 months). GI Bill covers most accredited programs.
Surveying and Mapping Technician
$51,940
Surveying and Construction(O*NET: 17-3031.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Faster than average (5% to 6%)
Operating precision sensor and positioning equipmentCapturing and verifying spatial data in the fieldTranslating sensor returns into accurate mapsMethodical accuracy in data collection
You ran sensor and positioning systems to fix targets in space. Survey crews fix points on the ground with the same precision instruments, feeding construction, infrastructure, and GIS projects.
How to get there: Entry is often on the job or with a 1-year certificate. GPS, GIS, and sensor experience accelerate it, and the field is growing fast.
Commercial Diver
$61,130
Marine Construction(O*NET: 49-9092.00)BLS OEWS May 2024Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Operating in hazardous, physically demanding environmentsConfined-space and emergency-egress trainingHoist, rescue, and recovery operationsStrict safety discipline under physical stress
The physical hazard tolerance, water-survival training, and recovery skills that made you effective in an aircrew environment carry straight into commercial diving on bridges, platforms, and ports.
How to get there: Attend an accredited commercial dive school (6 to 9 months) for ADCI certification. Military water-survival and physical screening make this a natural fit.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
Free · No credit card · Try unlimited career angles
Skills Translation Guide
If you are applying to operator-side aviation jobs (defense contractors, FRS instructor billets as a civilian, FAA inspector roles, OEM Field Service positions), the people reading your resume already know what an MH-60R AWR does. They have likely deployed alongside one. Skip the over-translation.
This section is for AWs targeting jobs OUTSIDE direct aviation operations. Operations management, program management, intelligence analyst roles outside aviation, federal admin tracks, and corporate logistics. For broader civilian translation help, see the 50 military terms translated to civilian language.
Term Mapping
- NATOPS → Standard Operating Procedures and safety qualification system
- FRS / Fleet Replacement Squadron → Operational training program / certification school
- Crew Resource Management → Team coordination and decision-making framework (this term is actually used in civilian aviation, but explain it for non-aviation hiring managers)
- Mission Commander → Operations Lead / Project Lead
- TACCO / SENSO / NFO → Mission planning and tactical operations roles
- ASW / Anti-Submarine Warfare → Multi-sensor data fusion and threat detection operations
- Sonobuoy / Acoustic Operator → Sensor systems operator
- SAR / Search and Rescue → Emergency response operations / multi-agency coordination
- VERTREP → Aerial logistics and supply operations
- Det / Detachment → Deployed operations team / forward-deployed unit
Resume Bullet Translation Examples
Before (military bullet, P-8A AWO):
"Operated AN/APS-154 ISAR and acoustic processor stations during 12-hour ASW patrols, deploying 200+ sonobuoys to track high-interest contacts across 7th Fleet AOR."
After (operations management resume):
"Operated complex multi-sensor surveillance systems across 12-hour mission cycles. Managed deployment of 200+ specialized assets in coordinated detection operations across a Pacific-theater area of responsibility."
Before (military bullet, MH-60S AWS):
"Served as crew chief and aerial gunner on MH-60S during 8-month CSG deployment; coordinated VERTREP operations moving 1.2M pounds of cargo across surface fleet."
After (operations or logistics resume):
"Coordinated airborne logistics operations during 8-month deployment, managing the movement of 1.2 million pounds of cargo across a distributed maritime force. Operated as on-scene crew lead for time-critical resupply missions."
The BMR resume builder handles this translation automatically with civilian-targeted prompts. Or build your translated resume now.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Maintained NATOPS currency on three platform variants across 600+ flight hours
After (Civilian)
Maintained operational qualification under formal safety and procedural standards across three system variants over 600+ operational hours
Before (Military)
Served as Mission Commander on 40+ ASW patrols across 7th Fleet AOR
After (Civilian)
Led operations team on 40+ multi-system surveillance missions across a Pacific-theater area of responsibility
Before (Military)
Coordinated sensor employment as TACCO during multi-aircraft ASW exercises
After (Civilian)
Coordinated multi-platform sensor employment and data integration during joint operational exercises
Before (Military)
Executed VERTREP operations transferring 1.2M lbs of cargo across CSG units
After (Civilian)
Executed time-critical aerial logistics operations transferring 1.2 million pounds of cargo across distributed maritime force
Before (Military)
Deployed and processed acoustic signatures from 200+ sonobuoys during ASW operations
After (Civilian)
Operated and analyzed data from 200+ specialized detection sensors in coordinated multi-sensor operations
Before (Military)
Trained junior aircrew in CRM principles during FRS instructor tour
After (Civilian)
Trained team members in cross-functional decision-making and coordination protocols during instructional assignment
Before (Military)
Led 12-person aircrew Det during 6-month deployment aboard CSG-11
After (Civilian)
Led 12-person operations team during 6-month forward deployment supporting carrier operations
Before (Military)
Conducted 8 operational SAR missions coordinating with USCG and host-nation assets
After (Civilian)
Conducted 8 emergency response operations coordinating with multiple federal and international agencies
Before (Military)
Earned Naval Aircrewman qualification across 14-month training pipeline
After (Civilian)
Earned operational aircrew certification through 14-month formal training program
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Aviation Maintenance
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
RecommendedFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $2,000-$15,000Time: 18-30 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Standard for civilian aircraft mechanic roles. Military maintenance experience may waive school requirement (Form 8610-2).
NCEES PE (Aerospace) (for engineering pivots)
OptionalNCEES
Cost: $350-$500 per examTime: 4+ years experience required
For AWs pursuing engineering degree and licensure.
Aviation Operations
FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate
RecommendedFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $15,000-$30,000+Time: 6-12 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Required for commercial pilot career. Hours requirements may be reduced with military flight time.
FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
RecommendedFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $5,000-$10,000+ (after commercial)Time: 12-24 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Required for airline captain seats. 1,500 hours minimum; restricted ATP available with military experience.
Defense Contracting
Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM)
OptionalASMC
Cost: $350-$650Time: 3-6 months
Useful for AWs moving into defense contractor program management with financial responsibilities.
Federal Employment
CompTIA Security+
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $392Time: 2-3 monthsGI Bill Eligible
DoD 8570 baseline. Many federal aviation operations roles require it.
Federal Acquisition Certification (FAC-C)
OptionalOPM / FAI
Cost: Free (federal training)Time: Varies
Required for federal contracting officer roles. Available once in federal service.
Intelligence & Analysis
Certified Intelligence Professional (CIP)
OptionalNMIA
Cost: $300-$500Time: 3-6 months
Useful for AWs targeting GS-0132 Intelligence Specialist positions outside DoD.
Maritime Operations
IADC RigPass / OSHA 30 (for offshore aviation pivots)
OptionalIADC / OSHA
Cost: $200-$500Time: 1-2 months
For AWs targeting offshore helicopter operations (Bristow, PHI Aviation).
Operations Management
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
OptionalIASSC / ASQ
Cost: $300-$2,000Time: 2-4 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Process improvement credibility for operations roles outside aviation.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
RecommendedPMI
Cost: $405-$555 exam feeTime: 3-6 months prepGI Bill Eligible
Strong fit for AWs moving into program or project management at defense contractors.
Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
OptionalPMI
Cost: $225-$300Time: 2-3 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Entry-level alternative to PMP for aircrew without 3 years of project leadership documentation.
UAS & Drone Operations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
RecommendedFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $150-$300Time: 1-3 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Cheap entry into commercial drone work. Useful add-on for any aviation resume.
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
Staying in Aviation
- SkillBridge programs: Boeing, Sikorsky, Bell Textron, and L3Harris all run SkillBridge cohorts that AWs can use during terminal leave. The SkillBridge resume guide walks through how to position aircrew time for these openings.
- FAA pilot conversion: If you are pursuing an ATP or commercial certificate, civilian flight schools accept GI Bill funding under Part 141 programs. Military flight time often counts toward FAA hour requirements with proper documentation.
- Helicopter Association International (HAI): Job board, conferences, and industry connections for rotary-wing veterans.
- FAA Aviation Workforce Development programs: Includes military-to-FAA pathways for inspector and ATC roles.
- Defense contractor career portals: Boeing Defense, Sikorsky/Lockheed, and Bell Textron post FSR and trainer roles tied to specific platforms. Set up alerts.
Careers Outside Aviation
- USAJOBS: The federal job board. Filter by clearance level (TS/SCI dramatically narrows the list to higher-grade openings) and use the GS-1825, GS-2150, GS-0132, GS-0301, and GS-1102 series codes to find roles that match your background.
- Clearance leverage: Defense contractor jobs reward an active clearance with significant salary premiums. The defense contractor clearance advantage guide explains how to position your TS/SCI on a resume.
- BMR products: The military resume builder for civilian roles, the federal resume builder for USAJOBS submissions. Want to start? Build your resume now.
- SFL-TAP / Navy TAP: Mandatory transition program. The BMR SFL-TAP guide covers timing and class options.
- American Corporate Partners (ACP): One-on-one mentorship with corporate executives. Strong for AWs targeting program management or operations roles outside aviation.
- Pilot transition resources: The military pilot to civilian aviation guide covers the broader aviation transition landscape.
See Also (Related Navy and Joint Aviation Pages)
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored AW resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Navy AW (Naval Aircrewman) actually do?
The job depends on platform and specialty. AWO operates acoustic and electronic surveillance on P-8 Poseidons. AWR/AWS operate sensors, weapons, and SAR systems on MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters. AWF runs C-2 Greyhound and C-130 logistics operations. AWV handles avionics on E-6B Mercury. Across all variants you are operational aircrew responsible for mission systems, weapons, sensors, and crew duties.
What is the average civilian salary for a former Naval Aircrewman?
It depends entirely on the path. Commercial Pilots earn a BLS median of $113,080. Air Traffic Controllers $137,380. Aviation Inspectors $90K to $135K depending on GS grade. Operations Managers $101,280. Defense contractor FSR roles for former operators typically range $90K to $130K with TS clearance. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024.
Is my TS/SCI clearance still valuable after I separate?
Very valuable. Clearances stay active up to 24 months after separation in most cases, and an active TS/SCI is often the difference between a $75K offer and a $115K offer at defense contractors. Federal aviation programs (NGA, ONI, CBP, DoD components) hire cleared aircrew at GS-11 through GS-13 entry. Read the defense contractor clearance advantage guide linked in the Resources section.
Can I become a commercial airline pilot with my Navy aircrew time?
Aircrew is not pilot. If you do not have a Navy or civilian pilot certificate, you are not eligible for ATP or commercial captain seats. However, your aircrew experience converts well into Flight Engineer, Loadmaster, and Sensor Operator positions on cargo and contract aviation. If you want to become a pilot, the GI Bill funds Part 141 flight schools, and military flight hours may count toward FAA hour requirements with proper documentation.
What federal GS series should I target?
Best fits for AWs: GS-1825 Aviation Safety, GS-2150 Transportation Operations (mission planning, dispatch), GS-0132 Intelligence (P-8 AWO and E-6B AWV especially), GS-0301 Miscellaneous Admin (program management), and GS-2152 Air Traffic Control if you held a controller billet. Veterans Preference applies to all of these on USAJOBS.
What if I do not want to stay in aviation at all?
The Career Change paths section covers this. Common pivots include Operations Manager, Project Manager, Intelligence Analyst (federal or contractor), Program Manager, and Logistics Operations Lead. Your aircrew experience translates as multi-system operations, mission planning, and team leadership. Skills translation matters more here, since hiring managers may not know what NATOPS or FRS means.
Should I do SkillBridge?
If your command approves it, yes. Boeing, Sikorsky, Bell Textron, and L3Harris run SkillBridge cohorts where you spend up to six months working at the company on terminal leave. Most cohorts convert to full offers if you perform. The SkillBridge resume guide linked in the Resources section explains how to position your aircrew background for these openings.
How does the federal resume differ from a civilian resume?
Federal resumes are longer and more detailed. They include hours per week, supervisor name and contact, GS-equivalent grade level, and detailed duty descriptions for each role. The target length is 2 pages, not 4 to 6 like older guides claim. BMR's federal resume builder handles the formatting automatically.
What companies hire former AWs aside from the obvious primes?
Beyond Lockheed, Boeing, Sikorsky, and Bell, look at AAR Corp (defense aviation logistics), V2X (training and readiness), Amentum (operations and maintenance), L3Harris (sensors and surveillance), and Pratt & Whitney (engines). For federal civilian work consider FAA, NTSB, NGA, ONI, and CBP Air and Marine Operations.
Where geographically should I focus my job search?
Defense aviation clusters around Jacksonville, Norfolk, San Diego, Pensacola, Patuxent River, Fort Worth, Stratford CT, and the DC corridor. FAA roles concentrate in Oklahoma City and DC. CBP Air operations focus on the southwest border, Florida, and Puerto Rico. NGA and ONI work is mostly DC and Springfield VA.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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