Aviation electronics technicians (ATs) repair some of the most advanced electronics systems in the world. Repair jobs can range from flight deck trouble-shooting of the electronic weapons system on an F-14 Tomcat aircraft to changing computer circuit cards in an air-conditioned shop. These technicians may also volunteer to fly as Naval aircrew. Aircrew perform numerous in-flight duties and operate radar and weapon systems in turbojet, helicopter, or propeller aircraft.
Aviation electronics technicians troubleshoot and repair a number of complex electronics systems. Employing all the latest test equipment and procedures, ATs put that training to use repairing systems such as:
- communications
- navigation
- infrared detection
- radar
- laser
- electronics
- fiber optics
- digital computers
- installing field changes, alterations and modifications to avionics systems.
You cannot get the AT rating as a "guaranteed job" in your enlistment contract. Volunteers for this rating enlist in the Navy as an Aviation Sailor (AV), and are selected for either this rating, or the Aviation Electrician (AE) rating upon graduation from the Common Basics Electronics Course at A-School (job school).
Working Environment
Sailors in this career field will perform duties at sea and ashore around the world. At various times they could be working at a land-based aircraft squadron or onboard an aircraft carrier, either indoors or outdoors, in a shop environment or in office surroundings, and at a clean lab bench or in a garage-type situation. They work closely with others, require little supervision, and do mental and physical work of a technical nature.
A-School (Job School) Information
- Common Basics Electronics Course, Pensacola -51 calendar days
- AE A-School, Pensacola, FL -- 103 calendar days (some)
- AE A-School, Pensacola, FL -- 46 calendar days (some)
ASVAB Score Requirement: AR+MK+EI+GS = 222 OR VE+AR+MK+MC = 222
Security Clearance Requirement: Secret
Other Requirements
- Vision must be correctable to 20/20
- Must have normal color perception
- Must have normal hearing
- Must be a U.S. Citizen
- No history of drug abuse
Sub-Specialties Available for This Rating: Navy Enlisted Classification Codes for AT
Current Manning Levels for This Rating: CREO Listing
Note: Advancement ( promotion ) opportunity and career progression are directly linked to a rating's manning level (i.e., personnel in undermanned ratings have greater promotion opportunity than those in overmanned ratings).
Sea/Shore Rotation for This Rating
- First Sea Tour: 36 months
- First Shore Tour: 36 months
- Second Sea Tour: 36 months
- Second Shore Tour: 36 months
- Third Sea Tour: 36 months
- Third Shore Tour: 36 months
- Fourth Sea Tour: 36 months
- Forth Shore Tour: 36 months
Note: Sea tours and shore tours for sailors that have completed four sea tours will be 36 months at sea followed by 36 months ashore until retirement.
Much of the above information courtesy of the Navy Personnel Command
Avionics Technician:
ATs perform preventive and corrective maintenance on aviation electronic components supported by conventional and automatic test equipment. They repair the electronic components of weapons, communications, radar, navigation, anti-submarine warfare sensors, electronic warfare, data link, fire control, and tactical displays.
Degree Roadmap
